Page 12 of All Mine

“What?”

“You don’t live here.”

“No.”

“You’re buying a boat.”

“Yeah.”

“But you’re not moving here?”

“Not that I’d planned.”

“Then she ain’t for you.”

“That’s her call, not yours.”

“Trust me on this.”

I glanced over at Sloane, who studied something outside the window. She seemed so familiar, and yet I couldn’t place her.

“Why should I?”

“Because I’ve known her forever, and a sometimes here guy will not cut it.”

Well, being a sometimes guy is the only thing I have to offer any woman.

“I have a teleconference,” I said, standing. “It was good to meet you, Sloane. And nice seeing you again, Adrian.”

“Hey, it’s nothing against you,” Adrian said. “I’m looking out for both of you.”

I sipped my coffee but didn’t believe that for a minute. It was Lauren he was looking out for. He wanted me to stay away from her.

Outside, I’d settled into the driver’s seat as my phone rang. Parked with the lake view across the street in front of me, this wasn’t the worst place to sit.

“Mr. Carter, this is Stephen Wellington III, Esquire.”

“Yes, Mr. Wellington, I was expecting your call.” This dude sounded like a pretentious douche bag.

“I trust that you’ve made it to Hart Valley.”

“I’m right on schedule. I have worked on comps, and my assistant is working on studying traffic patterns in the area. We want to make sure this is an excellent investment. Can we also scout a few other locations to compare?”

“I appreciate the thoroughness. But, that is the only location I want.”

“The land isn’t up for sale, so I cannot guarantee the owner will be receptive.”

“It’s a simple job, Mr. Carter. Contact the landowner, secure a deal, and create the blueprints. Then, oversee a construction crew. You can handle these tasks, correct?”

I have two Master’s degrees and a decade of experience in commercial real estate, and this lawyer wants to get snotty with me? I took a deep breath and counted to ten, squeezing the steering wheel.

“Of course. However, in my experience, the land has always been for sale first.”

“Oh, I have faith that you’ll get the job done. You come highly recommended.”

Six

Lauren

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