by Sandi Lynn
“That and because you lied. Harry didn’t accept the other offer when he found out it was financing and a sixty-day closing.”
“What can I say? I have mad skills.” I brushed my lips against his.
“You certainly do. And I’m hoping you’ll use those mad skills on me tonight in bed.” The corners of his mouth curved upward.
“You’re so dirty, Mr. Roman.”
“Only when it comes to you, babe.” Our lips met again.
Myles
“Do the two of you ever get any work done?” I said as I walked into Grant’s office and found Bella sitting on his lap as they kissed.
“As a matter of fact, Bella just sold an apartment for two million over asking. We’re celebrating.”
“Nice.” I smiled. “Congratulations, sweetheart.”
“Thank you, Myles,” she said as she climbed off Grant’s lap.
“Are you ready to go, son?”
“Yeah.” I got up from my seat and grabbed my phone from the desk.
“Where are you two off to?” Bella asked.
“To look at a non-finished building in Brooklyn.”
“What kind of building?”
“Apartments. The developer got into some financial trouble and can’t finish it. So, we’re going to look at it and possibly buy it and finish it ourselves.”
“Oh. Good luck.” Bella smiled.
“I’ll see you later.” Grant gave her a wink and kissed her goodbye.
We climbed into the back of my car, and I gave Mitch the address to the building in Brooklyn.
“I think Bella should get her own team,” I said.
“What? She’s part of my team.”
“In the coming months you’re going to be dealing with development more than sales. And she’s going to need her own team she can mold into selling machines like herself. Don’t you want her to grow, son?”
“Of course, I do, Dad.”
“Then talk to her about it. She has a team in Los Angeles, why shouldn’t she have one here?”
“And where are we going to put all these new people?”
“We’ll rent her a space.”
“Absolutely not. She’s staying with me.”
“For fuck sake’s, Grant. You see her every night. The two of you practically live together. You can go without seeing her all day.”
“I don’t want to.” His brows furrowed. “I like sharing an office with her.”
“You sound like a damn teenager who just got grounded.”
“Yeah. Well, I’m happy. Maybe you should try it. In fact, since we’re on the subject, what happened between you and Cassandra.”
“Nothing. I’ve been busy. You know how much time it takes to get a hotel developed.”
“Don’t hand me that shit, Dad. Bella ran into Cassandra, and she was crying her eyes out that day she was in your office. She told Bella that you said your life is going in a different direction and she wasn’t a part of it. Kind of cold, don’t you think? Especially since you took her to Chicago with you.”
“Drop it, son. I’m not discussing it.”
“No. I’m not going to drop it. You can’t let what Mom did affect the rest of your life.”
“Look who’s talking.” I chuckled. “Aren’t you the one who promised to call a sweet sixteen-year-old girl, whom you slept with, when you got back to New York and never did? Aren’t you the one who flies through women faster than I do? Just uses them for sex and if they start wanting more you bolt?”
“Okay. You’ve made your point. But I’m not that man anymore. Dad, Bella brings out the best in me. And because she does that, I had to let go of the past so I could move forward with my future. Mom is only one person in the world, and if we let one person control us and our lives, what does that say about us? Shit, Dad. You’re a strong and powerful businessman, but there’s more to life than selling and developing real estate.”
“Watch your mouth, son.” I pointed my finger at him.
“Your fears are warranted. Trust me, I know. But there comes a point in life when you need to set those fears aside and start living your best life.”
“You’re in a relationship for the first time in your life, and you think you’re an expert. I’ve been there and done that, Grant.”
“No, Dad. It’s not the same. The only reason you married Mom was because she was pregnant. You were going off to college. What was going to happen to your relationship? I can guarantee it wouldn’t have worked out. But you stayed back and gave that up for her. I’m not saying you didn’t love her, because I know you did. What I’m saying is you did it out of obligation because you’re a decent man and that’s what any decent man would have done. I hate to say this, but if she never would have left, I don’t think the two of you would still be married.”
“You can’t predict that.”
“You’re right. I can’t. But you know somewhere in the back of your mind, you’ve thought the same thing. I’ve seen you and Cassandra together and I’ve seen the look in your eyes when you talk about her. I’ve never seen that before. You’re different when she’s around. I think she brought out the best of you and it scared the hell out of you. You still have a whole lot of life ahead of you. Don’t wake up one day with regrets.”
“Are you finished?” I arched my brow.
“Yeah. I guess I am.”
“Good, because we’re here. Let’s go see what this building has to offer.”
Chapter 38
Two Weeks Later
Bella
I was showing a property over by Cassandra’s bakery, so I decided to stop by to pick up some cookies for Grant and to see how she was doing. Opening the door, the bell above rang, alerting her someone had entered the shop.
“Bella, what a nice surprise.” She emerged from the back.
She looked tired and as if she had been crying. Not to mention she was the only one working.
“Hi, Cassandra.”
“What brings you in?”
