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“I shouldn’t have a coffee this late in the day,” I say.
“And yet …” His face looks so hopeful.
“I’ll get you a coffee as a thank you for taking me through my dream house.”
“Let’s go then,” he says.
“Have fun, kids,” Loretta says as I grab my purse and head for the door. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
We drive over to Sip and Repeat so Coleman can get an iced latte. Then we drive up to the house. I’m practically bouncing in my seat with anticipation. All these years, I’ve always dreamed of seeing the inside of Seventeen Cherry Hill. Now I’m finally going to tour it.
“Customer first,” Coleman says between sips of his latte. “We’re here to sell this house, Cass.”
“I know that, Coleman. Give me some credit over here.”
“Right. Yes. I know. Just remember, I’m bringing you because I know you want to see the property before it goes into escrow. I’m doing this for you.”
“Okayyy,” I say. He’s being weird. “Do you not trust me to help the sale?”
“Normally, yes.”
He puts the car in park and turns to me.
“Marcus wanted to see it again. He just wants to walk through a second time before putting in a formal offer.”
“Delaney? He’s coming?”
“He is the buyer, so … yes.”
“You tricked me, Coleman.”
“I think you mean I blessed you.”
I’m tempted to cross my arms over my chest like a petulant child, refusing to enter the home while Marcus is within fifty yards of my house. I know it’s not mine. I know I’m being ridiculous. And it’s hotter than Satan’s armpit today, so I’m not staying in the car.
“You are doing me a favor,” I say. “But next time tell me if it’s him.”
“Would you have come?”
I stare at the house. It’s just so incredibly beautiful—old, stately, yet warm and inviting.
“No. I absolutely wouldn’t have come.”
“And you would have missed this opportunity. I did you a favor.”
I nod. “You’re right. And I’ll behave. I promise.”
“Thank you.”
A black Escalade pulls up and Marcus steps out like he’s in a commercial for whatever every woman in America wants to buy. He could sell Q-Tips or shoe inserts. He’s that good-looking. Unfortunate misappropriation of gorgeousness.
I step out of the passenger seat and Coleman walks around to stand next to me.
Marcus looks straight at me and one brow raises, as if he’s thinking, What are you doing here, stalker?
I see his brow and raise him one of my own to say, What are you doing buying my house?
Coleman glances between us and then he addresses Marcus.
