Page 10 of The Secret Heir Next Door

I sigh, feeling my frustration bubble up again. “I’m not trying to bully you. I just want to talk.”

“Talk? About how you think my shop is an eyesore?”

I take a deep breath, trying to keep my cool. “Look, I get it. You’re proud of this place. But it sticks out compared to the other businesses on the block. There has to be a way to make some changes without losing its charm.”

She steps closer,her eyes never leaving mine. “Why should I have to change anything? This shop has been here for years. People love it the way it is.”

I can feel the tension crackling between us, a mix of anger and something else. “Because things change. And if you want to keep your lease, you’re going to have to adapt.”

Her jaw tightens, and she steps even closer, so close that I can smell the faint scent of vanilla on her. “You don’t get to come in here and dictate terms to me. I built this shop from the ground up, and I’m not going to let you ruin it.”

“I’m not trying to ruin it,” I snap back, feeling my control slip. “I’m trying to make sure it survives.”

“For who? For you?”

“No, for everyone!” I shout, my frustration boiling over. “For the community, for the other businesses, and yes, for you too. This shop can be something amazing, something even better.”

She glares at me. “It already is amazing. Maybe you’re the one who needs to open your eyes and see it.”

We’re standing inches apart now, the air between us charged. Her lips are parted, and I can feel her soft breaths. Her eyes drop to my lips for the briefest second.

“I think you should leave,” she says, but she doesn’t move.

“I think I should, too,” I reply, but I don’t budge.

I don’t want to break the spell between us. All I can focus on is her soft red lips.

I bet she’s an amazing kisser.

There’s something about her passion, her fire, that intrigues me. There’s something about her eyes that pulls me in. And I surrender to it.

I lean forward and cover her mouth with mine. My hands go to her hips, pulling her flush against me. Her arms hesitate for half a second and then wrap around my neck as she molds herself against me.

Every one of my nerves stands at attention. Okay,everypart of my body stands at attention. When her lips part and her tongue gently plays with mine, I growl into her mouth.

The bell above the door jingles, and she yanks away from me, her hand whipping out to smack my face.

That was unexpected.

3

SERENA

Why did I slap this man across the face?

Why did that kiss have to be so damn good?

My eyes widen as I realize what I’ve done. I clear my throat, not breaking his gaze as I welcome the customer who just walked through the door.

“Serena! I have been craving that fudge since Saturday. I need to buy some for my office today.”

“Oh, Tara, that’s so sweet,” I clear my throat and walk to the display case.

When I turn back around, he’s gone.

Was he ever really here? Or was I daydreaming?

“Who on Earth was that hottie?” Tara grins back at me.