Page 23 of Echoes in the Storm

My lie convinces him no more than it does myself. We both know why I still drink from kids juice boxes.

Because I can’t let go.

“What are the choices?” I ask, doing my damnedest to divert the subject.

“Terry Searle, Bob Anderson, and a woman—Amanda.”

I close my eyes briefly, reopening them on the wall rather than looking at the man opposite me. Good to see some things never change; he still feels women are to be looked at and appreciated at face value, rather than used for their skills in the business world.

“Tell me about thewoman.”

His jaw clenches. “She’s fresh on the job. You wouldn’t want her.”

“And yet, you brought her info along to show me.” I cock my head to the side and narrow my gaze on him. “Why?”

“She’s Kell’s step-sister.”

Bingo.

“Obligation is a bitch, isn’t it?”

I’m getting to him; I can tell. His hands track a path up and down his chino-clad thighs, his jaw firm as the tell-tale vein in his temple swells.Easy on, Cam.If I want a chance at him agreeing to my proposition, then I need to tamp back the attitude.

“I’ve heard of Bob,” I appease. “What’s the Terry guy like in your opinion?”

Jared drivels on for the next however long about this guy’s ranking in his company, the last few sales, and why he thinks that Terry is the man who can secure us a good price. Correction: secureJareda good enough price. No amount would make me part with this property if I had final say in it.

It’s my home.

It’s where I left my heart, and I’m yet to get it back. I can’t go yet.

“Are you even listening?”

“Pardon?”

Jared eyes me cautiously. “You’ve got that faraway look.”

“I was listening.”

“But?” He laces his fingers, his elbows resting on his knees.

“But, I’ve been thinking the past few days, and what if we didn’t have to sell to separate completely?”

He frowns, thumbing his chin. “I don’t follow.”

“You don’t care about the money, right?”

“Not particularly, although I have plans for what I could do with it.” His frown deepens.

“What if I turned the place into a B&B, and the business paid you back what you invested over the course of the next five, ten years?”

“That’s a long loan, Cam.”

“I could even apply to the bank for it.”

“A mortgage on a mortgage?”

“A business loan.” I set my empty juice box down.