“No, but I talked to him yesterday.”
“When he helped you with the flat tire?”
I knew she was talking to him about me! “Why ask me? You already know.” Maybe I sound bratty, but I don’t care. I’m tired of these calls.
Beside me, Dorian’s lips twitch.
“Lisette, honestly. I don’t understand why you’re dragging this out. That house is old and isolated, and you can’t possibly maintain it yourself.”
My fingers tighten around the phone. “I haven’t decided what I want to do yet.”
“Well, you need to decide quickly. Richard says the market out there is growing, and if you wait too long, the repairs could become an issue, and you’ll lose money on the sale.”
Of course, Richard says that.
“It’s Grandmama’s house,” I say quietly. “Not an investment property.”
“The developers won’t wait much longer. They’ll find another property.”
I sit up straight. “What developers?”
She sighs like she’s explaining something to a stubborn five-year-old. “The company that wants to build a luxury spa for the hot springs.”
I’m stunned for half a beat. “You want me to sell so they can tear down her house? The house you grew up in?”
“I want you to sell so you can secure your future. Haven’t you listened to anything I’ve said?”
“That house is a hundred years old!”
“Exactly. I’m surprised it hasn’t caught fire yet with all that old wiring. It’s dangerous and you shouldn’t even be in it. Richard says it’s best if you sell now and let the developers handle it before someone gets hurt.”
“I can’t do that.” How can she be so cold about a place that gave us both so many warm memories? A place of love and happiness. Has she changed that much and I didn’t notice?
“You have a life in Denver. A career. Responsibilities. This fixation on Hollow Peak isn’t healthy.”
My gaze drifts to Dorian again. His expression doesn’t change, but there’s tension in his jaw now.
“It’s not a fixation.”
“Then what is it?”
Home.The answer rises instantly, startling me.
Mom keeps talking before I can respond. “Philip is trying to help you, and frankly, I think you’re being rude. He said some giant mountain man practically threatened him yesterday.”
Dorian’s eyes narrow.
“He was protecting me.”
“Oh please. From what? Philip Weeks?” She gives a disbelieving laugh.
“Yes. And his too-white smile.” Her callousness is infuriating. “You want a decision? Fine. I’m not going to sell. Tell Philip not to expect my call.” I hang up before she can start screaming.
Dorian moves my feet over his lap and runs his big hand up and down my calf. My muscles are tense from the argument, but all I want to do is cry.
I still don’t know if I plan to keep the house, but I sure as hell am not going to let someone tear it down just to line my pockets with money.
He takes my hand and brings it to his lips. “Come on, beautiful. I know what will help.”
