Page 4

Jessikah

“Yes, you need to have a minimum of five percent down. That will make your mortgage an insured mortgage. However, you can put more down if you want. The more you put down the lesser the mortgage loan amount is,” I state, staring at the computer screen.

The couple on the other end frantically writing down all the information that I have said.

“What else would we need upon closing?” the male asks.

“You would need your closing costs. So, you would need to pay the solicitor.” They look at me like I am crazy.

“A solicitor is a fancy word for lawyer. You will need to have one for this transaction. You will also need to look at the land transfer tax and then outside of the mortgage itself, the moving portion.” I smile as both take a deep breath.

The couple looks at each other, sharing the silent communication thing couples do before looking back at me. “Okay, get us a mortgage,” they announce unanimously.

“First things first. I need to send you an email. In the email, it will provide you with a link. The link will send you to my mortgage application. Once you fill out the initial application, my team will send you information and documentation to sign and let you know what we need for purposes of obtaining the mortgage. I can tell you that you need to supply me with T4 slips from the last two years for both of you, paystubs, letter of employment from your employer, two pieces of government issued identification. We will go from there afterwards.” I smile as they frantically write down the information.

“How long will it take you?” she asks.

“That all depends on how quickly you guys get me all the information. Once I have it in my possession, I can give you a better timeline,” I state, looking at the calendar application that just popped up with another appointment in thirty minutes.

“Thank you, Jessikah. We were so nervous to talk to you,” they say simultaneously, smiling when I laugh.

“No need to be nervous. We will work together on this and get you the best we can. But remember, it all depends on your income and credit.” They nod, say their goodbyes and click off the zoom.

Quickly sending them out my introductory email with my information card and the link to fill out my application before spinning away from my desk to get another cup of coffee and my tumbler filled with ice, water and a water enhancer.

Making it back to my desk with minutes to spare before my next appointment, I pull out the folder from our previous contact.

“Hello, is Mr. Gallant there please?” I ask, writing his name at the top of my form. They are special forms a lender sent out, and I have been using them for intake.

“Why don’t you have an option for in person meeting? I’d prefer to do this in person than over the phone,” his gruff voice mumbles, causing me to shiver and sit a little straighter.

“Well, Mr. Gallant, I understand you might prefer in person. But the way I work my business is less contact with the public. I can send you a zoom link, if you’d prefer?” I state, putting my pen down.

“Whatever. Next time we talk it’s in person.

I find it unprofessional to not look into the eyes of the person who is looking into my finances.

But the reason for this meeting is so you can tell me my credit is good and we can get on with the refinancing of my cottage, so I can do some much-needed upgrades to the house,” he grumbles.

“How much are we looking for? Do you have quotes on hand?” I ask.

“Like I told you before, I am thinking about one hundred thousand dollars. I can get quotes when I know I am approved for this type of thing. How quick are you at getting stuff done?” His voice is filled with suspicion.

“That, sir. All depends on how quickly you get things uploaded. I ran your credit this morning and you are correct, it is good,” I state, putting my pen down and rubbing my temples.

“Send me the shit you need done. I’ll get everything you need to move forward, and then we can talk again.

” He hangs up the phone, leaving me on the other end with my mouth hanging open.

I quickly email the list with attached forms. How can a man who made me feel at ease the first time talking with, give me the start of a headache the next time around?

I lean my head back on my shoulders and close my eyes, praying a couple of minutes relaxing will keep me from a full blown pounding headache.

When the ping from my computer disrupts the quietness I was enjoying, I look at the incoming email. No way possible. I pull the email up and sure enough the name Paul Gallant shows up and shocks me.

“Damn, the man is quick, I mumble, opening the application and shocked at how much documentation he finished and uploaded. He has everything I need to get the application underwritten and sent to my favorite lender. This application is clean. I haven’t had one of these in a long time.

Tina yells for me that there is someone at the door. I leave my office with Moose following beside me.

“Who is it?” I ask as Tina comes toward me, her eyes large as her hand lays on her chest.

“There is a marvelous piece of man candy standing at your front door. Who is he?” she asks, looking over her shoulder.

“I don’t know, Tina, you answered the door and didn’t ask for ID?” The panic begins to set in. But then I realize that I am safe. My old life doesn’t know where I am.

Walking around Tina, I step into my foyer and stop.

Standing on my porch is a gorgeous man. His black hair is styled to perfection.

He looks to be in his late forties or early fifties.

When his head lifts, I am struck by how sultry his brown eyes look.

I let my eyes roam over his body. His chiseled chest is covered with a leather vest with patches sprinkled all over.

His bottom half is covered with denim pants that hugs his thighs, like I would like to do in this very moment.

Shaking my head to clear my thoughts. Cause frankly I have no idea where that thought came from and now isn’t the time to analyze it. I clear my throat.

“Can I help you?” I ask, my hand on my door, the other on my hip.

“Yes, I am looking for Jessikah Gorman. Is this her place of business?” I nod. “Good, name is Paul. We spoke on the phone. I am here to meet with her in person.” He smirks, his eyes roaming down my body slowly, taking in every inch of skin that is on display.

“How did you get this address?” I ask.

“Found it in the forest. Now, can you show me where Jessikah is,” he demands.

“She is me. I literally just finished with your application and sent it in. I won’t know anything for at least twenty-four hours,” my voice rises, as if I am trying to get him to look at my eyes and not my legs.

“That’s okay, I just want to talk and run some ideas by you.” My mouth drops open, but no words come out. Moose is rubbing his head against Paul’s hand. Tina smiles at me and escorts Paul right past me and into my living room.

“Jess, go and get your notes. You are safe here. They can’t find you. I will stay and make sure nothing happens to you. I got you,” she states and goes back to her desk.

Taking a deep breath and closing my eyes, I whisper, “You are safe. They can’t get you.”

“Who can’t get you?” His voice is closer than I expected, causing me to quickly open my eyes.

I start to teeter on my heels. He catches me and draws me close to his body.

His strong arms are wrapped around my waist. My hands are spread wide across his broad chest. His head is tilted as he looks down at me.

My smile falls lazily into place as my body screams to jump this man’s bones and ride him like a prized stallion. What the hell is wrong with me?

Instead of acting on my outlandish thought, I tap his chest and tell him that I am okay. Directing him to the couch before I head to my office to get my Rolodex and pad of paper. I can do this. One in person meeting isn’t going to give away my hiding spot. Is it? This man knows nothing of my past.