Page 64 of With This Ring

He scoffed. “We both know that’s not true. You were going to tell me something last Thursday, but we were interrupted.” He lifted his chin. “Now, tell me what’s going on, Koti.”

He was almost certain she shivered when he said the nickname.

“Please don’t call me that.” Her voice seemed to plead with him, which he found curious.

“All right. Dakota, it’s obvious something’s wrong. You were in tears when I found your cat, and I could tell you were upset about more than just Trouble. You can’t hide it from me.”

She rubbed her elbow and hesitated for a moment. “The pipes burst in my store back in late January,” she finally began. “My shipment of new spring gowns was ruined. Well, most of it was.”

Empathy rushed over him. “I’m sorry.”

She picked up the bottle cap and fiddled with it. “I thought the damage would be covered, but it turns out I barely understand what’s in my lease. None of it is covered by the lease after all.” She exhaled. “So then I thought it would be covered by my insurance. But last year I stepped down my insurance since the premiums were getting so high, and what I owed for the deductible emptied out my savings. Then I had to max out my credit cards to take care of the damage to the store.”

She pointed around the room as if they were sitting in her boutique. “The ceiling, the drywall, the flooring... I salvaged what I could of the damaged gowns by steaming them myself, but I haven’t been able to get reimbursed for what I lost. I fought the insurance company and the property management company but got nowhere. I thought about hiring a lawyer, but who can afford that?” She sniffed. “Now sales are down since most of the brides are looking for this year’s gowns, and I’m losing money by selling last year’s at a discount.”

She took a shuddering breath. “To make matters worse, I receiveda notice last week that the mortgage on my house is going up too. That means I might lose my storeandmy home if I don’t figure out a solution fast.” She absently spun the bottle cap. “I’m cutting back my salary just to pay my niece. Now I’m at my wits’ end. I’m working on refinancing my mortgage so I can at least keep my house.”

Her posture wilted, but her expression seemed to relax.

Hudson nodded and pulled at the label on the water bottle as a plan filled his mind. He’d rescued companies before, but would stubborn Dakota ever accept his help?

“Now it’s my turn to tell you that I knowyouhave an opinion.” She waved her hand toward him as if waving a white flag. “Go ahead and say what you’re thinking, Hud.”

He brushed his hand over his chin. “You know, I’m a successful businessman.”

“Are you bragging or complaining?” she quipped.

“Would a personal loan help you?”

“Are you offering?”

He shrugged. “Maybe.”

She studied him, and those gorgeous dark-chocolate-colored eyes narrowed. “You’re not going to just throw money at me to make yourself feel better about the past?”

He almost sputtered at her ridiculous question. “Makemefeel better about the past?” He pointed to himself. “I’m not the one who broke our engagement.”

She pushed her chair back and stood. “I don’t have time for this. I need to get home.” When she fixed him with a glare, he worked to keep his expression neutral despite the fury boiling in his chest. “Look, I don’t want to see you and Layla on the outs. Leave your pride at home, take the cufflinks to her, tell her you’re sorry, and be the big brother she needs right now.” She gave him a sugary sweet smile. “Have a good night.”

She marched out of the kitchen, but Hudson rushed after her. He couldn’t let her leave like this.

“Dakota, wait.”

When she reached the front door, she pivoted to face him.

He sighed. “Dakota, I never meant to insult you. I just want to help you. I know a thing or two about business.”

She looked down at her black heels, and then her eyes met his once again. “Hudson, owning my own business has been my dream for years.”

“I knew you wanted to be a seamstress, but you never told me you wanted your own store.”

“I’ve worked hard to get where I am. Losing it would destroy me.”

“I definitely understand working hard for something. I’ve done the same.” He tapped the doorframe. “If you want a personal loan, we can talk about it. Or I can take a look at your financials and offer some advice.”

She folded her arms, and her brow pinched.

Her anger confused him. “Why are you looking at me like that?”