“It will be a big change.”
He shrugged. “That’s okay. Change is a good thing sometimes.”
She agreed. But she still had to be sure. “As long as you’re doing this for you and Senior and not for me,” she said. “I wish I hadn’t told you about my business woes.”
“I’m glad you did.”
When she met his gaze, she could see he was telling the truth. “Thank you,” she said. “And thanks for trusting me to find your new home.”
“New home.” He scratched his chin, his eyes lighting up. “I think I can get used to that.”
She picked up the pages he’d handed to her earlier and skimmed them, full of optimism and renewed enthusiasm. “This first house is a possibility,” she said. “Although it’s priced too high. I can negotiate that down to something more reasonable.”
“I can afford the price.”
“Oh, I know.” She looked at him. “But I don’t want you paying more than the property is worth.”
“Even though you’re considerin’ the same thing with #6?”
“That’s different,” she insisted. “I don’twantto pay that much for #6, but if I have to, I will. I’m confident the building will continue to appreciate. But you don’t have to pay the listing price if this ends up being the home you want.”
He nodded. “Gotcha.”
She glanced at the second page. The listing was for an idyllic twenty-five-acre plot of land on Miles Road that had just hit the market. “Are you interested in building?” she asked, pointing to the picture of the property.
“I’m not opposed to it.” She put the listing between them, and as he leaned forward, she caught the scent of fresh soap and laundry detergent. No fancy cologne for this guy. “That’s my favorite,” he said. “It’s got a fishin’ hole and everythin’.”
His enthusiasm for something as simple as a pond had her laughing... until she saw who held the listing.Oh no.
“Whatcha think?” Rusty said, looking at her.
Harper scrambled for a response. “It’s... nice.” But the person who represented the property wasn’t. Brielle Weaver. A sour knot formed in the pit of her stomach.
“I didn’t see a price on it,” he continued, then took another sip of his latte. “Reckon that means it’s expensive.”
He reckoned right. But if he wanted the property, she would do everything she could to get it for him. “I’ll make a call,” she said, dread swirling around the knot as she took her cell phone out of her purse and dialed Brielle’s number. Itwent straight to voice mail. She wasn’t sure whether she was relieved or disappointed. “Hey, Brielle, it’s Harper Wilson. I’ve got a client interested in one of your properties. Call me asap.” She ended the call and set her phone on the table. “As soon as she gets back to me, we’ll set up an appointment.”
“Sounds good.” He looked at the large white mug in front of him. “You’re right. This ain’t half bad once you get used to it. Not that I’m gonna give up my coffee anytime soon. But for a treat, this works.”
“I’d never steer you wrong,” she said with a confident nod, shoving Brielle out of her mind. She could handle her, especially if it meant Rusty and Senior getting the property they wanted.
“I know you won’t.” He grinned.
She felt a little tug of... something... again. Even through the heavy beard, his grin was engaging. He was such a kind and gentle man, and she would do right by him—even if it meant dealing with her nemesis.
“I don’t know how any of this house-huntin’ stuff works,” he said.
“Then you’re in luck, because I do.” She grinned. “I just had a cancellation this afternoon, so if you want, we can look at the properties you picked out. If you’re free, that is.”
“Sure. Percy and Senior are holding down the garage today. That’s why I was able to meet with you now.”
“Senior’s working on the cars?”
“He can see well enough to do a few things, like change oil. That’s somethin’ he could do blindfolded, truth be told. I won’t let him, though. He’s put out with me about that, even though he’ll be happy jawin’ with any customers that call.I usually close the shop around noon or one anyway, and Percy won’t mind taking him home, or wherever he wants to go.” He shook his head. “He’s got a busier social life than I do.”
Me too.And she would get back to that social life as soon as she made some sales, Rusty being the first one. She met his gaze. “Ready to find your dream home?”
“Yep,” he said. “I’m ready.”
