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“You know what? I will call them just to prove I’m not.” I stab at the screen like it offended me. My finger shakes so hard, I misdial the number twice before getting it right.
A woman answers the phone. “Hello?”
“Hi, I’m calling to inquire about unit number seven on Main Street.”
“Ahh, yes. The rental unit. Is that the corner one?”
“Yes.”
Cal leans in closer, but I step away, not wanting him to overhear me receive crushing news.
“The property is available.”
“For how much a month?”
“Five hundred dollars.”
“Five hundred dollars?” I rub my eyes. “How is that possible?”
“According to the landlord, the property has a whole family of mice living inside. As you can imagine, that’s not exactly a selling point.”
“A whole family of—” Everything clicks into place.
Vinny selling the property after it had been in the family for years. Cal standing outside the building, daring me to call the number and ask about the rent.
“Excuse me, something just came up.” I hang up and turn to face the new landlord. “You bought the building.”
He doesn’t even blink. “I’ve always been interested in real estate.”
“Monopoly doesn’t count.”
He fights a smile and fails.
My eyes narrow. “Are you the new landlord?”
“Technically speaking, yes.”
“Why would you do that?”
“Because turning your dreams into realities makes me happy.”
“It makes you happy.” I repeat his words, processing them.
He frowns. “Is that so hard to believe?”
“I don’t even know what to believe right now.” The sobriety chip. His new car. The empty shop ready to be leased if I want it. It feels like too much all at once, and I’m not sure how to handle it all.
“I just want you to know if you want the shop, it’s yours. No strings attached.”
I grimace. “I hate being bought with gifts.”
“It’s not a gift if I plan on charging you rent.”
I snort a laugh. “Five hundred dollars a month is nothing for a spot like this and you know it.”
His gaze burns as he follows the curves of my body. “Well, if sex is on the table, then I’ll take that as well.”
I jab him in the ribs with my elbow before taking a few steps toward my car.
