AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Okay, well…” I gesture widely at the empty store. “You have my full attention.”
Disconcertingly, he looks up from his coffee and stares at me. This is probably the closest we’ve ever been.
I regret not leaving more space between us. I’m pretty sure his cheekbones could cut glass.
Anddamn, have I mentioned his eyes?
Up close, they’re even more spectacular, which is way more annoying.
Eyes so beautiful shouldn’t belong to a jerk like him.
They definitely shouldn’t remind me of the way the sun glints on the open sea.
“Did you know I’m local?” he asks.
That is a surprise.
“You mean you’re from here?” I frown, sipping my coffee to hide my confusion.
Not that I should be shocked. We wouldn’t exactly have moved in the same circles and it’s a big city.
“Kansas City, born and raised,” he tells me. There’s a touch of pride in his voice. “I formed a company with my brothers a few years ago—Higher Ends International. It’s a fast-growing start-up delivering five-star rental experiences to folks from all over the country.”
“Oh, you’re one of those.” It’s out before I can clamp my mouth shut.
“Those?”
My face heats.
“I mean… aren’t a lot of investors buying up properties the reason why nobody my age can get a house? Sorry if I’m confused.” I might as well be honest, voicing what feels like my wildest dream.
Plus, the fact that he’s one of many reasons it’s never coming true.
“Miss Winkley, youareconfused. Higher Ends isn’t some fly-by-night crew of jackoffs sweeping up as many duplexes as they can get on credit, all so they can brag about smoke and mirrors success on TikTok,” he says with a dismissive snort. “We’re incredibly selective. We only acquire properties that offer a truly rich, immersive experience true to the area for a high-end clientele that pays dearly. When I said fast-growing, I meant in the unique niche we’ve carved out.”
Right. It’s so fast-growing I haven’t heard of it and I’malsofrom here.
I stare at him.
And even if he isn’t one of the cutthroats creating a housing shortage, I’m not sure I feel much better when I picture the sort of clients he’s looking for. Rich people with money to burn who don’t work in a bakery, fighting to make ends meet.
“You’re skeptical,” he grumbles.
“I prefer careful.”
He snorts again.
My eyes narrow as I sip my coffee, fighting the urge to spray it in his smug face.
“There’s no danger to you, only an upside. My offer is simple,” he says. “I’m inviting you aboard for an experiment. The Sugar Bowl is perfectly suited to take part in our new pilot program. It’s designed to supply fresh pastries and whatever else our guests might want for a few of our properties.”
Ugh.
Regular business.
Why does he have to make this so hard?
“Also,” he says with a little more warmth, “if that pilot goes well, we’re considering making larger items available—things like custom cakes for special occasions. Our guests just order and you deliver to our star properties. Not complicated.”
