Hometown Princess. Lenora Worth

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business here, and since she is the daughter of one of the town’s most prominent citizens—now deceased—we’re here to make you an offer you can’t refuse.”

      Both Cari and Mr. Phillips asked the same question. “Which is?”

      Jolena grinned and nodded toward Rick. “Tell him, Rick. Go ahead.”

      Rick pressed his hands onto the big desk, his knuckles splayed across the unfortunate report regarding Cari’s finances. “We want to cosign a loan for Cari Duncan.”

      “What?” Cari gasped, shaking her head.

      “Impossible,” Mr. Phillips retorted.

      “Not so quick,” Rick said, finally sitting down to talk business. “Think about this. Jolena and I both have a vested interest in the upkeep of First Street, and let’s face it, Duncan House had been an eyesore for years now. While we appreciate that Cari’s father was ill for many of those years and that his wife, Doreen, did her best to run his real estate company, we couldn’t help but notice the second Mrs. Duncan tended to neglect Duncan House.”

      He gave Cari an encouraging look. “It’s been vacant for over a year now and, well, it just doesn’t sit well with us that the house has become so unappealing and run-down.” He sat up, his tone going from conversational to serious. “It doesn’t sit well with the chamber of commerce or the city council either. And I’m sure it doesn’t impress the locals and the tourists, not at all. I get complaints on a daily basis.”

      Mr. Phillips lifted a hand. “But—”

      Rick went right on talking. “I’ve thought of buying the place myself, but you know I have my hands full with the general store. And Jolena has a good thing going with the diner, but her customers have to stare at that boarded-up old house all the time. And that’s a shame.”

      “A real crying shame,” Jolena added, her chin bobbing.

      “Why, just the other day, Mrs. Meadows asked me what we intended to do about that old house. And when I told her none other than little Cari Duncan herself, the daughter of James Duncan, was coming back to fix up the place, well, I can’t tell you how excited Mrs. Meadows was. She even said she’d get the Garden Club in on helping with the landscaping. Something about getting the place on the National Historic Registry, too. And you know she’s one of those Daughters of the Revolution—those women can sure stir up a stink when they want something done. And Mrs. Meadows really wants something done about Duncan House. But only if she knows someone is willing to invest in the renovations. And do them up proper, of course.”

      “But—”

      Rick went in for the kill. “No buts, just a good solid plan to keep First Street pristine and tourist-ready. That’s why we’re here, Mr. Phillips. To do our civic duty.”

      Cari tried to speak. “But—”

      “No buts,” Jolena said, elbowing her in the ribs. “Work with us here, suga’.”

      “I can’t let y’all do this,” Cari said, trying to stand. Two strong hands grabbed her and put her back in her place.

      “Yes, you can,” Rick replied. “Because we’re not actually doing this for you—although we like you and we’re glad you’re back. It’s for the overall good of this community.” He winked at her then turned back to Mr. Phillips. “I’d hate to have to take this matter before the city council later this month. You know how revved up those good old boys can get when they think we’re losing tourist dollars.”

      Mr. Phillips looked like a whipped puppy. “This is highly unusual and a bit unorthodox.”

      Jolena let out a bubbling giggle. “It’s all about a good cause, Mr. Phillips. Just think what a glowing report we could give for the bank, knowing that you took a risk on a hometown girl and her dreams? Her daddy would be so proud. And I’m sure it will make a favorable impression on others who might want to do business with you.”

      Rick nodded. “Cari gets the loan and we both cosign as collateral. If things don’t work out and she can’t pay, Jolena and I will take over the payments and co-own the property then we’ll decide what to do with it. How’s that for a solid plan?”

      “I just don’t know,” Mr. Phillips said.

      But Cari could see the wheels spinning in his head. The man knew he was sitting across from two prominent members of the community, two people with a lot of pull and power. Two people with determined looks and a lot of name-dropping to back those looks. As surprised and shocked as she was, Cari was glad to have them in her corner. Not sure if she should be thankful or full of denial and refusal, she had to speak up.

      “I can’t allow this,” she said. “I just can’t.”

      “You don’t have any other choice,” Mr. Phillips said. “If these two are willing to take the risk then I guess I’m willing to loan you the money. But not the whole amount, Cari. I’ll give you fifty thousand to get you started—that’s half, and that’s generous for a small-business loan. If you fail, your friends here will be out twenty-five thousand each. Unless you can find a way to salvage this crazy plan.”

      Cari couldn’t breathe. She’d just gone from being broke and with no hope to having money and a lot of new hope. But it would mean she owed Jolena a great deal. And Rick Adams, too.

      Was she so pathetic that the best-looking man in town felt sorry for her? Sorry enough to float her a loan? That didn’t make a bit of sense, but it was so sweet. Wasn’t it?

      “I don’t know,” she said, shaking her head. “I wanted to do this on my own.”

      “You will be doing it on your own, honey,” Jolena said, her hand touching Cari’s. “It’s a loan from the bank—and that’s what you needed. We’re just the insurance policy. And we talked this over good and thorough and we both agree you won’t let us down.”

      Before Cari could form another protest, the handshake agreement was in place and the paperwork was being drawn up.

      “You can all meet back here in a few days to sign the papers,” Mr. Phillips said, smiling at last. He reached out a hand to Rick. “Good doing business with you.”

      Rick pointed to Cari. “You’re doing business with this woman, Mr. Phillips. She’s the boss. Don’t forget that.”

      Cari appreciated the way he’d shifted the power back to her. But she wanted to have a long talk with him when she could find her pulse again.

      “Thank you, Mr. Phillips,” she finally said. “I’ll be in touch.”

      The old man nodded and gave her a grudging smile. “You must be a lot like your father, Cari. He always had champions, friends willing to vouch for him no matter what. That’s how he formed such a solid business.” He glanced down at his desk and mumbled, “Too bad his current wife can’t be the same way.” Looking embarrassed, he quickly amended that. “But it seems you have two very high-up champions of your own. Not a bad way to start out, let me tell you.”

      Jolena pointed a finger toward the ceiling. “She has one very, very high-up champion—the Lord wants Cari to grow and prosper. I think that’s why He brought her home.”

      “I can’t fight that kind of power,”

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