Page 62 of Tangled Kisses
“So?” she prompts gently. “You have a plan?”
“Yeah. I was a contractor for years. There’s a market for specialty work. Landscape architecture, custom spaces, gazebos, pergolas. That’s my niche. I’m good at it, and I love it.”
“That sounds wonderful, Griffin.” She slows near a marble statue, fingertips grazing the cool stone as she glances at me. “Where do you plan on setting up shop?”
“Tangled Vines.”
She arches a brow. “Isn’t that a bit small?”
“It’s growing. And there are some decent-sized cities around it. If I can get the business going there, I can branch out.”
She nods slowly. “Okay. And what’s standing in your way?”
I shift my weight as I gear up to ask the question. “I’ve got the tools, the skill. But I don’t have the cash flow for marketing, advertising, or some of the machinery that would make the work easier. I was hoping?—”
“—that I might lend a hand?” Her smirk is playful, knowing.
I duck my head, suddenly self-conscious. “Not a gift. A loan. I’ve got a solid business plan I’d like you to see.”
She studies me for a long beat, then nods. “I believe in you, Griffin. I don’t want you to keep doing this either. We’ll talk. But tell me—money’s a problem right now, isn’t it?”
And there it is. The million-dollar question.
“Yeah,” I mumble. “I don’t know how I’m going to afford Pearl’s place anymore. She could live somewhere cheaper, sure, but I want her to have the best. She deserves that.”
Lauren exhales, contemplative. “And there are no guarantees with this business of yours, right?”
“Sadly, no. There are never guarantees.”
“Not entirely true.” She tilts her head, her voice calm, pragmatic. “We could get married.”
I sputter into my champagne, coughing hard enough to draw a glance from the couple beside us. Lauren pats my arm, amused.
“Didn’t think the idea would be that alarming,” she teases.
“No, it’s just…” I clear my throat, still stunned. “Very unexpected.”
She gives me a small, measured grin. “We can work out the details later. But it would ensure that you’re taken care of. That Pearl is taken care of. And it would protect me, too. My children haven’t spoken to me in years, and I’d rather not leave my estate at the mercy of long-lost relatives. Think about it, Griffin. The money’s there. The offer is on the table, if you need it.”
Before I can respond, someone calls Lauren’s name from across the hall. She raises a finger, then adjusts her pearls with wry amusement. “Time to give a speech and say all the right things. Don’t go far. We’ll talk later.”
I watch her go, still reeling.
Marriage. To Lauren.
On paper, it’s everything I need. Funding for my business. Security for Pearl. A life of luxury in Lauren’s world—complete with high dollar real estate, vacations, and cars. Plus, I genuinely like Lauren. With her, it would be a good life.
A month ago, I would’ve called it the answer to my prayers. A clean way out of escorting. No more nameless women. No more nights I can’t look myself in the mirror.
Sure, it would mean giving up on some great love, but let’s be honest, I’d already given up on that. And kids? That was a dream I’d quietly let go of, too.
Until a month ago.
When a tiny brunette nurse walked into my life and made me realize the only life worth having is one with her.
But what if I’ve read it all wrong? What if Reese only sees me as a distraction, someone to flirt with, someone to cuddle with—only to laugh off the idea if I ever told her I wanted forever?
Deep down, I know the truth. I’m not the kind of man you build a life with. Not the kind you marry. Not with my past. Not with the shadows I carry.
