Page 13 of Burn

“Okay, gentlemen. Shall we begin?”

“Of course, and please feel free to call us by our first names to make things easier for you.”

“Thank you.”

There was a moment of silence, it was clear she was nervous which had me believing what she had to tell us was bad. I gave her what I hoped was one of my earth-shattering smiles to calm and reassure her.

~*~

“Do you think your brothers will take any of my advice?” Natalie asked as she sipped her wine.

The restaurant was busy but quiet enough that we could chat. She appeared fresh and relaxed despite the previous harrowing two hours. The meeting with us had been fiery but she'd kept her composure. Lance and Neil had exploded at her suggestion they needed to downsize their homes so they could manage the mortgage payments from an allowance. They had protested vehemently about the 'pathetic' stipend she had recommended until I'd reminded them, it was more than what I had been managing to live on for quite a while.

Mentioning they should change their cars for more efficient and practical models had been the last straw. My brothers had stormed from the office leaving me to apologize.

I waited until the server had placed our meals down and left to look after other patrons. “Your advice is good, it makes sense. If Lance and Neil don't cooperate they know what the alternative is for them.”

“What's that? Will you sell?”

I forked up a mouthful of melt-in-the-mouth steak. “No. I have organized with the bank for a valuation on the business and a loan to buy them out.”

She gazed at me, sadness reflected in her beautiful eyes. “I'm sorry I have caused you problems with your brothers.”

I waved off her comment. “It's not your fault we have the income of a small business, but they choose to spend like oil barons, and I have been foolish enough to allow it to happen until now.”

She nodded and changed the subject. “Where did you grow up?”

“In Symonston, about three hours from here. Our family came here on holidays when we were kids and I've always loved the area. After leaving school, I worked hard doing odd jobs and learning the building trade while saving to start a business of my own. I wanted to own it outright and not have a mortgage.”

“So, you saved up all the money for the business and equipment? How did your brothers come to be involved?”

“Two-thirds in total. When my brothers found out I was moving here as soon as I could afford to start the business, they offered to put in the balance of the capital and become partners. Dad had been given money from our grandfather as a kind of inheritance for us and we all used that to get started as well as what I had saved. None of us were involved in a relationship, and we didn't have any ties in the area, so I thought it was a great idea and it got the business up and running sooner. Mum and Dad are always travelling so it worked out well.”

Natalie was quiet as she finished the last mouthful of her meal.

“What about you?”

Tears shimmered in her eyes, and I sensed she hid a whole lifetime of sadness and hurt. I found myself wanting to help her, hold her, and make everything better. But, why? For the hundredth time, I asked—Why was I so attracted to this woman? I placed my hand over hers and heat shot up my arm.

Natalie trembled.

“Are you seeing anyone?” I asked gently.

“No...I haven't been with anyone for a long while. I'm better off alone.” The resignation in her voice tugged at my heart.

“Natalie, I'm not sure what's happening, and I know we have only known each other for a short while, but I'm attracted to you. I think you feel an attraction to me...Am I wrong? If not, I would very much like to explore whatever this is with you.”

She shook her head. “No, you’re not wrong. I do feel something but…”

“But, what?”

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me.”

“I'm willing to take a chance. I have never felt such a strong attraction so soon after meeting a woman. Are you...?”

“Am I...?”

“Willing to take a chance.”

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