I’d be that important?
“Good to know.”
“Does this mean you’ve changed your mind?”
My chest aches with longing as I picture the house I want as if I’m there again. “You said any amount, right?”
“Whatever you need, it’s yours.”
I scrunch up my face in a wince. “Say, 1.5 million dollars?” If I’m getting married, I want him to buy the house so I never have to stress about money again.
“You got it.”
He’ll give me the money for the house.
Am I really doing this?
I ignore the butterflies in my stomach and say, “I don’t need that much, but close.”
“I’ll transfer whatever you need.”
Am I actually going to agree to this?
Fuck it.“Okay.”
“Can you come to my office?” he asks, excitement barely contained beneath his professional tone. “We’ll go over the terms, and I’ll transfer you the money.”
Just the thought of us alone in a room ties my stomach in knots. I need space to think clearly, and it would be easier with people around. “Does it have to be your office?”
“I’d prefer it. It’s safer to discuss our arrangement.”
Duh.
“What time?”
“Could you come this morning? I have meetings in the afternoon.”
I peer down at my sweats, knowing I’ll have to change. “That works.”
“I’ll text you the address. Call me when you arrive, and I’ll meet you at the front. I can give you a tour.”
“Okay, I’ll see you soon.” My voice is steady, but inside, I’m a mess. This could solve everything or complicate my life beyond repair.
I’m about to hang up when he speaks. “Karley.”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you.”
I’m standing outside the address he texted me. I take a deep breath, letting the sun warm my face. What is it about him that has me so flustered? I need to treat this like a business transaction, but my heart doesn’t know how to stop pounding. I’ve been to this gallery before, but never to his office, and for some reason, it feels more personal.
The door swings open before I can overthink it. My breath catches.
It’s Oliver, in another tight designer suit. A pale cream one this time, with a white shirt unbuttoned at the top and no tie. His brown hair is slightly tousled, and as I bring my eyes back to his face, he flashes a crooked grin. “Hey!”
His energy is infectious, I’ll admit. He’s always been the loyal, hardworking, and determined Lincoln. And undeniably handsome…
“Hi.”
