Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 89238 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89238 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
The crowds are vibrant, decked out in their holiday gear, with reindeer antlers and elf hats.
When a woman in a sexy Mrs. Claus costume orders a martini, I compliment her outfit, then I briefly picture wearing an outfit like that and surprising Gage. I bet he’d love to see me in it. But I bet he’d love me in baggy jammies and thick socks too.
It’s a strange thought. A wonderful one as well. And it has me thinking about other holidays. Other celebrations and average, ordinary days too.
For several seconds, as Gage heads to the courtyard to bring some martinis around, I’m a little lost in a haze, but then I snap out of it when a familiar and unwelcome voice says, “Happy holidays.”
I blink up at the face of Sebastian at the counter, and my blood goes cold.
“Your business isn’t welcome here,” I say firmly.
He waves a hand. “Don’t worry. I’m not getting anything. Just wanted to let you know we’ll be next door neighbors. I’ve made an offer to lease the shop right next to yours.”
Then he leaves, shooting Gage a smug smile as he goes.
My shoulders sink.
Everything was starting to feel too good to be true.
38
HARRIET THE SPIES
Elodie
Fuck him.
Seriously. Just fuck him.
Last night, I was shocked. A little depressed. But in the morning, as Margo takes the girls out for breakfast, I’m mad as hell.
I’m pacing in the state-of-the-art kitchen with Gage. “I’m not going to take this. That man has been nothing but a thorn in my side since the day I met him. And his chocolates suck,” I tell Gage. “The gloves are coming off.”
Gage smiles as he thrusts a latte at me. “You’re hot when you’re mad.”
I take it and down a swallow of the drink that’s almost too hot. But the burn fuels me. “I’m not going to let him get away with this.”
“So, what are we going to do? I’ve got some ideas.”
But I can’t keep turning to Gage to save me. I need to save Elodie’s myself. “I’m going to make an offer on the location,” I say.
He blinks over his cup of coffee. “You. Are?”
I’ve shocked him. Well, I’ve shocked me too. “It’s a little crazy, isn’t it?”
“You just paid off the loan,” he says, then pauses before he says, “Let me help—”
I cut him off. “I have to fight this battle on my own. I can take out a line of credit and use it to lease the perfume shop. It’s a tiny space, but I can use it for the website orders maybe? My web business is way up thanks to Special Edition.”
“It’ll probably pay for itself pretty quickly then. You won’t need to go into debt after just getting out of it,” he says, and he sounds enthused for me. Like he’s always been.
“I think you’re right. I can manage things. I can do this,” I say, resolutely. I’ve spent the morning checking my books. Special Edition has made a lot of things possible. But it also gave me the confidence I needed. “I’m a damn good businesswoman and chocolatier, and I want a chance to lease that property.” I check the time. “Samira’s usually in on Sundays. I can catch her when she opens and before we do the cookies and cocoa.”
He sets down his coffee. “Let’s go.”
I pause my pacing. “You’re going with me?”
“Of course I am.”
We leave together, determined. When we arrive at the corner where my chocolate shop is—Elodie’s opens in an hour—Gage gives me a kiss on the cheek. “Go get ’em.”
I hand him the keys so he can wait inside.
I cover the twenty feet to Scents & Sensibility alone, brightening when I spot Samira inside. But she’s taking down the For Rent sign.
All my adrenaline burns off. Turns to ash.
I’m too late.
My heart sinks like an anvil dropped from a cartoon skyscraper. But I knock anyway.
She glances at the sound then smiles warmly. She’s practically floating as she heads to the door, then swings it open. “Elodie! Want a trade?”
“I want to make an offer,” I blurt out.
Her brow knits. “On your regular perfume? I told you trades are the only thing I’ll accept. Though I should give you a lifetime supply of La Cerise since I’m retiring now. I got such a great deal.”
But maybe she hasn’t signed the paperwork yet. Maybe I can make a better offer. “I didn’t know it was an option, though, to rent this space. I’d love to have the chance to—”
“It’s not an option,” she says, and she’s smiling. So bright. So broad.
I should be happy for her. She deserves to retire. To live the good life. Still, so should I. “I have a plan for—”
I’m cut off by the ringing of her phone. She glances at it, smiling again. “Oh! I need to take this. Don’t want to leave the new tenant waiting. But come back.”