“Your beer sucks. Plus you need to upgrade the menu.”
I hold up my palm. “I don’t want to fight with you.”
“So don’t.”
I shift to face him. “You’re starting to piss me off.”
“Why? It’s an incontrovertible fact. The place needs improvement, so improve it.”
“It’s not that easy! We’re near bankruptcy. My dad—never mind.”
“Your dad left you in debt, right? No way you could’ve run it into the ground in only six months, especially never spending money on improvements. You’re trying to protect his memory just like he protected you by hiding his financial troubles.”
My lips part in surprise. “How did you know he hid them?”
He shrugs. “It’s what an overprotective father would do. Because he loved you and didn’t want you to worry. My dad did the same to us. He invested in the stock market and ultimately lost a lot of money. Funny, as analytical as he was, he bought and sold mostly on emotional impulse. Buying stuff on the rise and selling in a panic when it was cratering. I saw the financial statements. My mom managed to slowly get out of debt. Fortunately, my sisters and I went to college tuition-free at Princeton since my mom was a professor. It all worked out. How much debt are you in?”
“Two hundred thousand. I’m making monthly payments, but if I miss a payment, they’re starting the foreclosure proceedings. I missed three payments already last quarter. Every month I’m scraping the money together. I’ve got January’s payment thanks to the New Year’s Eve fundraiser. February, I don’t know.” I let out a breath. “It’s really stressful going month to month, not knowing how much longer I can keep it alive.”
He takes all that in stride. “Sure. Plus you need more money for improvements.”
“Yes, if I go that route.”
“You have to go that route to survive.” He lifts a palm. “I could help you out. I could invest in your business, but we’d have to be equal partners. I’d want a say in it.”
I was expecting it, but still, everything in me recoils. This is my family’s legacy, no outsiders. Negotiation time.
“One more thing,” he says. “You can’t get all pissy and lose your temper while we’re working together. That’s not going to work for me and, honestly, it’s the main reason I haven’t offered before. Sure, it’s entertaining when nothing’s on the line—”
“Entertaining?” I echo incredulously. “I was legit mad.”
“But I don’t want to battle every time we need to make a change. Obviously, big changes will need to be made to save the place. Status quo is not working.”
I bristle. Like it’s my fault we fought before. He purposely antagonizes me. I loosen my clenched jaw. I must rise above and show him just how professional I can be.
“That’s a nice offer, Wyatt, but I don’t want a partner. I was hoping for a loan I’d pay back with interest.” Over a long period of time.
“Go to a bank, then.”
I stiffen. Didn’t Harper already tell him my situation? He’s trying to box me in with logic and force his way into my restaurant. “I did try banks.”
“No go, huh? Not surprised. Banks don’t want to loan money to someone deep in debt. They’re skittish that way.”
I stare straight ahead, trying to figure out any leverage I might have. I hate that he has all the power here. His money. But it’s my place. Every other Robinson did just fine on their own. Well, except Dad, but I’m sure that wasn’t his fault. The town was in a transition stage, where more people were moving away to retire and not many moving in. It’s only recently that young families have taken notice of Summerdale. Probably because our high school was ranked as one of the best in the state.
“Here’s the truth,” he says, “you’ve been running the place for six months, and it’s failing. Bring me on, and it’ll succeed. I’ve launched three successful businesses on my own. The last one I sold to a social media giant for a ridiculous amount. Not to mention the half dozen struggling businesses I acted as consultant and investor for and made profitable. I get the job done, and everyone is better off for it.”
“So modest,” I grumble.
“Just the facts,” he says simply. “I know my shit.”
I turn to him, trying to keep the desperation from my voice. “I don’t need a partner. I just need a loan.”
“The money comes with me attached. I don’t invest in a business blindly with no control. Please tell me you’re not just another one of those fake friends only interested in my money.”
“No! Of course not. I wouldn’t even ask if I wasn’t facing foreclosure.”
He searches my expression. “Good.”
