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Two hours later, she had her computer up and working again. Juilet seemed almost sorry to have the lights back on, but Ted gave a shrug and told Karen he planned to stay at least another week. Maybe two. She booked him for the time, and went to find Mike. He’d left her computer on and she glanced at the news site that he’d been looking at. One headline jumped out at her—Collins Institute Expanding Open Space Plans. Clicking on the link, she started reading the article. She’d barely gotten past the first paragraph when she heard a car pulling up outside.
Getting up, she headed to the front.
Outside, Pops Warner climbed out of his jeep. “So when were you going to tell me—or weren’t you?”
Karen stared at him. “Have you been drinking?”
“I wish. Where’s that Collins guy who’s been hanging around. Thought you’d hog him all for yourself did you? Get him to buy you and leave the rest of us stranded.”
“Whoa—hold on. What are you talking about?” She crossed her arms and started tapping a foot. “And how do you know about Mike, anyway.”
He waved a hand at the road. “Everyone at the garage has been talking about him. Collins Institute. Don’t you know anything?”
“I know we just got power back an hour ago, and Mike’s going to be leaving soon. And why do you care?”
Pops rolled his eyes. “Typical woman. Honey, you never should have gone into business. You’ve got no head for it.”
She dropped her hands to her side. “Look, Pops, I don’t mind that we’re neighbors, but if you’re going to be insulting, I’m going—”
“There he is.” Pops pushed passed her and strode into the hotel. Mike stood in the main room, back in his suit again—a rumpled suit, but still, her handyman was gone, and Mike looked more like the harried New Yorker who had first shown up at her door.
Pops pushed his hand out to Mike. “Been hogging you, has she? You done a deal yet, or you still looking? I’ve got twenty acres up the road, all ready for fresh development—that is if you haven’t done a deal with Whitaker here. And even if you have, I’ll beat her terms.”
“Deal?” Karen glanced from Pops to Mike, and back again. “What are you talking about?”
Mike smoothed his wrinkled tie and frowned. Pops waved a hand at him. “See—she’s not even up on the news. I saw it today online when the power came back up. You’re here to buy up hotels—expanding your reach outside of the US aren’t you. Good idea, that. But I’ll tell you—”
“Shut up,” Mike said.
Pops sputtered, but he cut off his words.
Mike turned to Karen. “I can explain. Yeah, I came here looking for a deal. But I’d consider investing, not an outright purchase. If you’re interested.”
Pops grinned. “Boy, I’m looking to sell. I’ve had enough of island life.”
Heart thudding, Karen ignored him. She kept her stare on Mike. “Investing? I’ve heard that line before. Not interested. Go make your deal with Pops. He’ll sell out to you.”
“Sure will, son.”
Mike glanced at Pops. “Will you excuse us for a minute.” Taking Karen’s arm, he started to lead her outside.
She jerked away from him. “What is it with you guys? You just think you can buy the world.”
“I told you—I came looking to buy, but I know you won’t sell. But you need capital. You need investment—or you’re going to go under.”
She hunched a shoulder. “Ah, my white knight come to the rescue. Excuse me if I don’t fall down on my knees.”
“Hey, Collins, what about our deal?”
Muttering a curse, Mike turned. He slapped a hand down on Pops’ shoulder and started walki
ng him out the door. “Tell you what, why don’t I call you tomorrow. We’ll work out terms later. Or better, yet, think up a number, write it down, and I’ll settle up with you before I leave.”
Pops stared at him, his grey bushy eyebrows pulled tight. “You pulling my leg on that?”
“No. I’m buying your place, but I won’t be if you stay here another five minutes.”
Grinning, Pops grabbed Mike’s hand and pumped it hard. Karen couldn’t decide which of them was more pathetic. “Boys and their toy trading,” she muttered.
