Page 99 of Kiss Marry Kill

“Do you think Dr. Johnson did?”

“I don’t know why he would. He was thrilled to get your offer.” She frowned. “I suppose I could ask him.”

Groaning, I slumped down in the seat. “I was trying so hard not to worry, but I justknewsomething was going to go wrong. It seemed too good to be true.”

“Now, don’t you give up just yet, Dr. Thornton. I won’t go down without a fight. There’s no way someone is gonna sneak in here and steal this from us.” She seemed to be taking it quite personally.

“But if they’re offering that much more money, of course Dr. Johnson is going to accept their offer, not mine.”

“We could up your offer.”

I grimaced. “Yes. But a hundred thousand over asking? I’d have to goabovethat. It feels like a bad business decision. Also, I can’t imagine the property would appraise for that amount, and no bank will give a loan then.”

“Maybe.” She flipped through the pages. “The other buyer’s name was redacted on this copy of the proposed contract. How annoying. I don’t know if it’s someone local or some out-of-town person.”

“Why would they want to hide their name?”

“Sometimes buyers do that when they’re concerned with maintaining privacy or protecting personal assets.”

“Would Dr. Johnson know the name of the buyer?”

“Not sure. If it’s an LLC purchasing the property, the name may not be disclosed.”

I scowled. “This just seems so unfair. The property was exactly what I was looking for. I never dreamed I’d find anything that perfect.”

“What you say we go over to see Dr. Johnson?”

I grimaced. “Is that allowed?”

“Of course.” She laughed and set the folders from her lap onto the back seat of her car. She started the engine and glanced over at me. “After all, Dr. Johnson and I are friends. There’s nothing that says I can’t visit my friend.”

“But couldn’t this be considered trying to coerce him?”

She shrugged and pulled out onto the street. “I’d love to see somebody prove that in court. I’m allowed to visit my friends all I want.”

My stomach churned as we drove down Main Street. I guess I should’ve known better than to get my hopes up, but that property had felt like it was meant for me. As much as I’d told myself not to get too excited, it had been impossible not to be.

“I would try to get the name of the buyer out of the other broker, but me and Jerry Fleming don’t really get along.” She sniffed. “He’s jealous because I outsell him every year.”

“It’s odd there were no offers on the property until I made one.”

“I agree.”

If Mrs. Numi hadn’t seemed so outraged at this other offer, I might’ve suspected she’d orchestrated this entire thing just to get me to bid higher. But it was obvious she was personally affronted that another offer had come in.

When we parked in front of Johnson’s Dentistry, I felt nauseated. “Should I stay in the car?”

She shook her head. “Nope.” She opened her door and got out.

I too climbed out of the car, stress eating at me. I followed her to the front door of the building. I’d been so happy when I’d left here the other day. Now, everything that was right with the property just felt like it was mocking me. I’d hoped that the next time I came here, I’d be the proud owner of this place.

She rang the doorbell, and after a few moments, Dr. Johnson opened it. Today, he was dressed in black slacks, and he had a white coat over his clothing. He looked surprised to see us and maybe even a little guilty.

“Mrs. Numi.” He was definitely uptight and even more so when his gaze shifted to me. “And Dr. Thornton. What a pleasant surprise.” He stepped back and ushered us in. “I just finished for the day. My last patient just left.”

“Oh, good. I’m glad we caught you when you aren’t busy.” Mrs. Numi smiled.

“Yes. Me too.” Shifting uneasily, Dr. Johnson grimaced. “I… I… suspect I know why you’re here.”