It strikes me as even more important that I resist our chemistry. Crossing that line would make him think I’m using him. Why does he have to be the answer to my problem and the first man I’ve been drawn to in a very long time?
“So?” he prompts.
I stand, putting some distance between us. “I need to be full owner. It’s my family’s legacy.”
He cocks his head. “So stubborn. Is that a family trait too?”
I ignore the taunt. I’m not bending on this ownership part. I walk to the fire, staring at the flickering flames. I know he’s a good person deep down, or he wouldn’t take such care with his sister. And his dog too! Look at her all pampered, curled up in her fluffy monogrammed bed. He brushed her little teeth! With the right negotiation, this could still work. I just don’t know what I can offer in return.
“Where did you get Snowball?” I ask.
He glances over at Snowball. “Nice segue. So we’re done talking about your desperate situation?”
I keep my eyes on Snowball because I’m sure Wyatt is smirking again. “I was just curious how you got such a cute little dog.”
“Short version—the old woman who owned her died.”
I turn to him. “I want the long version.”
A ghost of a smile crosses his lips, and I’m drawn in all over again, crossing the room to sit next to him. It must just be the smirk that makes me crazy.
“She lived in the apartment under mine in the city. We used to see each other in the elevator a lot since she took Snowball on walks around the time I went out for lunch. I’d pet Snowball, and we’d talk a bit. Me and Mary Pat, I mean. Snowball can’t talk.” I laugh, and he grins. “One day I noticed Mary Pat wasn’t there. She was frail, in her eighties, so I was concerned. I knocked on her door, and she told me she wasn’t feeling well, so I offered to take Snowball on her walk. I was going out anyway, and a tiny dog like that doesn’t need much of a walk. No big.”
My heart squeezes. A generous man who doesn’t want credit for what he did. “I’m sure she appreciated it.”
“Yeah, that’s what she said. The dog got used to me, I guess. And Mary Pat got weaker. I tried to get her to a doctor or at least contact family for her, but she refused. Later, I found out she had advanced lung cancer and was tired of hospitals. She always just said her body was worn out, and there was nothing anyone could do. I stopped by every day to feed and walk Snowball and check on Mary Pat. When she finally went to the hospital, I took Snowball to my place. And then I’m sure you can guess the end of the story. She died at the hospital a few days later.”
“So sorry.”
He nods. “She was a nice lady. I went to the funeral and tried to give Snowball to her son, who lived out in Oregon, but his apartment didn’t allow pets, and he didn’t want her anyway. Her daughter was up in Maine and already had six kids and two dogs. She didn’t feel up to taking on another pet. They asked me to find Snowball a new home.” He shrugs. “It wasn’t a hard decision. She already had her stuff at my place.”
My heart melts. “I love that story. A happy ending for Snowball. You know that’s awesome what you did.”
He rubs the back of his neck. “Snowball was used to me. What was I going to do, pawn her off on a stranger?”
He’s a decent guy, reasonable and good-hearte
d. Suddenly I know what I can offer him. “That story made me realize what I can give you in return. Like you helped out your neighbor, I can help you out. How about this? You give me a loan, and I’ll be on loan to you until my debt is paid. I can supervise contractors, walk your dog, whatever you need.” I’m so pleased with my solution, which benefits both of us, I’m blindsided by his reply.
“Whatever I need? What if I said I need a lover?”
I gasp, speechless, even as my heart races with excitement.
He smirks. “Ha. Joking, and no, I’m partner or I’m out. Didn’t we already go over that?”
I want to kick him. At the same time I want to kiss him. What if he wasn’t joking? Lover for hire? I mentally smack myself. What are you thinking? You are not for sale.
He gives me a slow sexy smile like he knows what I’m thinking and leans closer, murmuring, “Ah, Sydney, that look in your eyes is very telling.”
A shiver runs down my spine. “I’m just thinking. You must be out, then. We’re at a dead end.” My voice sounds breathy.
His words run hot over my lips. “No professional relationship, then?”
