Page 95 of The Jilted Lovers Club
I perk up at this. “That corporate town?” I glance at Ashton. “Are you kidding?”
“I wonder if he was involved in that,” Ashton says. “If he wasn’t involved, he was at least inspired by it.”
“Maybe his family was one of the ones who were pushed out,” I muse. “But even if that’s not enough, the email hacking will do it. Did Clyve figure anything else out?”
Bec nods. “A private investigator uncovered a whole hacking ring that’s been going on, and Alexander’s money is all over it. He’s in a lot of trouble right now. He was forced to release Bernie’s businesses, but that’s not even the best part.” She turns to Ashton. “We got The Till back!”
“What? How?” Ashton shakes his head. “We took the money, that sale was final.”
“It wasn’t though,” she says, beaming. “There was a clause that said no criminal activity could be tied to any party within ninety days of the sale. With the hacking ring exposed, that clause kicked in, and since Bob never signed the final execution documents, we were able to back out.” She’s grinning, her eyes shining like I’ve never seen before. “Of course, we had to give allthe money back, plus pay for all the improvements. So we still owe a fortune, but we can figure it out.”
In this moment, I dread all the grand plans I’d made for that shop. A fortune is an understatement.
But I also know where she can get the money.
“What you need are investors.” I give Ashton a side glance. “At least, one person who’d be willing to provide an advance.”
Ashton’s eyes widen, and he shakes his head. “Oh, hell no. You’re not doing this.”
“I lost my job this week,” I say, “and I need something that’s going to make me money. So what if I invested in The Till?”
“Jordy, come on. You and I both know that shop won’t be able to pay you back that kind of money.”
“You don’t know that,” I say, even though I’m aware of the risk I’m taking. This is a small town. I’m not going to make a huge name for myself or become wealthy from putting my money into this shop.
But looking around this room, at Bec and Bob with their arms around each other, at Lottie in Ashton’s arms—at the conflicted look on Ashton’s handsome face…
This is so much more important. This means more than seeing my name on a billboard or becoming some fancy designer. I realize I want this more than anything.
“You don’t have to do this,” Ashton says, reaching forward to touch my arm.
“I know I don’t,” I say, sliding my hand into his. “But I want to. My grandmother’s money is just sitting in a bank account, waiting for an opportunity like this. I’ve been banking it for a while, kind of as a security fund in case I couldn’t grow my business. But I’d always hoped I could do something important with it. I feel like this is it.”
“But—”
“Kids, let’s talk about options in the morning,” Bob interrupts, but he and Bec are grinning at each other. “Right now, dinner is getting cold, and I’m hungry. There’s plenty of time to talk business tomorrow.”
Ashton and I settle in bed once Lottie is asleep. We’re exhausted from the drive, but also buzzing from all the new information that emerged over dinner. It’s hard not to feel excited about all of this.
“I can’t have you tie up your money in our family business,” he says. “It’s not fair. It’s not a money maker; it never has been.”
“I know,” I say. “And yes, you can. I’m partially offering this to help you guys out. But I’m also doing this for me too. I love Lahoma Springs, and I love being here with you. No matter what happens, I want to be a part of this town, and that could be by investing in The Till.”
He sits up, looking down at me. “What are you saying? Are you—”
“Staying? Yes. I think I could probably rent a room from Bernie until I find someplace—”
He tackles me before I can finish my thought.
“You will do no such thing, young lady,” he growls, climbing on top of me and securing my wrists in his hand above my head.
I squirm underneath him, laughing as he pokes my side with his free hand.
“Are you asking me to move in with you?”
He leans down, brushing his mouth across mine.
“Darling, you already live here. We just need to get your stuff here, and probably build an addition on to this house for all your clothes.”
