Page 7 of Platinum Love: A BWWM Romance

“Sorry. You’ve just never been the business-minded type.”

I didn’t like the way she said business, like I’m dumb or something. “What type of mind do you think I have, Harper?”

“Don’t snap at me, Hunter. Trips, events, parties. You are organized and creative. I never seen you as a suit wearing, briefcase carrying, office type.”

“I can understand how you’d say that. But I don’t have a choice. I have thirty days to think of something.”

“Or what?” Harper asked.

I shake my head biting the side of my cheek. The knot in my stomach is the size of Texas, and Harper’s face isn’t helping. The dread on her face mirrors my future if I don’t come up with a plan.

“He’s taking my inheritance,” I whisper.

She gasps. “Nooooo.”

I nod so hard my neck is aching.

“He wouldn’t,” she whispered back.

“I don’t know, Harper. I really pissed him off with this trip.”

“I did think the yacht was a bit much.”

“Harper!”

“Sorry, damn.” She held up her hands in surrender. “Let’s not panic. Thirty days is four weeks. You’ve done much more with less.”

“I have.” I scan my memories. “That celebratory brunch for your parents. And that surprise engagement for Charlee’s brother. Oh and remember that Bentley.”

“Hunter you got this.” Harper sat straight up.

“I do, don’t I.” I feel better. Harper is right. I can do this. My only hiccup is…. “Don’t business plans have a specific format?”

“I guess. Ain’t nothing Auntie Google can’t help with.” Harper pulls out her phone and starts typing.

“Ben, can I get a bottle of water?”

Harper turns the screen in my direction. I hold it in my hands scrolling through the search results. There are templates, videos, steps, each result is chipping away at my optimism. Panic is rioting inside me. I close my eyes taking a deep breath. I hear the crackle of the plastic bottle and open my eyes to see Ben.

“I can help.”

“Help with what?” I play dumb because either he has Superman's hearing or we were talking too loud. And I’m betting on the latter.

“I can write the business plan for you.” His voice is firm and confident as he places a hand in his pocket. I search his face.

Do I believe him? The man is fine, but am I willing to bet my inheritance on him? Hell, on myself. Heat is rising to my cheeks. Ben doesn’t back down from my stare, and it sends a shock of electricity through my body. Now is not the time to think about sexy times. Hunter Josephine Preston.

“Hunt, whatever you’re thinking, please don’t say it.”

“Harper, I love you, but you really need to learn how to whisper.” I pick up the bottle of water and take a long drink. “No offense, but you’re a bartender. Why should I believe you?”

“I’m a bartender because it works for my life. And I have examples and references.”

Charlee returns sitting next to Harper. “What’s going on?”

“Hunt’s trying to decide if she should work with Ben to write a business plan.” Charlee’s gaze bounces between us.

“A business plan. Hunter don’t know nothing about a business.”

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