âSo, even the great Mr. Harris has days where he doesnât feel like working, huh?â Regina teased with a twinkle in her eye as they sat across from each other in a cozy corner of the café.
Nolan cracked a grin, tilting his head slightly. âIâm human, not a robot. Of course, there are days when Iâd rather do anything but work.â
âAnd how do you deal with that kind of funk, Mr. Harris?â Regina prodded, her curiosity piqued by the thought of the unflappable Nolan Harris being anything less than industrious.
Nolanâs answer caught her off guard.
âSimple. I play hooky. Perks of being the boss, he quipped with a wink.
Regina couldnât help but laugh. âYouâve got quite a sense of humor, Mr. Harris.
Sipping his coffee, Nolan changed the subject. âSo, Ms. Tanner, whatâs this all about? You didnât ask me out just to chat about some piece of land, did you?â
Regina shook her head, her resolve evident. âNo, itâs not about that. But if youâre willing to talk, Iâm all ears. Actually, itâsâ¦â
She hesitated, biting her lip, suddenly unsure. Was she too impulsive, confronting Nolan about why he had helped her? It might seem presumptuous as if she thought there was more to his actions than simple goodwill.
âYouâre not usually one to hold back, Ms. Tanner,â Nolan observed, arching an eyebrow.
Regina met his gaze, her eyes sparkling with determination. âHow do you see me, Mr. Harris?â
âYouâre straightforward; always speak your mind. Truth be told, not many people, ever those with a net worth to match mine, have the guts to be as frank with me as you are value honesty.â
Nodding thoughtfully, Regina replied, âIâm all about the truth, Mr. Harris. No beating arou the bush with me.â
âSo whatâs holding you back?â Nolan prodded gently.
With a deep breath, Regina finally blurted out her question. âMr. Harris, I might be overstepping here, and I hope you wonât hold it against me. I need to know-was it you who helped me out with that Ahab situation?â
Nolan paused, caught off-guard by her directness. âUh⦠Ahab? Whoâs that?â
He averted his gaze, taking a sip of his coffee to hide his panic.
00:17 a Chapter 27/2 âMr. Harris, thereâs no point in playing coy. I wasnât eavesdropping on purpose, but I Overheard a phone call between you and my boss. I know you were the one pulling strings for me. But I canât figure out why, especially after our last encounter ended on such a sour note,â Regina confessed, her voice tinged with disappointment.
âWhat are you trying to confirm by asking me then?â Nolan asked, genuinely puzzled.
Reginaâs cheeks flushed with a rosy hue as she hesitated, but she pushed on. âI want to Silence fell between them, a palpable tension swirling in the air.
âThereâs no particular reason. Like I said, I like your spunk, and I didnât want to see your slandered by some lowlife colleague. Maybe I was just bored and thought Iâd help you out with this little problem. You shouldnât dwell on it, Ms. Tanner,â Nolan said, his smile faint but sincere.
Regina quickly masked the hint of sadness in her eyes. âReally? So, would you help out just anyone whoâs in a bind?â