I smile. "I don't think so. It's one of those hippie names."
She nods her head in agreement as I lead her into the elevator and press the button for our floor.
"Did you talk to him?" I ask hoping that my curiosity isn't carrying through to my tone.
"I didn't." She steps out into the hallway and starts in the direction of her apartment as I follow. "I saw him knocking at your door so I peeked out to see what was going on."
I try to stifle in a laugh. Mrs. Adams was definitely better than any security system I could have installed. Somehow she still was able to hear every small noise and knew everyone's business often before they even did.
"I was tempted to tell him to go away or I'd call the police." She fumbles with the assortment of keys trying to find the ones that unlock her door. "But I thought better." The door finally flies open and I guide her inside.
"I'll deal with him." I lead her to her favorite chair before I walk towards the kitchen. "Do you want your tea iced?" I call over my shoulder.
"Yes, dear, with lemon."
"Jax is actually going to buy the shares I have in Mark's company." I hand her the tall glass of tea before sitting across from her. "It's going to help me a lot."
"Whatever makes you happy, dear." She pats her small hand over mine. "Just be careful with your heart."
"I am." I stand to leave. "I have to be."
Chapter 6
"This is just a preliminary discussion so keep that in mind." Nathan pulls out one of the padded office chairs at the long rectangular conference table.
"Okay, I understand." I swallow hard before sitting down. "Do you think I look okay for this?" I scan my plain white dress before I soak in the sight of him in his expensive dark suit and stunning blue shirt and tie. "I feel underdressed."
"You look amazing," he says after taking the seat next to mine. "I have to dress beyond my means. It's part of my job. It makes me look intimidating, don't you think?"
I giggle at the expression on his face, which is a mixture of a grin and a scowl. "Your tie intimidates me or maybe the pattern hypnotizes me. That has to count for something."
He throws his head back with a hearty laugh and I can't help but giggle at the sight of it. It reminds me so much of when we were children and he'd pull a prank on Sandra and me.
"I've always loved your laugh." I reach for his hand to squeeze it. "It reminds me of home."
He holds my hand in his and I jump at a sound near the doorway. It's the unmistakable grumble of a man clearing his throat for effect, not for purpose. I don't have to glance in that direction to know that it's Jax and he's not pleased by what he just saw.
"Who are you?" he wastes no time in marching up to the table.
"Nathan Moore." Nathan shoots to his feet and offers his hand. "I'm representing Ms. Marlow."
Jax blatantly ignores Nathan's hand. His eyes are locked on me and I can tell from the scowl overtaking his brow that he's not happy with my choice in attorney.
"This is Jax Walker." I interject.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Walker and…" his voice trails as Jax's attorney enters the room.
"I'm Gilbert Douglas," his thick English accent surprises me.
Nathan takes his hand before everyone settles back into their chairs.
"Ms. Marlow is prepared to sell." Nathan opens a non-descript manila folder that he placed in front of him on the table when we sat down. "These are her terms." He slides a single piece of paper across the table in Gilbert's direction.
Jax snatches it up and studies the numbers against the subtle protest of his attorney. "This wasn't what we agreed to."
"She feels this is more than fair," Nathan explains.
"I wasn't talking to you," Jax barks. "I was talking to her."