Page 13 of Coff

“No, but perhaps I should have. What is going on?”

“I researched you, Logan Folger. And I know you and your brother will lose the home you grew up in if you don’t come up with three hundred thousand dollars by the end of next month.”

I watch Logan. He stills.

“You son of a bitch. That’s none of your business.”

My dad sets down his drink. “It is if you are trying to marry my daughter for her money.”

“I want to marry your daughter because I love her. I don’t care about the money. Write up an iron-clad prenup if you want.”

Did I hear that right? He wants to marry me. I want to jump up and down, but I manage to stay composed as I continue to listen.

“It won’t be necessary. She won’t marry you.”

What? Why wouldn’t I?

“That’s not for you to decide,” Logan says.

I peek in the window again and watch as my dad takes a sip of his drink. “No, it’s not. But once she has all the facts, I think we both know what she’ll choose.”

“You would rather your daughter be miserable than give up control of her? Wow! Really think about what you are planning to do. You will hurt her deeply.” Logan shakes his head. “I’m done here.”

He storms out of the room, and Duke ushers me back to the front of the house.

I turn and grab Duke’s shirt. “Did I really hear all of that?”

Duke wraps his arms around me. “You did. I’m sorry Dad is such an asshole. If it makes you feel any better, I don’t think Logan sought you out for your money.”

I snort. “Yeah, thanks. I know that. I went up to him.”

Duke steps back and shoves his hands in his pockets. “Yeah. Who knew it would turn into anything more than a one-night stand? Hell, I didn’t think you even had one-night stands.” He stares off into the yard.

“How did you know that’s what it was at first?”

He glances at me, then back to the yard. “I grilled Sam after I saw that hickey on your neck. She told me.”

Sam told him my personal business.

He must see the anger in my eyes. “Don’t be mad at her. I insisted she tell me.”

“You are becoming just like him, you know?”

He sighs. “I know, but that’s the plan. I’ll take over the business one day.”

“And me, too, apparently.”

Duke laughs.

“Why is that funny?”

Duke turns to face me. “What do you think Dad does?”

I shrug. “He owns a few businesses, but most of his effort goes into the construction business.”

He nods. “And what does the construction business do?”

I step over to our front porch and sit down. “Based on what I’ve seen, most contracts are for cement work, but a small part is for building houses.”

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