Page 87 of The Doctor's Irreplaceable Love

He nodded happily.“I do.I have one main one for the ranch, and there are lots of smaller gifts I’d like you to help me set up.There’s the investment stuff, too, but that was more Kitty’s interest than mine.The portfolio’s done well over the years, and I reckon we can do some good work in the world with the kind of money that’s built up there.”

He leaned back in his chair.“So, are you in?”

“I am.I’m looking forward to helping you get it all set up the way you want it.”

“It’ll be a big job, you know.”

She looked back down at the folder and laughed.“I’m aware!”

“I’ll pay you good money—and I reckon working with me will help put your name on the map.Folks don’t always take too kindly to newcomers out here, but we can show ’em.”

“Thanks, Jim.I won’t look to take on any other clients until we have you set up, though.I’ve been out of the game for a few years now—I don’t want to divide my attention.”

“That’s what I was hoping.And like I said, I’ll pay you well—and if you want, I’ll throw the cottage in as part of your compensation package.”

“The cottage?”

“Aye.What did she call it—your friend?Thatadorable little place?”he asked with a chuckle.“We used to put our visitors up there.”

He winked.“My Kitty used to love having visitors—and I didn’t love sharing my space with ’em.So, we had that cottage built.It’s a shame for it to stand empty, especially when you and Harper are going to need a place to stay.”

She just stared at him, kind of annoyed at Harper that she must have told him about them needing to move out of the house in town.

He gave her a stern look.“Don’t go getting mad at her.She didn’t tell me—and I don’t think she would.I know Derek Lang, and he’s another little weasel.

“If I guessed wrong, then I’m sorry—but I reckon you ladies will be looking for a place to stay soon, and I’m offering you the cottage if you want it.I won’t be offended if you don’t.

“And I’d rather see you move straight in with young Jack.I don’t reckon either of you is the kind to rush into it, though, so…”

He leaned back in his chair and rested his hands on the table in front of him.

“Do you have enough information from our initial consultation, Miss Shelley?”

She smiled.“I do.”

“And you’ll think it all over and let me know?”

“Of course.I do want to work with you, Jim.As for the cottage…”

He chuckled.“We can go and find Harper and see what she has to say about it.”

It was almost four by the time she and Harper were ready to leave Jim's place.Shelley smiled as she watched Harper hug him and thank him for the afternoon.She was glad the two of them got along so well.

Harper wasn’t everybody’s cup of tea, and Shelley hadn’t been sure how people out here would react to her.So far, it seemed she had no worries.Jim, in particular, had taken a shine to her.

When Harper stepped back, Shelley leaned in to give Jim a hug, too.He winked as he stepped away.

“I’m glad we’re still on hugging terms.I didn’t know if you’d think it was appropriate now that you’re my lawyer.”

She smiled.“I don’t think affection and professionalism are mutually exclusive, Jim.Do you?”

He shook his head.“I don’t.I’m just glad I know where we stand.And just to be sure that we all know—you ladies are going to take a couple of days to think over my offer of the cottage.Like I said, there’s no strings.It'll be part of your compensation package, Miss Shelley.The two of you can move in whenever you’d like.”

He chuckled.“I’ll understand if you want to stay where you are as long as you can.I doubt you’ll get any money back from Derek, and I don’t see why you should pay him for nothing.But if you want out of there, you’re welcome here just as soon as you want to get here.”

“Thanks, Jim.”

He turned to Harper.“And if you can manage to talk her into moving straight in with Trip, you do that.I’m only calling the cottage compensation because I think you’ll accept it easier that way.But even if Shelley doesn’t come, you’re welcome to it.”