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Dani
“This is a good deal, Dani,” the Neal clone says, gesturing at the stack of papers laid out neatly before me. “Neal told me to make it transparent and simple, with no obscure clauses.”
I observe Ross Mountjoy with a great deal of curiosity, scrutinizing his calm but very familiar features.
I was quite shocked when he’d arrived with Neal. I hadn’t expected an identical twin. Apart from the slightly longer hair, he’s a carbon copy. Both of them are tall, handsome, confident and assured.
For the last hour, Ross has been walking me line by line through a contract that states my shop will be incorporated into the lower level of the mall. Although it will have to be at a walk-in side entrance because of the fixed location.
All four of us are squashed around the tiny bistro table in my upstairs kitchen. Mugs of lukewarm coffee sit between us. Parker has been listening intently, taking notes, making sure that it all adds up, while Neal has been humming along, pitching in with what Ross lays out.
Neal leans towards me. “Not only is Bouquets going to be a store in the new mall, but the ground rent is exceptionally low and locked in at the offered rate. No matter what happens between us personally, Dani, it’s all basically carved in stone.”
Us.
So Neal and I are an item? I’d hoped we might be, but the relationship between us has been a little strained with the business angle. It’s been confusing. But I do feel we’ve gotten past that now.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love the sound of anus. I smile right back at him even though my head is still spinning. But this time, I know everything is fine. His expression is one of sincere, honest integrity. Finally, I know in my heart of hearts that I can trust him implicitly. I can still hardly believe he’d be prepared to go so out of his way to do this for me.
Parker sighs quietly and gives his nod. “Looks good to me, sis. The contract is airtight. And you get what you want. You get to keep your shop, Dani.” Parker looks at me with a knowing grin.
My brother and I gaze at one another for a long moment before I slowly turn back towards Neal.
A thousand thoughts are flying through my head, but I do my best to organize them and process everything that we’ve discussed today.
“So, I really won’t be selling out if I sign this,” I say slowly, to which everyone else nods immediately. ”And Neal… the store itself will still be Bouquets, and it will still belong to me. Even though it’s in your mall, and your company will be my landlord.”
We lock eyes. “That’s correct.”
“How much of a delay and extra cost will this cause you?”
“Considerable resources. As in a great deal,” Ross states cooly. I keep my eyes on Neal. He seems unmoved by whatever that cost is, but his smile is stretched a bit thin.
Ross taps the top page of the contract. “As stated in the contract, we will need to do structural changes to the building, strengthen the exterior, engineering issues, but it’ll be as minimal as possible, and you’ll be involved every step of the way. It’s a shame the upper floor will have to go, but it’s not possible to incorporate a two-level building. We’ll fund your removal expenses, and you’ll have a hefty chunk of compensation to find an apartment nearby.”
I lean back and fold my arms, gazing at all present, one by one. “Sounds like you’ve covered all the bases.”
“I hope so.” Neal levels his gaze on me. “All that’s left to do is sign.” With a more convincing smile, he holds out his pen, and I take it. But I don’t intend to put ink to his contract, so I lay it down. “Actually, I have my own terms to negotiate first.”
Ross’s brows pinch. Parker smiles wryly.
“Seriously?” Neal protests. But he doesn’t sound irritated, just intrigued. “What else could you possibly want? I thought I’d covered everything?”
Slowly, I smile and then nod. “You did, Neal.Almost. The other shop owners that you bought out, I’d like you to offer them spaces in your new mall.”
“Already done,” Neal answers immediately. “Three have accepted, the rest want to retire now that they have the means.” He waits a few seconds, watching me. “Is that all?”
I smile and nod. “That’s all.”
A smirk twitches on Neal’s handsome mouth, and he scoots along my bench seat, right next to me. His warmth washes over me, and by reflex, I move even closer.
When his arm glides around my back, his hand hanging on my shoulder, stroking my arm, my smile widens. Being near him is heavenly. I could drown in this gorgeous guy.
And I intend to.Later.
“Neal holds up his hand. “I’ve got a term or two of my own—off the record,” he says, “I want weekly flower deliveries to my home and my business HQ. You’ll be compensated at full price, but I wantyouto be the one to deliver them to my house.” He ends his statement with a wink and a wolfish grin.
Ross whistles, and Parker rolls his eyes.
