Deadly Inheritance (completed)

Chapter 11

"We want to be your partners, Charlie. That means we each take on equal responsibility for the business and it's not all on you." Baxter explains. What he says makes sense, but still they could lose their money. It's such a risk. "It's going to make it much easier for you to do things. We each run our own areas, we have our own budget to stick with, we meet every week to discuss what coming up or any issues. It'll work Charlie, trust me." Trust, not so simple for me to do. I can't just trust someone. I've had too many times been burned, let down and just straight out had my trust ripped to shreds. I don't just trust.

Ryan shifts and sits behind me so I can lean back on him. His arms are wrapped around my waist and his head is in the crook of my neck kissing me. He's bringing me slowly back down and settling my system down. I know as soon as I let myself, I'll crash. It'll take time though. I stay revved for hours this way sometimes for days. Ryan is the only one who has been able to really calm me down so easily.

"What if I fail? You all lose your savings. I can't ask you to do that. I can't be responsible for that." I'm so worried that they will lose it all and it will be my fault. I already lost everything I have, I can't do that to them. I get they want to take this risk and breaking the business into section and running it separate would be easier but to put everything on the line?

"You aren't asking. And I think we are smart enough to know a good deal when we see it." Natalie smiles and takes my hand. "You aren't responsible for us. Charlie, stop freaking out. We want to do this."

I nod, I know they're right. They are smart and they can make this decision, but it is a lot to lose if it fails and that's my fear. I don't want to let them down. Especially Ryan. He's done so much for me, and I feel like he's the one with the most to lose. He asked me to step up and show him like he's done for me. Maybe this is what he meant. I look up at him and he smiles softly and nods.

"I know I'm not responsible for you. I trust you. Especially you." I take Ryan's hand and squeeze it. He means so much to me. "I don't want to let you down." I don't take my eyes off him. He rests his head against mine and kisses my temple. I feel his arm tighten around me and hold me closer. He gives me so much strength.

"Then don't. Let's do this, and make it happen." Natalie says with a big grin on her face.

"I'm going to work on the contracts for us. And we'll all need to be on the business loan. It will actually be better that way, Charlie. I can show a profitable income with being a lawyer and it shows we can make payments. We'll have to start in stages. I suggest you two get to work on what we can start making money on right away. Like horse tours and catering. Whip up some menus, Charlie and prices. Same for the tours. We'll need it. I'm going to set an appointment with the bank and work on the loan."

"I can help you." Natalie offered and smiles softly at Baxter. I watch her eyes and then his. I feel like I'm watching a tennis match going back and forth between them. The way she looks at him, the way he touches her hand. The smiles and brief touches, glances back and forth between them. I'm lost watching this silent communication between them. I didn't notice until now, but I'm seeing it. Natalie is in love with Baxter. I'm pretty sure he feels the same, but they don't act on it. They hide it, why?

"Charlie? Sweetheart, you want to answer me?" Ryan asks and I realize I wasn't paying attention at all. I pull back and look at Ryan and I know I missed what he said. He's waiting for an answer and I can't give him one. Shit, I can't fake this. I look down and feel the heat of embarrassment rise to my face.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't listening." I bite down on my lip and look down, embarrassed at my lack of attention. I really need to stop thinking and getting lost in my head. I've got a bad habit of doing that.