Unexpected Eva (Triple Trouble #3)(69)

My concerns keep on flowing. “What’s worse, if I have to sell, which Veronica said would be easier to facilitate the divorce because we simply cut the profits down the middle, then it will leave my boys with none of the familiarity or stability I want them to have. I’d need to rent.”

“And what about the dance studio? Have you protected it to ensure Ewan doesn’t receive a penny of your business?”

“Well, now I never even thought about that.”

“Is your business set up as a partnership between you and your sisters?”

“Yes, it is.”

“He can’t get his hands on it then. You’ve inadvertently locked him out of your business, so to speak. Your business is safe, Eva.”

I may as well ask Knox as he seems to know.

“Okay, what if, hypothetically, someone refinances their house mortgage to invest in a business at the start? And they are married and the couple both contributed toward the mortgage payments that increased because of the refinance. Let’s say years later, they get divorced. Would that mean one of the parties involved could potentially stake a claim to the future profits of the business they took the money out of the house for?”

“I am assuming you are talking about yourself, Eva? You don’t have to be embarrassed about your income and outgoings.”

I twiddle my fingers. “Yeah. I took a chunk of money out of the house to invest in the business. I wish I hadn’t now.”

“We all have to start somewhere, Eva.”

“Give it to me. Where does this leave me?”

“Your business is protected with your sisters. He can’t come after that. But he could, however, come after your profits in what is called ownership interest. But he may not know this stuff. Let’s assume he doesn’t. If I were you, I would buy him out on a property settlement note where you pay him back over a longer period of time, with interest, but it would keep a roof over your head and maintain the stability and familiarity for your boys. The last thing you want is to confuse or unsettle them further.”

“And if he knows about ownership interest?”

“Then I would suggest you give him the house in full. Keep him happy. You walk away empty-handed, homeless, but your business would be safe. He doesn’t receive any of the profits. It would be a new start for you.”

“I could rent somewhere new. I hate that house now. Too many shitty memories.” I feel more positive as I say that.

I continue. “I will speak with Veronica this week. See what she says. Form a plan.” Then I change the subject. “I have something to tell you. Two things actually. The first one.” I hold my finger up in the air. “My sisters said yes to the dance retreat.”

“Excellent. Smart business move. I knew you girls would make the right decision. I will ask Veronica to advise who is best in her practice to draft the contracts. I’ll do that Monday morning.”

“That simple?”

“Yes.”

He’s a smooth operator in business. He moves fast like a panther.

“Okay. That was easy. Second thing. Now you can’t get mad.”

“Tell me.”

Pulling the cotton sheet over my exposed breasts, I turn onto my side and prop myself up on my elbow to face him.

“Lincoln tried to kiss me last night.”

His eyes crinkle at the sides.

“Continue.”

“He also asked me out on a date.”

“And?”

“I turned him down as gently as I could, stopped him from kissing me, and told him he would find his true flame soon. I think I called it instalove or something. Like us. But not like us. Not love,” I blabber, regretting my choice of words. “But what I mean is, someone most unexpected will come along, maybe on your doorstep, around the corner, someone you’ll feel a deep connection to. Yeah. That. I think that’s what I said.” I bite my bottom lip.

“Three weeks,” he says.

“What do you mean?”

“That’s all we have to wait. Ella and Fraser get married in three weeks. Then we can tell Linc and your family. Three weeks, with a couple of days for them to decompress from the wedding.”

“Okay.” Yikes. Will Knox and I tell them together or individually?

Hell if I know.

“Ella and Eden have their suspicions. When they saw us dancing, they think they figured it out. I didn’t confirm or deny when they text me late last night. But they won’t say anything if they do know.”

“Hold tight, Sunshine.”

“I am.”

“It will be worth it.”

“I know.”

I cup his chin tenderly in my hand, running my thumb over his dark scruff. “You mentioned a swim session before I have to leave. Can we do that now?”

“Yes, but first I need breakfast.”

“Oh, me too.” Flipping the cover off to shift out of the bed, I’m stopped by Knox. His strong body jumps on top of me.

“That’s not what I meant,” He says, his voice dark and playful.

Heading south, he pushes my legs open, disappears between them, spreads my soft lips wide, then sinks his thumb deep into my already wet center, making my back arch off the mattress.

“You’re always ready for me, Sunshine.”