Page 23 of Release You

“Yes. I finished college in Canada but did my master’s at Arizona State University. If I couldn’t come home, I wanted to at least be nearby.”

“I’m surprised your uncle didn’t go after your college fund.”

“I’m sure he tried. But that was separate from Dad’s estate.” He stood, his expression blank again.

“But you found a way to get back to Paradise Creek.” I looked up at him.

“Yeah, I bid on the job to renovate the old downtown.” His gaze focused on the stormy clouds outside. “Jonathan voted against me, but this is still my town. The board awarded me the contract anyway.”

“Tell me about your half-assed plan.” I rose to my feet and joined him. “I know the renovation was part of it. But you’ve been here a while, literally blasting away the streets around this hotel. Yet you need my help. I’d say whatever you’ve been trying to do isn’t working.”

“Myhalf-assedplan was to find the tunnels, sneak into Cavalier Manor, and find my dad’s original will where he names me the sole beneficiary.”

“And steal everything back. I like it. A punishment to fit the crime. Your uncle has always been all about appearances. I’d say more than the money, he wanted the town. He wanted what your dad had—their admiration and respect.”

“You don’t need money for that.” He stuffed his hands in the front pockets of his jeans.

“You’re a Cavalier, so of course you’d say that.” I stepped back.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Just standing there, withno money and ripped jeans, he still looked like he owned this town.

“I don’t know what I mean.” I shrugged.

“No. Say it. You think I never appreciated what I had. I never was more than just another spoiled, rich brat. That it?”

“What? That’s definitely not what I meant. But your family always made it sound like having money was everything. I spent my entire young adult life trying to live up to that. Money was everything.” I had no idea where I was going with that. He had his poker face on again, and his gaze trained on me. The Cavaliers had money and the town’s respect. The Morrow girls had neither. “I’m sorry. This isn’t your fault.”

“I wish I knew what isn’t my fault.” He sighed.

“In a way I understand how your uncle feels. After Lisa went to jail, this town hated me so much I had to run away. I always thought that if I had the money to buy a pretty building like your family did, they’d like me.” I crossed my arms and leaned my shoulder on the windowsill.

Henry closed his eyes. When he opened them, he pulled me into a tight embrace and kissed my hair. “I’m so sorry you had to go through all that alone. I hate that we’ve lost so much time.”

He placed a finger under my chin and tilted my head up. I rose up on my tiptoes and kissed him. His tongue touched my lips, and I parted them to let him in. He cradled my neck and moved closer, deepening the kiss. God, I wanted this man, but it was obvious we still had a lot of unresolved issues. He stopped kissing me but didn’t let me go.

“I finally got you back. I don’t want to lose you,” he whispered in my ear.

“If we want to get rid of all this anger between us, we need to set things right. That’s the only way, Henry.”

He stepped back, cocking his head. “Does this mean we’repartners? The way I see it, you need me as much as I need you.”

“Partners. You help me clear Lisa’s name. And I’ll help you get the Cavalier fortune back.” I grinned. I’d never had a partner before.

“Mom first.” He flashed me a smile that made my knees go weak. “Well, Nikki Swift, sounds like we’ve got ourselves a deal.” He offered me his hand, and I shook it.

“Deal.”

CHAPTER 8

Did You Make It to Paris?

Henry

“Okay. Now you’re doing this on purpose.” I leaned toward her.

Keeping my hands off Nikki was going to be hell. But I’d promised her we’d take it slow, and I planned to stick to that, though this little display was just cruel and unusual. That suit of hers hugged every inch of her shapely legs and small waist. Dressed like this, she looked like a real-life superhero.

“Everything I do is on purpose. I thought you knew that.” She winked and zipped up the rest of her black leotard suit.

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