Page 123 of Tempting Promises
“Clearly, Carson didn’t think so,” Grady says and then raises a hand when he sees my face. “Easy, killer. I’m saying that there had to be a reason. Maybe he saw the farm in disrepair and didn’t want to chance it.”
Sure, that could be it, but that contract would’ve saved her farm and she could’ve hired back the people she needed to get it out of its current state.
Asher clasps my shoulder. “You’re going to give it up for her?”
As much as it pains me, I can’t accept it. “I’d give up my farm for her.”
“She’s going to be pissed.”
I look to Asher. “I know. She’s going to hate me either way.”
And that’s the rub. If I keep it, she’ll lose her farm and probably move with her sister to New York. If I give it up, she’s going to feel like she doesn’t deserve it or it was charity. Lord knows Charlotte is prideful.
Grady sighs heavily. “Look, Carson is a smart man and picked you for a reason. There’s nothing that says that if you walk away from the deal it’ll go to her. It’s something to consider.”
He’s right. I have no guarantees. Which means I’m going to lose her right after I got her.
“Well, for now, all I can do is wait for her to tell me she wants to see me.”
“That’s how you left it?” Asher asks.
“Yeah, she said she’d let me know when it was a good time.”
Asher’s face scrunches. “Fuck that, it’s woman code for she’s upset, and you need to go over there before she decides you’re a loser and it’s over before it began.”
Grady shifts forward. “Yeah, dude, yes means no, and no means fuck off, and then don’t even get me started on when she says maybe. Maybe is a whole other world. You need to outsmart her.” He taps his forehead. “Think strategically and outthink her before she can think.”
What the fuck does that mean?
“I don’t think Charlotte plays games like that.”
They both laugh.
“Oh, young one, you have so much to learn,” Asher says.
“You’ve each been in like one relationship.” I turn to Grady. “Two for you, but neither of you are all that experienced with women.”
“It’s your funeral.” Grady lifts one shoulder and drains his beer. “I would get your dumb ass up and over to her house.”
Asher nods, pointing in the direction of her house. “Go! Don’t walk, run.”
I’m not sure if they’re fucking with me, but something in my brother’s face has me wondering if maybe he’s right. If I give her time to think about all the reasons this is the end, then there will be no going back.
I stand and hand my beer to Asher. “You’re not being a prick?”
“Row, I’m trying to help you. I don’t want to see you go back to your misery and lonely life with the cows,” Ash says. “I want you to be happy, and if Charlotte means what you say she does, then you’ll stop talking to us and go fix this.”
I never thought Asher or Grady would be encouraging this, but I don’t want to stand here and debate whether they’re right or wrong. I want to be with her, to find a way to fight together and both have what we want.
So, I turn and head to her house.
The entire walk, I do nothing but go over possible responses towhat I’m sure will be her brush-off. Charlotte doesn’t want or take help. She’s strong and needs to do it all on her own, no matter how stupid it is.
When I get to her front steps, I find her sitting on her porch swing, mug in hand, blanket wrapped around her. She looks over at me, wipes under her eyes, and then looks back out. “I won’t see this view for much longer. I want to soak up as much time as I can.”
I make my way toward the swing. “You’re giving up?”
She scoffs. “I’m being realistic.”
