Page 62 of Texas Made
“I need a loan. I learned from various business ventures that if at all possible, I should go to the top.”
“Taylor’s the top, all right.” He owned the Whiskey River Bank but he didn’t usually handle the loans. Still, Divinity was a name in the business and becoming even better known. “Leaving aside what you want the loan for, why don’t you go to your banker in Dallas?”
“Because I need a banker here.”
The only reason he could think of that she’d need a loan from a Whiskey River bank was—“You’re moving your company? I thought there was no way you could justify that. You said it wouldn’t be profitable; in fact it could be really bad for your business.”
“All true. No, I’m not moving the company.” She smiled again, excitement lighting her eyes. “I’m starting a new branch for a new line of products. I’m calling it Divinity Lotions & Potions.”
Blown away, he literally couldn’t think of anything to say. Finally, he spit out, “You’re starting a new business? Here? What about the one in Dallas? You’re not—surely you’re not giving it up.”
“Of course not. Rachel is going to be in charge. We’re working on her becoming a partner. I’m leaving Divinity in her hands, although I will obviously consult and be part of any major decisions. I’ll have to travel to Dallas too. Often at first, I imagine. But eventually Rachel will be able to handle most of it by herself, especially with weekly conference calls. I’m going to want her input on the new division as well.”
“You’re going to move here?”
“That’s the plan. Unless you don’t want me to.”
Was she kidding? Not want her here all the time? Where they could see each other whenever they wanted? Be together? Live together? Maybe even—“I can’t believe you’d even ask me that. Of course I want you here. But are you sure that’s what you want? To start a new division of the company? That’s a lot of work.”
“I know it is. I’m excited about it.”
He could see that. Her eyes sparkled and her smile wouldn’t quit. Still…He got up and began pacing. “You’re moving for me. What if you hate it here?”
“I’m moving for us,” she corrected him, still smiling, if not quite as much. “I’m starting a new branch of my business because I want to. I like Whiskey River. I always have.”
“Visiting here isn’t the same as living here. The town is small. Everyone knows your business. Everyone sticks their nose into your business.”
“Sounds like there’s a story there.”
“Not for me so much but ask Chase.”
“I think I can deal with some busybodies.” She tilted her head and studied him. “I haven’t done anything irrevocable yet. So if you don’t want me to move, you’d better tell me now.”
Damaris chose that moment to walk up to them. “I saw your car, Jaclyn. What are you doing here in the middle of the week?”
“I have some appointments. Business. I’m thinking of moving down here but your brother doesn’t seem to want me.”
Damaris burst out laughing. “I don’t know why you say that, but trust me, he wants you here.” She paused and added, “We all do.”
“Thank you, Damaris. You can leave now,” Marshall said.
“Don’t let him screw this up,” she told Jaclyn. She left, chuckling.
“You know I want you here, don’t you?”
“I hoped you did. But you seemed to be trying to talk me out of it.”
“I want you here more than I can say. But I want you to want it for you, not for me.”
“You worry too much.” She rose and put her arms around his neck and kissed him.
“Come on, let’s go up to the house,” he said.
“Is that code forlet’s go to my room and make out?”
Marshall grinned. “I’ll let you figure that one out.”
*
