Page 130 of A Chef's Kiss for Christmas

“Yeah?”

She hovered over him and kissed him softly. “Thank you for sending dinner over yesterday.”

“You’re welcome.”

If Warren hadn’t gone with her, she’d have backed out of viewing the shop premises. As soon as they met Greg Prince, the estate agent, she felt overwhelmed, and then completely out of her depth when he asked her questions about her interest in the building.

It wasn’t as though it mattered what the guy in the suit thought about her business ideas, but she felt oddly pressured to say the right things. Thankfully, as they wandered through thedownstairs of the building, Warren did a great job of making small talk.

“The upstairs was previously a flat, which was also used as an art studio,” Mr Prince said as they followed him up the stairs. “It’s completely open plan, but could easily be modified.”

Anna walked around the large space. A bathroom and kitchenette were located at the back, and the large windows at the front let in copious amounts of light, which glinted off the polished wooden floor and brightened the white walls.

“What do you think?” Warren asked when she stood looking out onto the road.

“I’m not sure.”

“This would be perfect for holding workshops and classes, wouldn’t it?” He stood close beside her, his presence reassuringly calm. “And the downstairs is a good size for a flower shop. I realise I’m no expert, but it seems great.”

“Yeah, it does,” she said without enthusiasm.

Mr Prince looked at his phone, which lit up in his hand. “I’ll leave you to have a look around at your leisure. I’ll be downstairs if you have any more questions.” He was halfway down the stairs when he answered his phone, and his voice faded the further away he got.

“Do you like it?” Warren said, touching Anna’s elbow.

“It’s a lovely building. And it would work perfectly for what I’d need.”

He pursed his lips. “But?”

“I don’t know.” She scanned the room. “I guess I’ve had this idea of what I want to do for so long… and the reality of it is a little overwhelming.”

“That’s understandable. It’s not as though you need to decide now.”

“I couldn’t if I wanted to. I didn’t even make a business plan, and I don’t know if I’d be able to get a bank loan.”

“Would you want to get a bank loan?”

Her shoulders sank. “You think I should ask Lewis for the money?”

“It would save you a heck of a lot of interest.”

“I suppose I would ask Lewis for the money.” He’d give it to her without question – she didn’t doubt that for a moment. “I’d probably apply for a bank loan first, just to see if the bank thinks it’s a sound business plan. I’d feel better knowing that I could theoretically get a bank loan, even if I borrow the money from Lewis.”

He put a hand on her shoulder, and his fingers crept up to caress her neck. “I’m sure you would make a success of it if it’s what you want.”

“Thank you.” She leaned into him, taking comfort from his sturdy stature. “I need to think it all through.”

Downstairs, they thanked the estate agent and got back in Warren’s car.

“Have you got time to come in?” she asked outside her place.

Checking the time, he shook his head. “I need to get to the hotel.”

“Thank you for coming with me.”

“You’re welcome. What are your plans for the rest of the day?”

She sighed heavily. “I think I’ll make a start on a business plan.”