I swallow. I like the guy, but I don’t want him or anyone else to own Pippa’s space. I want Pippa and Pippa alone to own it. “Because Pippa deserves to own the space. I’ll buy it and immediately put it in her name.”
“And the other properties? There are good people with businesses that are their livelihood that are also in jeopardy.”
“I have no desire to deal with tenants and all of that. They can purchase their locations. Or you can take them over—I’ll do whatever they prefer. I just want Pippa to own what she’s worked so hard for, and I don’t want the others to be taken advantage of.”
Dean watches me closely, his lips perfectly straight as he thinks through my words. I don’t cower under his gaze. I have nothing to hide—I mean every single word I’m telling him.
“And I’m supposed to just believe you on this?”
“Yes, but if you still don’t think I’m a man of my word, you’re welcome to join the bidding war.”
He cracks another smile, his brown eyes roaming my face. “I knew I liked you.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because you don’t beat around the bush. You’re straight to the point. It’s refreshing.”
“People here don’t speak their mind?”
“Not like you. There’s a lot more behind-the-back deals and backhanded jabs. You’re a good addition to Sutten, Hunter.”
“You’re tolerable,” I tease, fiddling with my coffee cup. “And I don’t say that about many people.”
He sits forward, tapping the notepad in front of me. “Let’s review the plan for the auction. I want to make damn sure that the good people of my town don’t have to deal with this bullshit any longer than necessary. You’re prepared to spend a lot of money? It won’t be cheap.”
“I’d gladly spend every last dime of mine for her.”
He whistles. “Hope you’ve got the pockets to back this.”
This makes me laugh. He’s used to old money. People with old money don’t understand new money. My family may have made a name for themselves, but there isn’t a long line of Hunters with prestigious money like there is for his family. But I’m good at what I do. I’ve made a lot of money, much more than Jason ever has. There’s no way Jason will ever outbid me. “Don’t worry about that part, Livingston. You just keep your ear out to make sure this goes through. And tell me if you hear anything from Pippa.”
“You could just go talk to her. Tell her your plan.”
I shake my head. “No. I’m respecting her boundaries until this problem is solved.”
“She and this entire town think they can raise enough money to buy back the block.”
I frown. I don’t want her to be disappointed when she realizes there’s no way they could raise enough to outbid Jason. He’s narcissistic and rich—a horrible combination. He won’t go down without a fight. A fundraiser could never raise the money needed, but I fall even more in love with her for trying. My stubborn, magnificent woman. I can’t wait to have her in my arms again.
“Let them have hope,” I speak up. “It’s good for them.”
Dean holds my gaze for a bit longer before he pushes his chair out and stands up. “I’ll see you at the auction, then.”
“Thanks for helping. I appreciate it.”
Dean stares at my outstretched hand, taking it in his. “I helped you for Pippa and for the rest of the good people in this town. I don’t normally like out-of-towners. You’ll be the exception.”
“I appreciate the help, regardless.”
“Yeah, well, when this is all said and done, I’m going to make damn sure you do right by the other people on the block.”
Both our hands drop, but I give him a nod. “You have my word.”
57
PIPPA
I’m sick to my stomach with nerves. I’ve anxiously reapplied lip gloss so many times that my lips practically stick together from the number of coats I’ve put on them.
“Breathe,” Mare tells me, reaching over to grab my hand. She gives it a big squeeze, keeping it firm in her grasp. “This is going to work,” she reaffirms, looking at my brother.
Cade nods. “We won’t let you down, Pip. We’re going to figure this out today. Just take a deep breath.”
I close my eyes, wanting to find something to wipe my lips off with. We’re sitting in a row of fold-up chairs, waiting for the auction to start. My senior prom and sixteenth birthday party both took place in this rec room. Never did I imagine I’d also be fighting for the chance to keep my business here, too.