Page 28

“Are you saying that as a businessman or my benevolent friend?”

“Both.”

I slowly exhale, watching the breeze play across the thriving field. The alfalfa perfumes the air with its sharp, green fragrance, and a meadowlark sings from a fence post.

Could this be my new flower farm and nursery?

“What do you think?” Cassian asks.

“Do we have to decide right now?”

“If we want it…yes.”

The thought of making a decision this big, this quickly, nearly gives me hives. But I don’t want to lose it,andI don’t want to miss our flight.

“Let’s do it,” I finally say, nearly breaking out in a cold sweat. “Send Hunter an offer.”

“I already did,” Cassian says. “We signed papers this morning. Congratulations, you’re a landowner.”

I whip my head over to Cassian. “What if I’d said no?”

“I would have started a flower farm of my own, and we would be cutthroat competitors.”

“Cassian.”

The vampire chuckles, amused with himself. “I would have sold it. It’s not a big deal.”

We’re talking half a million dollars for this irrigated chunk of land, at least, and he says it’s not a big deal.

I shake my head, baffled by the way the filthy rich vampire prince operates. Then I look at the property again. “It’s really ours?”

“It really is.”

“Oh my goodness,” I whisper, overwhelmed. “It almost makes it easier knowing you bought it without my input. Like, if this all fails, it’s your fault and not mine.”

“I suspected as much.”

I turn to him. “You really want to do this with me?”

“This is your show. Just think of me as a silent partner, here to dole out money.”

“Thank you,” I whisper, my eyes getting a little misty. “Seriously, Cassian. This is amazing.”

“I’m glad you like it. Now, let’s talk about Florida.”

“What about Florida?” He’s acting weird again.

“How about you stay here? Fabian will keep you company and drive you around. Noah and I will be back before you know it. What do you say?”

I glance toward the car. “Are you serious? You’re asking me if I want to stay with Fabian? What’s going on with you?”

“Nothing,” he lies.

“You hired me an armed driver, and you’re trying to keep me out of Florida.Somethingis up.”

“I just thought you might like to stay here and make plans for our new business.”

He looks innocent, but I’m not buying it.