Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 66962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
“She would, but this whole plan requires the purchase of that building. Are you hoping Lucien might buy it?”
Carlo shook his head. “No, I was thinking I would.”
I frowned. “You said your father’s will didn’t leave much to you because of the strain between the two of you and his suspicions that he wasn’t your father.”
“When I said I didn’t have a lot… um…” His cheeks turned bright pink. “I meant I wouldn’t have enough to live the way I had, which was… um… extravagantly. But I could easily buy this building.”
“You’re telling me you have enough money to purchase a building outright?”
“Yes.” I took his hands, even though mine were shaking. “I love you, Logan.” My eyes widened at the use of my given name. “I want you to live here with me.”
“Goldilocks, there’s nothing I would love more. I want you to follow your dreams. I want you to have your café.”
“What about you? I want you to be happy too.”
“When I was talking to X, he made another suggestion.” This time it was Carlo’s turn to look confused. “He said that Joe, Devil’s husband, runs a private detective agency. I don’t want to regularly be involved in operations like the one last night, but most of his cases are much more low key, and he’s looking for assistance. I think that might be an option for me, at least eventually.”
“Oh, wow. That’s amazing. That would be perfect for you.”
I could tell Carlo was barely restraining himself from leaning across the table and kissing me. Fortunately, we were interrupted by the arrival of our breakfast.
With food in front of us, we both remembered how hungry we’d been when we woke up. When we started to get full and began to slow down, Carlo reached across the table and took my hand.
“When we leave here, I’m going to call the number on the for sale sign, make sure the building fits my specifications, and put in an offer. We’re going to make this happen.”
I grinned at him. “I knew you hadn’t lost your impulsive streak.”
“This isn’t an impulse like running from the ranch. This is destiny.”
I held Carlo’s gaze and squeezed his hand. “You know what, I think it is.”
42
EPILOGUE
Blade
I watched Carlo from the café’s office. He’d been working nonstop since well before dawn. I was thrilled his opening day was such a success. The plans for the café had all come together faster than I would have thought. I guess when you have the kind of money to throw around that Carlo and his family do, you can get things done on your own schedule.
Carlo considered modeling his shop after the one that he loved in Brooklyn, but in the end, he’d gone with a design reminiscent of the little shops he remembered from the Italian countryside. It had turned out absolutely perfect. The designs were simple, but they felt warm and cozy. Anyone wanting to escape from the harsh Boston winter was going to feel at home in Carlo’s Coffee.
That morning, I’d sat at the counter for as long as I could handle the noise and socialization. Carlo had insisted on making me something more exciting than the black coffee I usually drank. He’d concocted what he called a Mayan mocha. It was spicy and chocolatey, and I absolutely loved it. I already knew I’d be asking for another one tomorrow.
Once I’d reached my limit for being in public, I went upstairs to our apartment and did some research for the latest case I was working on with Joe Marchesi, but I couldn’t resist coming back downstairs to make sure things were still going well. It wasn’t long until the shop’s five o’clock closing time, and I was certain Carlo hadn’t taken a break for lunch. At best, he’d eaten a few pastries throughout the day.
I had the perfect surprise planned for him when he came upstairs, hungry and exhausted.
He noticed me watching him, and I waved before heading back upstairs to get everything ready.
My cooking skills were extremely rudimentary, but I’d spent time over the last few days studying videos and reading recipes to learn how to make Carlo’s favorite comfort food. I was determined to get it right for him.
I was stirring the Parmesan into the creamy pasta when Carlo texted that he was locking up and would be upstairs in a few minutes. I gave the pastina a quick taste. It wasn’t as rich as Carlo’s, but it was close. My pulse accelerated when I heard his footsteps on the stairs.
Carlo
Opening day was everything I’d dreamed it would be. The shop had had a steady flow of business throughout the day, and we even had a mini lunchtime rush. People had either heard from friends that we were open, or they were desperate for a pick-me-up before their afternoon of work. I hadn’t expected so many customers so soon. The advertising I’d done in the area had obviously helped, but the word of mouth from the other business owners I’d invited to a soft opening had been invaluable.