Page 25 of Courage of the Mountain
Heath joins me upstairs, where we freshen up after our early afternoon tryst. I can’t keep the blush from creeping into mycheeks as I replay all the things we just did. And in the romance section of the store, too.
“Thinking about how you creamed all over my cock right out there in the open?” Heath asks when he’s done in the bathroom.
“You’re insatiable, you know that?”
My sexy mountain of a man loops his fingers around my wrist and tugs me against his chest. “You love it.”
I nod, and he rewards my honesty with a devastating kiss. We’re broken apart by my phone buzzing. I’m about to toss it out the window, but it’s Daryl Foster.
“Daryl!” I answer, looking up at Heath with a mixture of worry and relief.
I’ve been the main point of contact between the Fosters, the cops, and the insurance company ever since the store flooded. Daryl and Marsha have tried making themselves more available for these kinds of discussions since they know they left me in the lurch, but it’s been a frustrating experience all around.
“Hey, Lily,” he says with a sigh. His tone makes me deflate. I’m not going to like whatever he says next. “I’ve been on the phone with our lawyer and the insurance company all day, but…” He takes a deep breath and blows it out in defeat. I can see the older man taking off his bifocals and rubbing the bridge of his nose, preparing to give me some terrible news. “Since the police can’t find any forced entry, and the pipe appears to have been intentionally broken, the damages and repairs won’t be covered.”
“But… but I didn’t do this,” I tell him in a scratchy voice. Heath wraps a protective arm around my waist and tucks me into his side. He stands next to me, silently supporting me with his strength and reminding me I’m not alone.
“I know, Lily. I believe you. But that doesn’t change the fact that I don’t have fifty thousand dollars to cover the costs myself.I know Marsha and I said we’d help out if something came up before we could sign the papers, but we weren’t expecting this.”
I nod, even though I know he can’t see me. “I can take out a loan,” I offer. “Don’t people sometimes have second mortgages? I could do that with Between the Covers.”
“Unfortunately, the store and your apartment are still in my name. You don’t have anything to borrow against. And I can’t take out another loan. I’m trying to sell my store, not invest more into it.”
“So, where does that leave us?”
“If you can’t come up with the money by next week, I’ll be forced to sell to the only other interested buyer.”
“Daryl, you can’t.”
“I’m sorry, Lily. I truly am.” His voice is warm and sincere, and I hear the heartbreak woven throughout his words. This can’t be easy for him either. Daryl and Marsha built this place. He might be selling my dream, but he’s also giving up his legacy. “I know how much the store means to you, and I’m damn proud of all the work you’ve done. This isn’t the end of your story, kiddo.” Tears spring to my eyes when he uses his old term of endearment for me. “You’ll start another chapter soon. You’ll see.”
We say our goodbyes, and I collapse against Heath. His strong, muscled arms wrap around me, cradling me against his chest.
“He’s going to sell,” I squeak, not trusting my voice. “They won. Top Spot won.”
“Hey, now,” Heath whispers, peeling me off of him so he can cup my face in his hands. “Maybe we haven’t thought of everything yet. There have to be more options.”
“Insurance won’t cover repairs. Daryl can’t afford it, I can’t afford it, what other options are there?”
“Me.”
I furrow my brow. “Uh, what do you mean?”
“Let me help. I have money stashed away. Never had a reason to spend it.”
“Even after you bought your house? Wait, what am I saying? I can’t let you do that. You don’t even know how much it’s going to cost.” I shake my head, still not comprehending his offer.
“If I don’t have it, I’ll take out a loan. You might not have collateral, but I do.” His thumbs brush against my cheeks in a tender, familiar gesture. “This is too important to give up on, Lily. I want to help.” He seals his offer with a sweet kiss to my forehead.
Our moment is interrupted by my apartment door banging open, revealing a livid Hayden. His face is bright red as his eyes dart between me and Heath. There’s no mistaking the tenderness and intimacy in the way Heath is holding me.
“What the fuck?!”
12
HEATH
“What the fuck?!”
