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“There’s no local mall.” He narrows his gaze on me. “I’ve done my research.”
“That may be. But people have cars. They can drive fifteen minutes to the nearest one. The pizza cafe, the gallery, and the craft store that you want to buy... they aren’t just four walls and a roof.” I grew more sure of my reasoning. “They’re unique. And they’re filled with their owners’ hopes and dreams.” I slash my hand through the air. “You’re taking all that away.”
“I think their dreams are long gone. They were struggling. Every single one. They wanted to sell, Dani. I didn’t have to persuade them.” Neal’s voice is calm, assured.
I shrug. “I’ve only your word for that.”
He sits back and folds his arms. “You go talk to them. See what they really think. I have no objections.”
“After I’ve explained just how hard I worked to get to where I am, do you honestly expect me to roll over and die?”
He grunts. “As the evening progresses, I deem it unlikely.” He reaches out his hand and takes mine. As he circles my palm gently with his fingertips, my heart nearly bursts in my chest. His thumb strokes the back of my hand. Chemistry surges between us, and I struggle to focus.
I’m distracted. Far too pleasantly. How can I be so infuriated and infatuated with this man at the same time?
“They have money to chase other dreams now. Don’t you get it, Dani?” he says quietly. “Your shop is doomed to fail. Let me be the one to help you.”
Anger swells in my body. He’s convinced my business will fail?
“I’ll raise the offer” Neal takes a long breath. “I’ll pay you three times what you paid for it.” He smiles like he’s offered me the secret to eternal youth.
I blink rapidly. First two-times. Now three? Why not five or ten? It’s ridiculous, his disregard for money, and my pride. “No, thank you,” I answer curtly.
Neal’s smile falters. “That was a knee-jerk reaction.” He shakes his head. “You didn’t even think about it.”
“I don’t need to,” I reply calmly. “There is nothing you can offer me to make me agree to sell.”
“Is that so?” He swirls his champagne and necks it.
“Yes, that is so.” I lean forward, dragging my hand from his, and lean my forearms on the table.
His fingers remain there as though they’re waiting for my palm to grace his once again. He gazes back at me, his jaw tight.
The silence grows oppressive.
I seem to have rattled him. Can’t help being a little proud about that. I push back from my seat. “Thanks for dinner, Neal, but I have a shop to get back to. Don’t call the pilot. I’ll find my way on my own. I’ll take a cab.”
Tossing my hair over my shoulder, I rise from the chair.
“You’ll stay right here!” he booms. “I brought you here. I’m taking you back. You might not believe it, but I’m a gentleman at heart.”
