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“Then write an offer for eighteen.”

My eyes narrow as I stare through my confusion. “What are you doing?”

“I’m buying a home. Neutral territory. A place where we both can exist equally.”

“I don’t want to only exist with you. I want to be with you—completely—whatever that means.” I rest my hand on her leg, finding comfort selfishly in the small connection.

“I want to go to Los Angeles with you this weekend, but . . .” She pulls a folded piece of paper from her pocket. Holding open the blank birthday check, she says, “I want that house. Can you make it happen?”

28

Harrison

“Laws schmaws.”

Tatum waves it off like I’m talking nonsense. “I’m not looking to spend time in jail for breaking real estate laws in place for a reason. It’s fine. I have someone who can represent you, but at this stage, since you’re dead-set on submitting eighteen, all they have to do is submit the paperwork.”

I waited for most of the flight to bring up the fact that I can’t represent the seller and the buyer because I already told her what the buyer wants. I wasn’t prepared to have that conversation and her throwing out eight figures like it’s nothing isn’t something I’m used to.

Representing both of them is legal if I’m careful with my words. After that, Tatum would have been my first choice to represent. But I blew it by bringing up the client's wish and setting a precedent. With any other buyer, I would have been squeezing them for nineteen or twenty.

She napped half the flight and then watched a show before she was awake enough to discuss the house and offer.

“If I submit an offer, are you going to counter?” she asks.

“Maybe. I have to see what the clients want to do. As soon as we get back to my place, I’ll call her.”

“Your place.” She leans her head against the headrest and rolls it to face me. “Tell me about it.”

“I have a house on the Bird Streets.”

“I don’t know what that means.”

“The Bird Streets is a highly sought-after section of homes above the Sunset Strip named after birds like Nightingale and Thrasher. You had me pegged for being stereotypical from the beginning. Guess I didn’t disappoint.”

She reaches for my hand and holds it. And if I’m not mistaken, I spot remorse laced into her features. “I’m sorry for saying that. I don’t think you’re stereotypical at all. If I did, I wouldn’t be with you.” She licks her lips and then adds, “I actually think you’re very special, a treasure I’ve found somehow out of all the trash I’ve dated.”

I lean over and kiss her. “I love you.”

Kissing me again, she runs her fingers along my jaw, holding me there, and she whispers, “I love you, too.”

~ Tatum ~

The seat belt sign comes on, and the attendant announces our arrival at LAX.

I’ve been to Los Angeles a lot over the years for shopping, vacations, visiting friends, and invitations to celebrity events. When I think of Hollywood, I think of mansions. That’s not what I get with Harrison’s house.

I get a home that a family could live in. Modern only in clean lines, the natural wood elements in the shelves and the tables keep it grounded and earthy in nature. The leather chairs and the plush couch have an elevated but old-Hollywood vibe to them. It’s the art that stands out.

Standing in front of the fireplace after a tour, I stare up at the modern art that’s bold in the use of orange and blues with a hint of red in the background. Art gives insight into someone’s life. Considering not only is Harrison a real estate agent but that he pursued me well after he had a right to give up, the art fits the man.

It’s the view that steals the limelight, though. “You can see all of Los Angeles and more from here.” I look over my shoulder. “It’s stunning. Open, like you. You know, if we’re comparing that kind of thing, my view down the avenue is much tighter.” I shrug. “Fitting with how closed off I can be.”

He comes around me, slipping his arms around my middle. “I don’t see it that way. You’re not closed off to me. And you have an incredible view for New York City.”

“True.”

Kissing my neck, he says, “I’m going to contact Robert, the agent who will work with you on the deal, and then call Dolores.”