Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 88263 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88263 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
“I don’t like this,” I whisper back, my cheeks turning red.
But the problem is, I can’t explain why.
There’s something about Nolan showing up, talking about owning this building, talking about buying it right after I told him about my dream of opening a donut shop. The dream he encouraged me to pursue. I’ve been thinking about him ever since we slept together after the ceremony, and if I’m honest with myself, he’s a big reason why I decided to take this plunge.
If I could do all that with a man like Nolan, if I could take a risk on him, sleep with him, enjoy myself in a way I never have before, then I can do even bigger things. Like chase dreams. Like take risks.
Nana’s gone. There’s nobody left telling me I’m worthless.
Jams drags me over to where Nolan’s standing. “Sorry about that, Mr. Crowley. We’re glad you stopped by.”
He grimaces. “Please, call me Nolan.”
“Let’s keep things professional, Mr. Crowley,” I say, smiling sweetly.
His glare brings me great joy. “All right, Ms. Something.” He clears his throat. Jams gives me a weird look, which I ignore. “How have you found this space so far? Everything has been to your liking?”
“Um, it’s all been great,” Jams says. “The neighbors are nice. Nobody complains about the noise during the day.” She glances at me, then at him. Nolan’s not even bothering to look in her direction. “Is this actually about renting this space?” she asks.
“Yes,” I say sharply.
“No, not really,” Nolan admits.
Jamila sighs, rubbing her face. “There’s something weird going on between you two.”
“There’s nothing going on between us,” I say, jaw tightening. “Nolan and I had one very brief interaction at Ash and Carson’s wedding renewal ceremony two months ago, but we haven’t spoken since. That’s everything.”
“That’s something,” Nolan murmurs. At the look I throw his way, he brightens. “Actually, it’s not about our one-night stand, which I assume Jamila here knows about?”
Jams clears her throat. “If I didn’t before, I guess I do now.”
“She knew. I’m not ashamed.” I tilt my chin up. “You got lucky, that’s all.”
“You’re right, I was very lucky that night.” His grin feels like nails down my spine.
“Okay, this flirting has got to stop, okay?” Jams looks between us. “Seriously, Nolan, are you here for business or what?”
“Actually, yes,” he says, looking around at the space. “I told Keely something that night two months ago. Do you remember what I said about business, Ms. Something?”
“Why do you keep calling her that?” Jamila asks, sounding annoyed.
“No, I don’t, and I’m not interested either,” I say, ignoring Jamila. “Whatever your game is right now, Nolan, just quit before you embarrass yourself.”
That doesn’t deter him. “I told you that I get involved with a lot of businesses. I take risks. Some work, some don’t, but I’m always in search of an opportunity. Do you recall that?”
“You said something along those lines,” I says grudgingly. “What’s that got to do with us?”
“I want to invest in your business.” He stands up straight, looking from Jams to me and back again. “I’m willing to offer generous terms.”
“Absolutely not,” I say loudly before Jamila can speak up.
She shoots me an outraged look. “Actually, Nolan, we were just discussing our financing options, and—”
“No fucking way,” I say through my teeth. “Going to Ash for money would be bad enough, but getting involved with this guy? I’d rather max out my credit cards than take a dime from him.”
“I’m standing right here,” he says, looking at his fingernails. “And I feel like I should be insulted.”
“Will you excuse us for a second?” Jams grabs my arm and drags me to the opposite side of the room. She leans in close, her expression hard. “Quit being a stubborn idiot for a second and think. We could get a bank loan. We could beg Ash. But Nolan’s an actual businessman. He’ll give us cash, set strict repayment details, then fuck off. You think a guy like him wants to be involved in the day-to-day of a freaking donut shop?”
I soften slightly. “That’s not a bad point.”
“Banks will be up our asses with paperwork and stuff. Ash will be in here every other day making benign suggestions because she can’t help herself. But Nolan? This guy just wants to make some money on a loan.” She glances in his direction, face hard. Jams can be pretty serious sometimes and that’s what I love about her. “I’m not saying he’s a great guy and a great option, but we’re sort of getting into desperation territory. Why not hear him out?”
I suck in a slow breath and release it.
She’s got a point. We need money, and we need it fast. This project’s on the edge of failure, and if we don’t do something to get it back on track, we’re screwed. I’d do anything to make it work, including getting involved with Nolan Crowley.