Page 141 of Comeback
“Archer—”
I hold up a hand. “I know you said that you didn’t want that, but I love you too damn much to stand by and do nothing. Eleanor is a good woman, and she’d want to know what kind of guy she’s handing over her legacy to.”
Sabrina bites at her bottom lip, looking nervous. “What did you say? And what did she say?”
“I was hoping to change her mind about letting him buy the building but turns out she was having cold feet anyway. I didn’t have to say much before she confessed that she was already having second thoughts.”
“She is?”
“Yeah, baby, she is.”
“Does that mean she isn’t selling the building?”
“Yep.” I let my grin break free.
“But what about Florida and taking care of her grandkids?”
“She’s still doing that, and I think she will sell the building eventually. She’s just not ready yet. This place has too many memories for her, and with all the other changes she’s making, she just needs more time.”
“Makes sense,” Sabrina says.
I nod. “So until she’s ready, I convinced her to let me manage things for her.”
“You…” The question trails off.
“Yep. I’m going to act as her management company, and in exchange when she’s ready to sell, you’ll have first dibs before she places it on the market.” I think Eleanor was relieved to have an out, honestly. And the idea of Sabrina being able to own it someday and keep it as a dance studio was too much for her to say no.
Sabrina’s mouth gapes open. If I thought she’d let me buy it for her now, I would. This is the next best thing.
“Are you mad? Please say you aren’t mad.”
“No. I’m not mad. A little stunned. This is really happening?” Her lips curve into a tentative smile.
“She’s putting it all on paper so there won’t be any disputing it, should anything happen to her or me. And if you don’t want me to be the manager, I’ll help you find someone else.”
“I could never buy this building. I saw how much Graham was paying for it.” Her face blanches.
“Not yet, but someday you will. Maybe you’ll have studios all over the city.” I wave one hand in the air. “Whatever it is you want, you’ll do it. I have no doubt.”
A small, strangled laugh finally slips from her lips. “I don’t know what to say.”
“How about, Archer Holland is the best boyfriend alive.”
“He is.” She leans forward and kisses me. “This is the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me. If I weren’t already stupid in love with you, I would be now.”
She still looks shocked, but she’s smiling and that’s all I ever want.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
She looks up toward the ceiling like she’s deep in thought. “Does this mean you’re my landlord now?”
“Eh…” I bob my head side to side. “More like your supervisor.”
“And what will the working conditions be like?”
“There’ll be a lot of kissing anytime I stop by.” I do just that. “Maybe some late nights working together. Possibly naked.”
