Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 38335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 153(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 153(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
“Not yet, but they will, and I know they’ll be happy for me.”
I cherish my parents, and our bond, but our lives are evolving. They plan to explore the world during their retirement, and they deserve it after years of hard work, which is why this decision needs to be based solely on me and what’s right for my life.
“Okay. So, how do you propose to finance this?” he questions, skepticism strong in his voice. “Because, no offense, cuz, but we both know you don’t have the funds for this, and I don’t see you asking your folks.”
He’s right. I don’t intend to ask my parents. They would gladly provide the money, but I don’t want to go that route if I don’t have to. “I figure we have two options.”
“We?” he repeats.
“Yes.”
He grunts, but thankfully hears me out. “I’m listening.”
“You allow me to pay you in installments. I have a little in savings that I can offer as a deposit, and once I sell my condo back in LA, I’ll have even more. Or,” I add swiftly, not giving him a chance to object, “You remain as an investor, reaping the benefits throughout the year.”
A heavy silence fills the line before he finally speaks. “What if I told you that the customer offered me twice what I paid?”
My eyes squeeze shut as my hope dwindles. “Then, I guess you do what you need to do,” I tell him, my words tinged with resignation. “But I want to remind you that we’re family, and while this deal may make you richer, you and your company are not hurting.”
It’s a low blow, but I don’t care. I can respect lucrative business decisions, but not at the expense of family.
“Merry Christmas, Hollis.”
I still on the sofa, thinking I just misheard him. “What?”
“I’ll remain as a silent investor,” he says. “We’ll sort out the logistics later. I don’t need a deposit. The store is yours.”
Relief and gratitude wash over me at once. “Thank you,” I choke out on a sob. “Thank you so much.”
He clears his throat, his own voice sounding gruff. “I’m glad you’ve found happiness there. You deserve it.”
His words bring a small measure of warmth to my aching heart. Before I can express my thanks once more, a loud rap echoes against my door.
“Hollis, it’s me. Open up!”
Mike?
Checking the time, I see it’s well past ten. Concern sweeps over me as I worry something has happened to Poppy.
With the promise to talk to Shane tomorrow, I end the call and make a beeline for the door. On my way there, I catch my reflection in a nearby mirror and come to a halt, cringing at the sight. My nose is tinged red, eyes swollen from crying, and hair a tangled mess. I attempt a quick fix, but it’s a lost cause. Giving up, I tighten the knot on my red silk robe and continue to the door.
“Come on, Hollis.” Mike knocks again. “I know you haven’t left yet. Your car is still here.”
Left yet?
Confused by that statement, I swing the door open to find a very disheveled, yet undeniably handsome Mike, looking as if he just sprinted a mile to get here.
“Thank god we caught you in time.”
He storms inside in a rush of urgency, leaving the door ajar.
When I see no one else behind him, I close the door and turn to find him pacing my living room like a wild animal.
“You can’t leave. Not yet. Not until you hear what I have to say,” he rushes through his words, his snowy boots leaving a messy trail with every frantic step. “I didn’t mean what I said to you back at the house. There’s a lot to say. I don’t want you to go back to California. I want you to stay and see where this goes. I know that’s not fair of me to ask you, but I’m going to anyway because the thought of never seeing you again scares the absolute shit out of me.”
My breath catches in my throat, his raw confession suspending time, anchoring me in place.
“The truth is, Hollis, I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. I think about you every second of every day. When I’m not with you, I want to be. When I envision my life a year from now, you’re a part of it, and it’s been that way since you ran into the back of my fucking squad car while putting around like Franklin the fucking Turtle.”
I’d laugh through my steady stream of tears if I could, but all I can do is listen to him helplessly pour his heart out, feeling it mend mine with each heartfelt word.
“Hell, I don’t know, maybe that damn mountain does have some kind of magic,” he mutters, his swift steps never faltering. “What I do know is I’m in love with you, and I can’t let you leave not knowing that. So, if there’s even a chance that you feel the same way, even if it’s a small one, I’m begging you to stay and give us a chance.”