Page 109 of The Love Penalty

No! You’re buzzing right now! Just say it!

“I could help.” The words pop out, at first a little quiet, but then Ray registers what I said and her face lights up like the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.

“Really?”

“Yeah, I mean…” I shrug. “I’ve got some learning to do, but I understand the basics of business, and I could help you put together a plan. Something to take to the bank so you can secure a loan.”

“I do have some money already set aside… from my dad. It’s in a trust, but I could access some for a business start-up. I just didn’t want to do that unless I had something solid to work with.” Her smile grows a little wider. “Do you really think you could help me?”

“Yeah. I’d love to.”

“What’s in it for you, though?” Her eyebrows dip into a worried frown.

I grin. “The learning opportunity. The chance to help make your vision come to life.”

“Or you could be my partner. We could go in on this thing together, and you could help run the business and marketing side of things.”

I nod, the idea sending another buzz of excitement through me.

“We can write up a contract and make it all legit and fair and…” She lets out a soft squeal. “Do you think this could work?”

“Yeah.” I nod, then start to laugh as she jumps around the counter to wrap me in a hug.

“This is so exciting! I can’t wait to tell Liam!”

“Can’t wait to tell me what?” His deep voice pulls her away from me, and I raise my eyebrows at his assessing gaze.

Dumping his bag against the wall, he turns in time to catch Rachel, who’s flying at him with animated babbling. I’m sure he’s struggling to catch up as she talks faster than I have ever heard her talk before.

With a grin, he hugs her, throwing me a little side-eye over her shoulder.

I wonder how he’d feel about me working with his girl. Going into business together is a huge step, but Rachel’s right about covering ourselves with a contract. Helping her realize this dream would be pretty freaking epic. And if it goes well, then maybe I wouldn’t have to work for my parents.

They’ll be so pissed and let down by my decision, but with everything else that’s going on, it’s kind of the least of my worries right now.

Having something that actually pumps me up about the future is… well, shit… I don’t know if I’ve ever felt this way before.

I grin, feeling just a touch lighter as Rachel pulls Liam into the kitchen and keeps pitching him the idea. He watches her with an adoring grin, then glances at me, his quick wink telling me he’s cool and this could actually become a thing.

Fuck yeah, that feels good.

And now I can’t wait to tell Lani.

I stand up, hitching my pants, about to go call her, when I hear voices in the entranceway.

“I still say he’s an asshole!” Mikayla gripes. “I’m getting pissed again! Picturing flattened ball sacks!”

What?

I shake my head with a perplexed little laugh… until I hear Lani’s voice.

“He’s got a point, though. I do need some solid evidence or this he said/she said thing will be a nightmare.”

Concern rockets through me as I race out to the entryway. “What’s going on?”

Caroline toes off her Converse with a sad smile. “Lani found the guts to go to the police today.”

The air in my lungs turns frosty as I try to catch Lani’s eye. She looks at the floor like she’s feeling guilty or something.

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