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“So why do people bend over backward for your family?”
“Chances are, I’m their landlord.”
Nate chuckles. “My family owns most of the commercial property on the east side of town.”
“So, what would you do? Raise their rent for being late with the appetizer?” I sound much testier than I intend, but this whole mindset bothers me, and I’m sure there is a lot more to the story. It seems to be exactly the kind of rich people’s attitude Aunt Ginny always warned me about.
“That would go against the lease,” he says. He tries to smile, but when he looks at me, the smile falters. “I suppose they think I might. I wouldn’t do that—it’s not a good business practice. I make money when the businesses in the buildings make money.”
I start twisting my fingers together nervously, not sure how I should respond.
“I’ve upset you,” Nate says quietly.
“It’s not that. It’s just…” I don’t know how to finish the sentence. That kindness curse strikes, and I can’t come right out and tell him I think he’s lying. I have no proof of that. “I’m not used to being around someone with so much…control over other people.”
Nate hesitates before answering.
“Sometimes, a landlord has to be a bastard,” he says. “Sometimes, a tenant deserves it. That said, you have a landlord—”
“Someone in your family, apparently,” I interrupt.
“In my family, yes, but Reid owns his own rental properties. They aren’t part of Orso Unlimited Properties. Anyway, Reid is your landlord, but it’s not like he has any real control over your actions. You always have choices. If you decided, for instance, that you didn’t want to live here for the duration of your lease, you could leave whenever you wanted to. He also couldn’t have you removed from the apartment without cause. That’s why you have a contract with him. Commercial properties under the Orso family business have similar contracts though their terms are quite a bit more complicated.”
“So, I could break my lease, pick up and move to the west side, and you’d be okay with that?”
Nate’s eyes darken, and I’ve clearly hit a nerve.
“There’s more to it, isn’t there?”
“You’re perceptive,” he says quietly. “And to answer your question, no. I would not be okay with that. Not at all.”
“Why not?”
“I wish I could explain it all to you right now,” he says, “but I can’t. I need to leave soon. What time do you work Monday?”
“Noon until six,” I say, not missing his abrupt change of subject. “Melissa says I’ll get more hours starting next week.”
“That works perfectly. How would you feel about meeting me at the county clerk’s office about nine, then?”
“Really?”
“Absolutely. Bring whatever paperwork you have, and we’ll see what we can get done.”
“Thank you so much!” I reach up and wrap my arms around his neck. “You have no idea how much this means to me.”
“It’s my pleasure,” Nate replies softly.
He wraps one arm around my waist, pulling me against him. I barely glance up at him before his mouth is on mine, his other hand tangling in my hair as he pulls me to him. I feel his tongue against my lips and open my mouth to him.
He still tastes like maple syrup, and my whole body feels like it’s vibrating. I’m keenly aware of the length of his body pressed up against mine as his hand slides a little lower, pausing just before he reaches my ass. I angle against him, wanting to encourage him to go ahead and grab it without breaking the kiss.
He pulls away far too quickly, leaving me breathless.
“You taste like syrup,” Nate says with a smile. “So sweet.”
“So do you.” I grin up at him.
He licks his mouth as he stares at me for a long moment, then releases my hair and glances down at his watch. He mashes his lips together, frowning slightly.
