Hometown Holiday Reunion Read Online Free

time of my life.” He paused, and his eyes filled with misery. “Until Mom’s stroke, anyway. I guess that takes first prize now.”
    Cam had always been the capable type, top five in his graduating class and an all-star point guard and wide receiver throughout high school. Because he’d had so much going for him, he’d been arrogant to the point of being downright cocky. He’d finally come up against something he couldn’t defeat, and Erin’s heart went out to him.
    Reaching over, she rubbed his arm in sympathy. “I’m sorry for the reason, but your mom and Natalie must be glad you’re here. They’re proud of those big construction jobs you’ve been doing, but they must like having you around for more than just a quick visit.”
    â€œSo they keep telling me, but I have a life to get back to. My boss has been great, but he can’t keep my spot open forever. I’m staying just long enough to get the café and this building in shape to sell so Mom will have some financial security. After that, Alex and Nat should be able to handle whatever needs to be done.”
    Always the practical one, Erin thought sadly. Sentimental as a buzz saw, Cam had never been the emotional type, and clearly his divorce hadn’t helped any in that department. More than once, she’d suspected that his lack of empathy came from becoming the man of his family when he was twelve. That was the year his father, David, walked away from his wife and children and never looked back.
    Mentioning that now probably wouldn’t go over well, so she kept the observation to herself. “Does that mean we have a deal?”
    â€œYeah. It’s not like I’ve got buyers lined up outside my door or anything.” The gloom in his eyes lifted ever so slightly, and he gave her a wry grin. “At least with you I know what I’m getting into.”
    â€œThat’s the spirit,” she teased, lightly knuckling his chin. “I’m assuming your sister’s got a lease form we can use to make this arrangement legal.”
    â€œNo doubt.”
    â€œHow much rent are you planning to charge me?” He named a figure, and she blinked at him. “Is that for all three months?”
    â€œFunny. What were you thinking?” She countered, and he winced as if he was in serious pain. “You’re killing me with that. Be reasonable.”
    In truth, she’d anticipated the pushback, so she made a show of reconsidering the price even though she’d purposefully gone in low. She might not have a fancy college degree, but one thing she’d learned from all the court cases she’d documented for the judge was how to negotiate. For her, getting the numbers right could be the difference between being financially secure for six months or an entire year. With a new business on the horizon, those six extra months could bend an outright failure into a modest success.
    â€œOkay, how ’bout this?” she suggested in a brisk but friendly tone she hoped would appeal to him. “I’ll split the difference between your rent figure and mine. You leave the For Sale sign on the building, and if someone else shows interest in it we’ll talk about making a change.”
    After a few moments he offered his hand, and they shook to seal their bargain. Erin’s previously cautious enthusiasm began bubbling, and she asked, “Can I paint the walls any color I want?”
    â€œNow you’re pushing.”
    He hadn’t seen anything yet, she thought with a grin. But since he’d given her what she wanted for a price she could live with, she was willing to overlook his grumbling. “Do you have time to go see Natalie now?”
    â€œSure.” She started to pull her hand back, but to her surprise, he held on, reeling her closer until they were barely a step apart. “One thing, Kinley.”
    â€œWhat’s that?”
    â€œNo