“I wanted to get some cookies, but I see you’re all out.” I gave her a confused look.
“Yeah. I’m sorry about that.”
I looked around the rest of the cases and noticed they were practically empty.
“Cassandra, what’s going on? It kind of looks like you’re going out of business.”
She looked at me and I could see the tears form in her eyes.
“Hey, what’s going on? Talk to me.”
“The owner of the building sold it, and the new owner decided that my bakery wasn’t a good fit here. He wants to put in a super juice and smoothie shop. So, he told me I have thirty days to pack up and get all my equipment out.”
“Oh no. I’m so sorry. I can help you find another place.”
“I’ve looked, and I can’t afford the rent on anything else right now. Plus, the renovation costs to open another bakery. I’ve only been here a year and although I’m not in the red, my profit margin is very small. The reason I opened up here in the first place was because the rent was so cheap.”
“Why didn’t you call me, or even Grant when you found out the building was sold?”
“Because the previous owner told me he talked to the new owner, and he said my business would be safe. Then the new owner came in with an entourage and started talking about the design for the juice shop. When I told him what the previous owner told me, he laughed and said he never should have told me that.”
“What is the name of the company that bought the building?”
“I’ll go get his card.”
She handed me a business card and I tucked it in my purse. Reaching over the counter, I grabbed hold of her hand.
“Don’t give up just yet. Let me do some digging and see what I can do.”
“I appreciate it, Bella, but you don’t have to do that.”
“Yes, Cassandra, I do. You sit tight until you hear from me. Okay?”
“Okay. Thank you.”
Climbing in the car, Samuel turned and looked at
me.
“No cookies?”
“No. Apparently she has to close down.”
“What? No! I love those damn cookies and the pastries she makes too.”
“Take me to the office.”
I pulled out my phone and dialed Grant. After a few rings, it went to voicemail. Sighing, I set my phone on my lap.
When I got back to the office, I went straight up to see Myles. If anyone could help her, he could.
“Myles, I need to talk to you.”
“Hi, Bella. I’m just on my way out.”
“Well, you’re going to have to wait.” I shut the door.
“What’s going on?” His brows furrowed.
“I was just at Cassandra’s bakery to pick up some cookies and there weren’t any. In fact, the bakery was pretty much bare.”
“Why?”
“The owner sold the building, and the new owner is kicking her out to put in some super juice/smoothie shop.”
“Well, she’ll find another space for the bakery.”
“No, Myles. She can’t. The rent everywhere else is too expensive and she can’t afford it. Plus, the renovation costs. She’s only been there a year, and she’s barely making a profit.”
“That’s too bad. But things like that happen all the time, Bella.”
“Oh my God. You’re just going to let her dream be taken away by some moron who wants to put in a damn juice shop when the city already has hundreds of them on every corner?”
“What do you want me to do?”
“Are you serious right now? You buy fucking buildings all the time!”
“What is going on in here?” Grant asked as he opened the door.
“Buildings for condos and apartments, not bakeries.
“Bakeries? What are you two talking about?”
“A building is a building regardless of what it’s being used for. I cannot believe you.” I shook my head and crossed my arms. “I thought you were a better man than that.”
He sat there steadily narrowing his eyes at me.
“For the love of God, will someone please tell me what the fuck is happening here?!”
“It’s okay to admit you were wrong, and it’s not too late. If I could forgive Grant after fourteen years and trust him again, so can you. Life is too short, Myles. Ask my parents. Oh wait, you can’t. They’re dead.”
“I have to get to my meeting.” He stood up, grabbed his suit coat and walked out of the office.
“What the fuck, Bella?” Grant spoke.
“Cassandra is closing down her business because some douchebag bought the building and is kicking her out to put in a juice shop.”
“Okay. She can find another building for the bakery.”
“See, that’s the problem with you billionaires.”
“Excuse me?”
“You think the average person can just move along and find something else. She’s out of money, Grant. It’s tied up in all the equipment and everything she needed to open that bakery. She can’t afford to go anywhere else right now.”
“Oh. I didn’t think about that.”
“Of course, you didn’t because it’s not a problem for you, and it never will be.”
“That’s not fair, Bella. I’ll figure something out myself to help her. I’ll give her money. I’ll be an investor. A silent partner.”
“I was thinking of doing the same. But I thought your father should know about it first. Obviously, your talk with him didn’t sink in.”
“He’s a stubborn man. What more can I do?”
Chapter 39
Myles
After I made a few phone calls, I found out Tatum Sterling of Sterling Development was the one who bought the building. I’d known Tatum for years. We were no longer friends. We hadn’t been for years, but I suspected he still considered me an enemy. I’d go to his office first thing in the morning and talk to him about selling me the building. I knew how much that bakery meant to her, and I wasn’t as cold-hearted as Bella thought I was. Especially when it came to Cassandra.
