Divided Interests (Southern Bride 3)

“How much to buy you out?” I finally asked.

Lucas laughed as he walked up the steps. I tried not to let my eyes linger on how his muscular body moved. His stupid khaki pants showcased his thighs. And then there was his chest. Lord, it was as broad and muscular as when he was younger. No, scratch that. He had more muscles. It was official. I truly disliked Bianca.

He walked past me and into the house. His cologne infiltrated my nose. I was pretty sure I moaned a little. It was the same stuff he wore in high school. Damn him. I didn’t know why, but it made me happy to know Bianca hadn’t changed that about him.

“What makes you think I’m selling my half to you?” he asked.

I shut the door and followed him in, my eyes landing on his perfect ass.

Jesus, Paige. Stop checking him out.

It was definitely time for me to get laid.

“You don’t want this place, Lucas. When was the last time you were even here?”

He turned and looked at me, a fire in his eyes. “So, you came and helped Granddad decorate a tree, and called him, and that makes you worthy of this house?”

My brows rose in shock. Was that a hint of something in his voice? Jealousy or anger that I made time for his grandfather when he didn’t?

“I was here a few months ago,” he said. “Granddad happened to mention you visiting last Christmas. Trying to make sure you kept a hand in things, Paige, for the big payout one day?”

His words cut deep, and I knew he didn’t truly mean them. Nonetheless, it hurt. “Lucas, I want to be angry with you right now, but you’ve always known how much I loved this house, and more importantly, William.”

He actually looked guilty for a moment, then it was gone in a flash.

“I tried to buy this house from William a few years back, but maybe you don’t know that since you rarely came to visit,” I stated, wanting to hurt him like he’d hurt me.

He laughed. “Yeah, I remember that. For next to nothing.”

My mouth dropped open. “Excuse me, I offered him fair market value, which I’ll do the same for you. Dickwad.”

That last part I mumbled under my breath.

“What did you just call me?” Lucas asked, taking a few steps toward me. I didn’t move back. If he thought he was going to intimidate me, he had another thing coming.

“Obviously you heard it, so why repeat it? Unless you enjoy being called names.”

He rolled his eyes. “I’m here to buy you out.”

A strangled chuckle came from my throat. “Ha. No. I’m not selling. Especially after the letter I got from William.”

That piqued his interest. “What did your letter say?”

I put on my best pout. “What’s wrong? Are you afraid my letter is better than yours?”

Lucas smirked. “I got a letter. I haven’t read it yet.”

“What?” I said, positive my shock was clear on my face. “Lucas, when did you get it?”

“Earlier today. Lou gave it to me when I went to his office. I wanted to read it here, in his study.”

A small part of my cold heart melted because I totally got it. I had done the same thing. After Lou had given me the key, I came to the house and into the study where I sat at William’s desk and read his letter, knowing that he’d written it while sitting at this very desk.

I allowed the corners of my mouth to lift slightly. “I did the same thing.”

His eyes snapped to meet mine. We stared at one another for longer than we should have before Lucas turned and walked down the hall and turned into his grandfather’s study. I jumped when I heard the door slam. What the hell was that about?

I made my way to the kitchen and poured two glasses of tea. I wondered if Lucas still drank tea. I placed them on a tray with a few cookies I had bought at the grocery store in town, and after a few minutes, I walked to the study. I figured it had been enough time for him to read through his letter. Ever the proper hostess, something my mother had taught me to be, I went to the door and knocked lightly before opening it.

When I walked into the study, I stopped. Lucas had his face buried in his hands, elbows rested on the desk. I went to leave, but his voice stopped me.

“Wait. Don’t go.”

I swallowed hard and readied myself. If Lucas was crying, I couldn’t play hardball. No matter how angry or hurt I still was. The sight of him crying would make me crumble.

When I moved closer, he looked up at me, and I frowned. He wasn’t crying. Hell, he didn’t even look upset. He looked…terrible. He had dark circles around his bloodshot eyes. Maybe he had been crying before I got in here.