A crackling moment of tension passes, my heartbeat pounding in my ears. If I cross this line, that’s it. No chance of ever working together. Sex or business, want or need. Which pull is stronger? I can’t think when he’s this close. Everything’s so mixed up in my mind.
“Wyatt,” I whisper, “I can’t.”
He eases back from me. “Can’t what?”
Can’t kiss you. Can’t work with you. Can’t give up control in my business. I don’t know which can’t is most important anymore. My body hums with need as his gaze searches mine.
He gestures between us. “I’m confused. Is it that you don’t want to work with me or—”
I grab his head and kiss him. Hard and quick, like I need to get it out of the way. I can’t fight the impulse.
His response surprises me. He returns the kiss, his lips sliding in a caress that steals my breath before fitting more firmly against mine. He’s tender yet sure like he was looking forward to this inevitability. His hand comes up to cup my jaw, his thumb stroking the sensitive spot just under my ear. My stomach flutters, sparks firing over my skin. I wrap my arms around his neck and go with it. Sensual heat floods me as his tongue explores. His hands stroke over my shoulders and down my back, resting low near my ass. Desire unfurls deep within me, a throbbing insistent beat.
He breaks the kiss, rubbing his thumb over my lower lip. “Sydney.” He studies me, his demeanor relaxed but serious. “So…” He trails off like I’m supposed to fill in the blank.
I stare at his mouth, wanting more. Is it so wrong? It’s not like we’re doing business together. He offered to help me out under conditions I can’t accept. So that means business is off the table.
He gives me a slow sexy smile. “What was that?”
“What?”
“You kissed me.”
“You kissed me back.”
“And?”
My brows draw together. “You know, you make everything aggravating and difficult.”
He wraps a hand around the back of my neck and pulls me in close. “Why’re the claws coming out?” He smirks as he strokes my hair back from my face.
He’s entertained by me. Fuck it.
I kiss him again roughly, done playing games. He returns fire, his mouth demanding, his tongue tangling with mine. What started as a spark turns to a raging inferno of need. I reach for the end of his shirt and slide my hands underneath. My palms meet heated skin as they roam over tight abs and then broad chest. His hands slide over me from the nape of my neck to my sides, my hips, my ass. And then he’s pulling me under him on the sofa, his thigh wedging between mine, bringing delicious friction. I throb with need, a dark craving for more.
I tug at his shirt, and he breaks the kiss, sitting up to pull it over his head. He’s gorgeous, defined muscles with a smattering of chest hair disappearing in a faint line under his waistband. Pure lust rushes through me, and then I still, sensing someone staring. Big curious shih tzu eyes look back at me. Snowball wants to know what all this activity is about. I suddenly realize we’re out in the open here in a room with no door. His sister is upstairs.
I put a hand to his chest just as he leans in for another kiss. “What about Kayla?”
“She’s watching her favorite show with her earbuds in. Don’t worry about her.”
I push him off me, get up, and retrieve his shirt. “No can do.” I toss his shirt at him. “We’re out in the open here.”
His shirt remains in his hand, his skin golden, the hard planes of his gorgeous body sorely tempting me. “Where’s your sense of adventure?”
“I’m not into public sex.”
“We were about to have sex? I thought it was a hot make-out session.”
My cheeks flame. Oops. Guess we weren’t on the same lusty journey. I don’t usually move that fast, but the man has been tempting me for weeks, and I haven’t been with anyone in way too long, and it was so consuming all I could think about was skin on skin, lusty satisfaction. Now would be a good time for me to slink out the door if we weren’t trapped here in this snowstorm.
He pulls his shirt on. “I misunderstood, but I’m on board. Believe me. How about you get under the blanket while I run and grab a condom from my room?”
I eye the sofa, somewhere between lust and agitation.
He pulls me by my belt buckle until we’re standing chest to chest, and wraps his arms around me. “Tell me exactly what the problem is, and I’ll fix it.”
