The Deal

Chapter 2

"How much?" I ask.

"1.5 million," he answers, without batting an eyelash. Holy s**t! I think about the new barns and fencing that needs to be done.

A few years ago, we took money for the house for new farming equipment. I just didn't think it was this much. We're done for, there's no way. We've lost everything.

"Why did you leave me in the dark? I have just as much to lose as they do," I say, pointing to Trevor and Brent.

"I didn't want to worry you or your mother." Father responded, sadly.

"Ma doesn't know either? What the hell! How is that going to help?" I asked, outraged.

"Watch your mouth, Adelaide," he scolds.

I ignored him. "So, what's the plan?" I asked.

"There is no plan, we're screwed," Trevor replies, standing with his arms crossed and a scowl on his face.

"We'll think of something," I reply, quietly.

"In two weeks? What are you going to do? Work the corner?" He questions, mockingly. Effectively breaking the tension in the room.

"Yeah, obviously." I say, in a 'duh' tone of voice. Making Trevor crack a smile and Brent laugh.

"I'll work the corner too; everyone knows I'm the prettiest," Brent offers seriously, while tossing his non-existent hair.

I laugh. "You'll do better than Trevor; he's already slept with all the girls in Marquette." I tease.

"Oh, please. I've covered more territory then that," Trevor brags.

I gag. "Gross. So, it's up to Brent and me," I say, high fiving him.

"It's in the bag," Brent agrees smiling sadly.

"In my experience women don't like their men prettier than they are." Trevor teases, an on going family joke.

Brent is handsome, but his long dark eyelashes that woman just fall over themselves for.

I tap my chin. "Only a man-w***e would know. But you're right. Trevor your back in and Brents getting benched." I say, crossing my arms.

"Its not like you're going to make much money either. You won't even know what you're doing." Trevor pointes out.

I shrug. "I'Il do my research." I say, defensively. "It can't be that hard if this moron can do it." I say, pointing to Brent.

Pa sighs tiredly. "Thank you for coming Mr. West, but as you can see I need to talk sense into my kids and come up with a lot of money." My father says, standing.

"Mr. Pickett," Paxton West, replies with a nod and stands as well.

"Wait, I have an idea. West can have Adelaide. We'll sell her cheap. Only 1.5 mill and she cooks and cleans." Brent offers, trying to sweeten the pot.

I slap the back of his head. "You know you'd miss me. Who else will bake you chocolate cake on your birthday?" I ask.

"Freeman's grocery store has a bakery," he replies, in the same 'duh' tone I used earlier.

"Mine's better," I respond smugly.

"Not worth 1.5 mill. Sorry, Addey." He replies, shaking his head.

"Fine. I know when I'm not wanted. I'll go pack my things." I turn to leave, wiping away fake tears.

I open the door and I hear Ma calling down the hall.

"Dinner is ready. Mr. West, would you like to stay for dinner?" Oh, hell no.

"No, Ma. He's leaving!" I yell, not really caring how rude I sound.

"What? I thought we had a deal?" He asks quietly, looking me over from head to toe.

"I'd sooner sleep with a rattlesnake; even if they're just as cold blooded," I answer, glaring at him.

"Ouch. Good one, A." Trevor says, passing us to walk to the kitchen. Pa follows and so does Brent.

"Show Mr. West out. Its your punishment for being so rude." Pa scolds, as he walks by.

I narrow my eyes at the snake standing in of me and walk to the front door with him hot on my heels. I jerk the door wide open, waiting for him to walk by. He doesn't. I look over to him and he's watching me like I'm his prey.

"What? Don't know how to walk through a door? Get out." I order.

"I have a proposition for you." I don't say anything but I raise an eyebrow at his tone of voice.

"I like Brent's proposal, you for the farm. You have until this Friday before I start the paper work on

the foreclosure, to decide."

My mouth drops. "Me for the farm? Are you serious?" I ask, confused and in total disbelief.

"Very serious."

"So I'd work the debt off with you? Like cooking, cleaning and yard work?" I ask, confused.

"Hell no. You wouldn't have to work." He says, in outrage. My confusion intensifies.

"Marry me and you'll save the family farm and your brothers homes."

After I get over the shock. I shake my head, to clear my murderous thoughts. "I'm not a whore." I point out, my blood boiling.

"I know. I think we established that in your father's office. You're still a virgin?" he asks, but by his smirk he knows he doesn't need to ask.

He's so tall I have to crane my head back to look up at him as he steps closer.

"I'm glad you know. I guess I'll let you leave with your balls still attached." I reply, snidely.

"It doesn't change the proposition. Think about it and come see me when you decide. Remember you have until Friday," he reminds me, taking out his card from the inside pocket of his jacket.

He tries to hand it to me but I don't take it. I won't need it. I'd never marry someone like him. "Take it," he orders.

"I won't need it. Goodbye, Mr. West," I say, nodding toward his car.

He grabs my hand and places his card in my palm, then closes my hands around it. He leans in and whispers in my ear, "You'll need it if you want to save your family from losing everything."

He states, unapologetically.

I back up and he smiles as he walks through the door. Asshole, I think watching him leave. What is he, like, 6' 5? I hate tall people; they think they can just walk all over you. I'm 5' 4 so I know all about it.

I finally snap out of it when I hear Pa call for me.