Page 36 of Silent Partner (Pine Falls 3)

I held my breath, nervous for what he had to show me. I felt like the balance of my life hung on what was in that case.

He pulled out his sleek laptop and the manila envelope I had given him earlier, plus an official-looking folder with his law firm’s logo and name, Patrick, Holland, & Olson, on it.

I was on pins and needles and blurted, “How bad is it?”

“Their offer was abominable. No way would I allow you to accept it. I’ve worked up a counteroffer. But,” he paused, “I have another offer for you to consider before we discuss that.”

I squinted, not at all sure where this was going. “What other offer?” I said, stunned.

He stared at the folder and let out a deep breath before handing it to me. “This is a rough draft that I quickly threw together. We can negotiate terms later, but I hope you will find this to be a fair and good alternative to selling your share of the restaurant.”

I was getting more and more confused with every word he said. I took the folder, hoping it would clear things up, but before I could open it, he left no doubt in my mind what he was trying to say.

“I want to become your partner—silent partner, that is.”

My mouth fell open, but no words followed.

“I’ve apparently rendered you speechless,” he teased.

More like stunned. I nodded—my mouth still wide open like an idiot. That had to be attractive. Thank goodness I didn’t care anymore if men found me desirable.

“I’m looking to diversify my assets,” he said while I stared at him, dumbfounded. “And I believe, under your control, Two Girls and a Guy has a lot of potential.”

I blinked a few times before spluttering, “Are you being serious?”

“Very,” he replied matter-of-factly.

Did I even dare believe I could not only keep my restaurant but get rid of my awful partners and be able to run it the way I had always wanted to? It seemed too good to be true. “What’s the catch? I mean, assuming Giselle and Carter would even sell.”

“I have no doubt they will take your generous offer, especially after the lowball one they gave you,” he snarled. “And there is no catch other than agreeing to keep the terms of our deal quiet. At least for now.”

My brow popped. “For now?”

Brant scooted toward me and leaned forward. His eyes locked with mine. “Kinsley, I’m involved in a huge case right now, for lack of a better word. And I have some things that need to be settled. Not to mention all the bad press I’m still getting with the election coming up next month.”

I felt awful about how many times he was still mentioned online and in the news. It wasn’t flattering. Not only did the incumbent senator take shots at him for dropping out, but even the other party’s candidate couldn’t seem to help but disparage Brant. They painted him as out of touch and privileged. Sometimes they made it sound as if he and the Hollands were what was wrong with this world. Ironic, given last year at this time, the media couldn’t get enough of the Hollands. Back then, they were heroes and a hope for the future. The Hollands weren’t perfect, but they were good people. Well, maybe not John Holland, though I didn’t know for sure. Even so, the rest of them were the best people I knew.

“I’m sorry about the cruel things people say about you and your family.” Truly I was.

He gave me a tired smile. “That’s the nature of the beast. With that said, I don’t want it to negatively impact your business . . . our business,” he amended with a glint in his eye.

I was still having a hard time comprehending what he was offering and whether or not this was a good idea. If I was being honest with myself, I was pretty sure it was a bad idea to go into business with a man you were in love with, no matter what the deal was. “Brant,” I whispered, “I don’t think this is a good idea.” That hurt to say, but in a way, it made me feel like a genius. See, I could make smart choices.

He narrowed his eyes. “You haven’t even read the offer.”

“I’m sure it’s a good one, but I don’t want your charity. And I’m trying to make better choices.”

“Giving up your business to Giselle and Carter—who you know will run it into the ground and probably fire most of your employees—is a better choice? And what charity? We would be entering into a business agreement. One I would expect you to uphold.”

Well, when he put it that way, it made me sound like an idiot for not considering it. Still, this had to do with more than a business agreement. And as much as I didn’t want to say what this was really about, I was going to have to.

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