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“Good afternoon, Mr. Kind. It’s Gracie from the bank. I just wanted to let you know that you were right about Mr. Keys. We’ve decided to let him go. If your friend would like to come back in, we’ll make sure her business loan is approved.”
“No need, Gracie. Carter Management already took care of that. Thank you for letting me know. Have a good day.” I ended the call.
“What the hell was that about?” Zoey narrowed her eyes as she walked over to my desk.
“I stopped by the bank this morning and had a chat with Mr. Keys. You were right. He did deny you because you’re a woman. I said a few choice words, went into the bank manager’s office, suggested she check into the loans he turned down in the past, and told her that maybe their bank wasn’t good enough for me and my company’s business.”
“Damn. Why would you do that for me?”
“Because what he did was wrong, and if you wrong my friends, you’ll pay the price.”
“I don’t know what to say. Thank you, Carter.”
“You know your words mean nothing. Come over tonight, and I’ll cook for us. That way, you can thank me properly.” A sly smile crossed my lips.
“There’s always a motive with you.” She smirked.
“It’s who I am.” I winked. “Be over around six thirty, and make sure you bring extra clothes because you’re staying the night.”
“I will on one condition,” she said.
“What’s your condition?”
“You make sure that bread and cherry butter from Four Kinds is sitting on the table.”
I chuckled. “No problem. I’ll get the bread and butter.”
“Okay. Then I’ll see you at six-thirty.” She smiled and walked out of my office. “On second thought.” She popped her head back in. “I’ll pick it up and bring it. I’m heading over to the bakery right now. Stefan called and has some questions.”
“Are you sure? I don’t mind.”
“I’m sure.” She smiled.
“Wait. I have an idea. Go home, pack your bag, then head over to the bakery.” I picked up a pen and wrote the front door code down on a post it. “Since you’re going to be so close to my house, you might as well just head over there after you pick up the bread and butter.”
“You do realize that I will never forget this code, right?” The corners of her mouth curved upward.
“I know.” I winked. “Go on. Get out of here. I’ll see you later.”
CHAPTER 22
Zoey
I climbed into my car and gripped the steering wheel. Thoughts about our conversation last night swirled around in my head. He told me he was single because he was burned by women before, and relationships weren’t worth it. I suspected he was cheated on. But who the hell would cheat on a man like him? The feelings I felt for him at this stage frightened me because I was experiencing something totally new and different. I found myself always wanting to be with him. He was always on my mind when I wasn't. Even with all the shit I had going on with my business, he was always at the forefront. His smile, laughter, controlling words, scent, and how he made my body feel like Heaven was all too comforting. He felt like home when we were together, and comfort wasn’t my strongest suit—it was what made me run.
I pulled into the parking lot, climbed out of my jeep, and stepped inside my bakery. I smiled at all the work that had already been done.
“Zoey.” Stefan smiled when he saw me.
“Hi, Stefan. This is really coming along.”
“Yeah. It’s looking good. Have you ordered anything yet?”
“Just a few things. I’m ordering the rest tomorrow when the money from Carter Management clears.”
“Carter Management?” His brows furrowed.
“Carter is an investor in Baked With Love.”
