Page 129 of Pardon My Frenchie

“Only the best things,” she said.

“Well, in that case.” He turned and leveled a smile at Ridley that could only be described as devastating. “As I was saying, I’m Von Montgomery.”

Maybe she should have warned him that whatever tactics he usually used on women wouldn’t work on Ridley.

Ashanti’s eyes widened at the grin that tipped up the corners of Ridley’s lips. Her friend leaned forward and whispered something in Von’s ear, then turned and sauntered toward the house. Von immediately took off after her.

Ashanti shook her head. “This will not end well.” She looked over at Thad. “Someone should save him. Or at least warn him.”

“He’s grown,” Thad said. He stepped in behind her, wrapped an arm around her waist, and settled his chin on her shoulder. Familiar tingles traveled down her spine when he pressed a sweet kiss to her neck.

“You still upset I took your house?” he asked.

She shook her head. “Nope, but only because the renovations on Barkingham Palace’s newest location are going so well. Oh, and because you recommended Miller Construction. I can never be upset after that. They’re doing a fantastic job.”

“No shit. You’ll probably have your official grand opening before we do.”

She laughed.

“Oh, wait! I forgot to show you,” Ashanti said, pulling her phone from her back pocket. She clicked on her inbox and pulled up the email from Fido Foods. “How do you like the new Duchess Delights logo?”

She turned her phone so he could see the picture she had been sent.

Ridley’s friend had earned every cent of his commission with the deal he’d negotiated on her behalf. Fido Foods had agreed to pay her five million dollars, plus a 2 percent royalty. Ashanti had been thrilled when she learned they wanted to keep her and Duchess as the face of the company. She had passed along the photographer’s name from the calendar shoot they did in New York, and Fido Foods had purchased the rights to use the photo of her and Duchess in their flower crowns.

“Perfection,” Thad said. He leaned forward, placing the kiss directly on her lips this time. “The logo is perfect too.”

Ashanti felt a blush coming on. Her freckles were definitely going to be front and center in a matter of seconds.

“I think it is,” she said. “Kara suggested we carry the flower theme through to the doggy café. I wasn’t sure at first, but the more I think about it, the more I like it. Maybe fashion it after the gardens at Kensington Palace. We can even get one of those flower walls with a cute neon sign. And it could double as a backdrop for pet pictures.”

“I have no idea what a flower wall is, but based on how excited you are, I’d say it’s the way to go,” Thad said. “And speaking of Kara, will the twins make it here?”

“I doubt it,” Ashanti said. “They’re all going to the movies tonight. They’re celebrating the literary magazine’s newest managing editor’s essay being selected for inclusion in that journal at LSU.”

“Would that be the essay on how to move on after a crushing disappointment?”

“That would be the one,” Ashanti said.

A lot had happened since Kendra had reported the cheating ring to the administration. The entire magazine staff—save Kendra—had been relieved of their duties and barred from participating in any of the school’s extracurricular activities for the remainder of the school year. Mr. Williamson had been allowed to resign, but things were still upin the air regarding the threats he’d made to Kendra. Her sister was determined to take her complaint as far as possible, even if it meant jail time for her one-time father figure and favorite teacher. Ashanti could not have been prouder.

Thad looked at his watch. “It’s only two in the afternoon. Why can’t they come here for a bit before heading to the movies tonight?”

“Tell me you’re not raising teenagers without telling me you’re not raising teenagers,” Ashanti said with an eye roll. “Movienightis an all-day affair. They must spend the hours before the movie posting on social media about what they’re going to wear, where they’re going to eat, and what they’re going to see.”

“Sounds like my nightmare, but if that’s what makes the kids these days happy.” He shrugged.

“What aboutyoursister?” Ashanti asked. “What time is she bringing Mrs. Frances?”

“They should be here any minute,” Thad said. He clamped his hands on her upper arms. “Prepare yourself for uncomfortable questions about why you don’t have an engagement ring on your finger. Nadia is convinced that we are engaged and waiting to announce it here.”

Ashanti nearly swallowed her tongue. “Thad, please tell me you’re not planning some big, cheesy public proposal today?”

“Is that what you’re expecting?”

“No!” she said. “Especially not today. We’re going slow, remember?”

He tipped his head to the side. “Exactly how fast is slow?”

She smiled up at him. “Maybe by Christmas or New Year’s.” She grinned. “That’s what you were planning, isn’t it?”

“Von is the only person who can read my mind,” he answered.

“Tell me!”

He winked. “Nah. I’m going to keep you guessing.”