Page 45 of A Game-Changing Christmas

The two men shook hands, and Lance exhaled, feeling relieved about the purchase. For him, it was the best investment he’d made.

Now as he navigated the streets in his Lexus LX 570 SUV, the only thing on his mind was how Jonathon would respond to his offer, so when he pulled into Rose Security Group headquarters, it didn’t surprise him when he was held up at the guard station.

The guard nodded as he listened through the receiver in his post. After another minute, he turned to Lance.

“What business do you have today, Mr. Valentine,” he asked.

“I came for Jonathon, and it shouldn’t take longer than ten minutes if he can spare it.”

The guard nodded and turned his back and spoke into the receiver again. After another long pause, the guard sat the phone on its base, ending the call. He faced Lance then leaned to his side and hit a button. The gates began to open, and the guard tilted his head at Lance.

“Have a good day,” he said.

Lance responded by offering his own nod and easing through the wrought iron entry.

Inside Rose Security Group, Lance was greeted by a serviceman wearing an army fatigue button down, pants, and combat boots. The room reminded Lance of a military recruiting office.

“Mr. Valentine, Jonathon will be right out.”

“Thank you.”

“If you’d like to take a seat, you’re more than welcomed.”

Lance clasped the lone big button on his dark brown tailor fit overcoat.

“No thanks, I think I’ll stand.”

“Good choice,” Jonathon said, cruising into the room. He was dressed much like the serviceman, in army fatigue and combat boots. “I can’t imagine what would bring you to Rose Security Group in the middle of the day. Aren’t you getting ready for a wedding and wrapping up a film?”

“I’ve wrapped the film, and yes, in three days I’ll be marrying the love of my life.”

Jonathon nodded. “Congratulations. Is there anything else?”

Lance never expected to get past the guard station at Rose Security Group. He’d fully expected Jonathon to meet him there or speak with him over the guard’s phone, so getting this far was a step for Jonathon. Lance pulled a tall manila envelope from within a briefcase he carried then closed the case and handed the packet over to Jonathon.

Jonathon’s gaze cruised down to it, but he kept his hands resting behind his back. “What is this?”

“The deed to Windward Pier.”

Jonathon’s gaze flipped back to Lance. “And what am I supposed to do with it?”

“Sign it and put it in a safe place. It’s yours.”

“Just like that?”

Lance nodded.

“Why would you suddenly be willing to just hand over Windward Pier? Guilt eating away at your flesh, finally?”

“Damn it, Jonathon,” Lance growled. He shook his head. “Man, you know how to hold a grudge, you know that?”

“I just refused to be played by anyone, especially you.”

“I never tried to play you!” Lance cursed profusely under his tongue, annoyed that Jonathon was so adamant about pinning him as a cheater. “Do you think I would give a damn after all this time if I’d really done something to sabotage the bid? Do you think I would’ve gone out of my way to pay four million dollars for this property just to give it away?!”

Jonathon and Lance stared at each other.

“I’ll answer it for you. Hell, no,” Lance continued. “Before this ever happened, we were family. You knew the type of person I was, and you know now because the only thing that’s changed is I’ve grown up!” Lance exhaled harshly, and his voice dropped to a low simmer. “I don’t want to fight with you any longer, Jonathon. I never wanted this battle and didn’t see it coming a mile away until it was in my face. But by then, things had taken a left turn. You were mad as all hell thinking I’d betrayed you, and I responded with the same anger you put out.

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