Page 68 of Lead Me Knot


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I honestly didn’t know what he thought about me asking him to marry him earlier, so I breathe a sigh of relief hearing him so open to the conversation. “The leasing agent said the new owners will be offering bonuses to new tenants.” I swivel on the barstool to face the window again, wanting to drop my head in my hands in frustration as my blood begins to boil. I turn my gaze outside and start traveling the height of the building across the street instead of seeing him study my expression as I work through the part that stings most. “Such an insult to me and Cathy down at the clothing outlet.”

The tip of his finger presses under my chin, angling me to face him. When I do, the warmth of his palm caresses my cheek. It’s not a showy gesture, but it’s intimate, comforting, his eyes engaging as I stare into them. The bond that started back home in Texas feels stronger than ever. Even if he turns me down, I feel less alone in this battle.

“Forget him,” he says. There’s a ribbon of anger in his tone that I’m not used to but I appreciate. “He’ll get what’s coming. Focus on the shop. Peaches Sundries & More is the anchor of our downtown area. It’s what has kept Peachtree Pass alive all these years. Nothing is going to happen to it. I’ll make sure of it.” I’m not sure how he can help other than the way already presented, but hearing his strength when I feel weak gives me hope, not only for the business but for us. He’s standing with me, beside me, and giving me the support I need. No questions asked.

I’m loved. Even though the words haven’t crossed his lips, I can see it in his eyes when he looks into mine. It makes me feel bad for peddling marriage like it’s one of those conning street games. It’s a big deal and a bigger commitment. It’s supposed to be between soulmates, between people who love each other endlessly. Our relationship is just starting, and though I feel closer to him than anyone else, are we ready to take on that responsibility?

It’s a business arrangement.That’s it.If I forget the purpose or fail to focus, I will lose everything. My shoulders soften when I look at him, though. My feelings for him are deeper than I’m used to, new in unfamiliar ways, but what I had always thought love would feel like. So would it really be a purely professional arrangement if we got married? My heart knows the truth.

He says, “Let’s get out of here. I want to take you to this park about ten minutes from here.”

We toss our trash and hit the pavement. I’m still blown away by the level of noise—from people in every direction to the cars jamming together on the streets. My head feels like the stool, swiveling on my neck to take in everything I can. And though it’s already seven, we’re no closer to sunset despite the street being shaded by the skyscrapers. I always love the longer summer days.

Baylor takes my hand, keeping his eyes ahead as his thoughts seem to hoard his attention. The silence stretching between us hasn’t made it uncomfortable, but I’m starting to miss the sound of his voice. I grin at the ridiculousness of that. We were just talking not five minutes ago at the pizza place. I think I would be officially classified as an addict to this man.

I squeeze his hand, needing a fix, which brings his gaze back to me. He grins that same one I was greeted with upon arrival, like the world can start spinning again, making me fall even harder for him.

He asks, “Do you want to talk about it?”

I’ve been too nervous to broach the idea again even though it’s mine to begin with. Getting food in my stomach has helped. My thoughts feel clearer, and I don’t know, less worried about how this will end. He’s giving me that comfort to speak freely. “I’d like to.”

“You don’t need to be worried. Whatever is decided, things will work out. You’re not losing the shop.”

I stop walking. He stops and turns to look back with our arms stretched between us. “How can you be so sure?”

“Because I won’t let you lose it.” I’m granted a smile that tries to reach his eyes but fails just shy of its target. “I have money, Lauralee.”

I know he has money, and if the rumors are right, a lot of it. Would he give me a loan with interest . . . better interest than the bank, so I can actually afford the rent? I have no doubt. Should I accept it? “I can’t take your money. There’s no way I’d ever feel right about that, especially on such a risky investment.” I step closer, resting my hand on his chest. “This arrangement needs to benefit both of us.”

The warmth of his smile keeps me calm, knowing I’ve got an ally. “Since I know you, I’m assuming you already have a plan. You want to lay it out for me?”

I laugh because he really does know me well. “So,” I start, happy to get into the details. “We leave for the Hamptons on Saturday. Since I was already playing the lead role of the lady in your life, I was thinking . . . Well, you said your bosses have this family values image they want to uphold.”

“I thinkprojectworks better knowing their history of philandering.”

I cringe. “Yikes.”

“Yikes is right. That’s why the suggestion that my being single doesn’t look good for the company is preposterous.”

I can’t say this makes me want to meet them now. But a free vacay to the Hamptons is worth it because I’ll be with Baylor. “What if I come as your wife?” I stare at his eyes as his gaze shifts to the left of me, his thoughts darkening the blues. I continue by saying, “I know this is an off-the-wall plan. It doesn’t have to stick, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention it as an option to help both of us out of our predicaments. You can get your promotion. I get my shop. Life is perfect again.”

Angling his head, he asks, “You’ve really thought about this, haven’t you?”

I’m not sure if it’s rhetorical, though, as he processes the plan. “Day and night. I can barely sleep.”

“It’s a different approach.” He pauses as if expecting me to interrupt. For once, we’re on the same page, so I stay quiet. “Is getting married what you reallywant?”

His emphasis on want isn’t lost on me. I shift my weight and my gaze for a moment but decide that won’t do. Standing straight up, I lock my eyes on his, which temper on contact. “I don’t have many options, Baylor. It’s just a wedding. It’s worth it to save the shop.” Holding out my free hand, I try to express myself better. “And if you can benefit, it feels likea win-win.”

“It’s not just about the day. You’d be married to me.Legally,” he stresses the ending. “Wouldn’t it just be easier to take my money?”

The thing is, being legally bound to him doesn’t scare me. Maybe it should, but I won’t hesitate to marry him if we both get what we want. “I’ve come to terms with the sacrifice we’ll be making. I’ll be taking away both of our firsts—wedding, marriage, and?—”

“Honeymoon?”

That sure perked him up. “I hadn’t gotten that far in the plan, but sure,” I say, with a laugh and pop of my shoulders. “If you’d like that, I’m always up for a vacation.” We start walking again. Considering how fast New Yorkers hustle, we’re probably clocking more of a snail’s pace, but I don’t mind. I like holding hands with him in public.

As we cover another block, I’ve overlooked something important.His input. This isn’t just for me, though I feel like a used car salesperson trying to close a deal. What he thinks matters to me. “I don’t know if you’re genuinely considering it, but if you are, how do you think we handle it?”