I was on my way back to my penthouse from grabbing some Indian food around the corner. It was close to the building, so I always walked. As I was walking down the street, up ahead I saw Grant and Bella walking hand in hand towards the building. They were laughing and then Bella laid her head on his shoulder. It reminded me of when Casandra and I were in Chicago. When we went to Navy Pier, took a river cruise, and went to the Field Museum of Natural History. We visited art galleries and ate great food. But the trip wouldn’t have been complete unless we did some shopping. I’d never been more relaxed as I was when I was with her, and she made me laugh more than any women ever had.
I waited for Grant and Bella to step into the elevator before going into the building because I didn’t want to interrupt their moment together. When I stepped into my penthouse, I took my food out of the bag, poured a glass of scotch and sat down at the table. It was at that moment I’d never felt so alone. It hit me like a wave violently crashing into the shore.
Before I headed to Sterling Development, I gave Tatum Sterling a call.
“Sterling here,” he answered.
“Tatum, it’s Myles Roman.”
“Myles Roman. This is certainly a surprise.”
“Are you at your office? I need to speak with you.”
“I just got in. What’s this about?”
“We’ll talk when I get there. I’m on my way.”
“Okay. I guess I’ll see you soon.”
“That isn’t the Tatum Sterling you—”
“It sure is, Mitch.”
“Good luck, Myles.”
Mitch dropped me off, and I took the elevator up to the twenty-third floor. When I approached his office, I took in a long deep breath. His secretary wasn’t at her desk, so I lightly knocked on the door and opened it.
“Myles Roman.” He stood up from his chair. “I’d shake your hand but the last time I did that you screwed me.”
“That was a long time ago, Tatum.”
“In case you didn’t know, I hold grudges, Myles. Anyway, have a seat.” He gestured. “Why are you here?”
“You recently purchased a building over in Chelsea. The one with the bakery called Let’s Do Cake.”
“Yeah. My nephew is putting in a super juice and smoothie shop in its place. What about it?”
“I want to buy the building, and I’ll pay you double what you paid for it.”
He leaned back in chair and let out a laugh.
“You want my building? Why?”
“Because the owner of the bakery is a friend of mine, and that bakery means everything to her.”
“Even more reason why I would never sell it to you.”
“Come on, Tatum. Let’s leave the past in the past. We’re businessmen and we can work something out.”
“Just like when I took you to see the property over on East 82nd? You were my friend, and I wanted your opinion, so what did you do? You swooped in and stole it out from under me and built your luxury high rise.”
“I’m sorry, Tatum. It wasn’t personal.”
“It was personal to me,” he spat as he leaned over his desk. “You were my friend, and you knew how bad I wanted that property.”
“I’m sorry, and I know my apology means nothing to you. I don’t blame you because I’d feel the same way. But I’m not doing this for me. I’m doing it for the woman who owns the bakery. She’s only been there a year and it was her lifelong dream. She opened that bakery with the life insurance money she got after her husband passed away.”
“That’s not my problem. Is it?”
I let out a sigh as I rubbed my forehead.
“If you care so much, then just buy another building and rent it to her.”
“She likes where she’s at and she’s already established there. It’ll take her months to get another bakery up and running by the time I find another building and get all the renovations done.”
“Wow. I never thought I’d see the d
ay where Myles Roman actually cares about someone. You didn’t know the building was up for sale, did you?”
“No. If I had, I would have bought it.”
“It took a lot of balls for you to come in here. I can’t say that it makes me sad to see you gravel.”
“You know what, Tatum? Fucking forget it. You’re right. I put a business opportunity before our friendship and I’m sorry about that. I’m not that man anymore,” I got up from my chair.
“This woman and her bakery mean that much to you?” he asked.
“Yeah. She does.”
“I’ll make you a deal, Myles. You’ll want to sit down for this one.”
Taking my seat, I prepared myself for what he was about to say.
“I hear you recently purchased a twenty-two-story building on West 37th Street. Rumor has it, you’re planning on turning it into a hotel.”
“And?” I raised my brow.
“I’ll trade you buildings.”
“Are you crazy?”
“Not in the least. If my building means that much to you, there shouldn’t be any hesitation. If you don’t want to accept my offer, it’s no skin off my back. Your lady friend will be out in less than thirty days, and we’ll start the renovations for the juice shop. I think this is fair deal considering our past. Don’t you?”
I sat there and stared at him for moment as I took note of the satisfaction he was getting from this.
“Fine. You have yourself a deal, Tatum.” I stood up and extended my hand to him.
“Okay.” He smiled as he shook my hand. “I’ll call my lawyers and have them draw up the paperwork today. I trust you’ll do the same?”
“I’ll call him right now. But I need you to do something for me.”
“What do you need?”
“Call Cassandra Peters and tell her she can stay. But don’t tell her that I’m her new landlord. I’ll tell her myself.”
“I’ll give her a call. It’s been a pleasure doing business with you, Myles. You must really feel something special for this woman to make this kind of deal.”
“I do. I’ll be in touch, Tatum.”
I walked out of his office and climbed into the back of my car.