I pull away, gesturing wildly. “This is not how I want to break my dry spell! On a sofa, where you’ll probably pull a hamstring trying to fit, and there’s potential witnesses! I’m sure Snowball will watch attentively too!” Snowball cocks her head at her name, watching me. “See? It’s bad enough it’s been ten months for me, and my ex couldn’t get me off.” I jam my hands on my hips, thinking about that. “Not entirely his fault. I told myself he was the kind of guy I should want, steady and responsible. He never got me worked up in any way, and that made for a nice comfortable relationship.” I narrow my eyes at him. “Apparently, I prefer cocky guys who drive me crazy half the time!”
“Excellent. I’ll just—”
“Hey, guys, what’s up?” Kayla says, walking into the room with the laptop.
I drop my arms to my sides. Thank God we’re dressed. “Not much. Just talking.”
Wyatt shoots me an amused look.
“Do you want to watch a movie with me?” Kayla asks. “My show is making me too teary.”
Wyatt’s eyes go soft with sympathy. He shoots me a questioning look. He can’t stand that she’s teary. Even with sex on the table—I was still hoping to figure something out—he prioritizes his family. He’s close with them. Just like me and my family.
“Sure, that sounds great,” I tell Kayla, trying to sound civil. I’m both unreasonably irritated at the lust shutdown and mushy over the fact that Wyatt cares so much about his family.
Wyatt sends me an appreciative look. Yeah, yeah, not like we’re going to do anything out in the open here. This is for the best. I was rushing things anyway. I just got worked up really fast. Lust doesn’t usually make me unreasonable when thwarted.
The three of us settle on the sofa with Kayla in the middle. “This is great,” she says, letting out a shaky breath. “I feel better already.”
“Good,” Wyatt says. “Now put on anything but a chick flick.”
12
Wyatt
I keep sneaking glances over at Sydney while Mamma Mia plays. (Definitely a chick flick, I was overruled.) That kiss—intense, needy. Her sweet scent and something distinctly her was intoxicating. I knew it would be like that. The way we tangled verbally, I could always feel that tension.
As soon as business was out, I leaned in.
And she kissed me.
I usually take my time, never wanting to pressure a woman into the physica
l, so I was surprised when she started complaining about public sex. First kiss to sex? Hell yeah. If that’s what she wants, I’m on board. I like her a lot and admire her grit. And I’m damn tired of flaky women who care more about what kind of car I drive than what I think. Not that Sydney agrees with everything I say, but she takes it seriously.
I catch her eye, and her lips part. Yeah, she wants me.
Business is business, and this is no longer that. No red flags. No conflict of interest. Just two consenting adults who’ve been circling each other for nearly two months now. Am I concerned about her debt? Yes. But she wants to do things her way, and I respect that. Some businesses are no longer viable, and it’s important to know when to step back. She’s smart. She’ll figure out what needs to happen. It just won’t be with my help. And actually I’m glad. Now I don’t have to worry she only wants me for my money.
Hold up. She’s not using sex to get my money, is she? I hate that I even think that, but I’ve been burned too many times. I glance over at her again, and she smiles, a faint pink on her cheeks like she’s remembering our hot kiss.
I face front. Okay, I’m not going to cut this short before giving her a chance. I’ll be careful. Keep it casual. And if she turns around with her hand out, that’s the end of it.
Even if I feel compelled to rescue her. Not this time. I’ve learned my lesson the hard way. In the meantime, why not enjoy what she’s offering?
And she’s Snowball approved. What more could I ask for? Ha.
As soon as the movie ends, I stand, clap my hands together, and rub them. “I’m beat. Time for bed. Who wants the bathroom first?” I look to my sister, hoping she’ll take the hint to get ready and go to sleep so I can make my move. Sydney can’t complain about being out in the open if Kayla’s sleeping. And I’ll dim the dining room light too. One could argue it’s even romantic. As I will.
“I don’t have a toothbrush or anything,” Sydney says.
“Come with me,” Kayla says. “I’ll let you borrow my stuff. Well, not the toothbrush, you can use your finger for that.”
They head upstairs together.
Fetching: A Frenemies to Lovers Romantic Comedy (Unleashed Romance, Book 1) Page 10