Page 39 of Bargain With The Boss (Crescent Cove: The Moguls #2)

Xavier

August

“Why are we up this early?”

It was Sunday and my beautiful duchess was curled up in the middle of my king-sized bed.

Actually, it was ours now. My simple white bamboo sheets, cooling duvet, and two pillows had been replaced with a lilac sheets that smelled of her, about a thousand pillows, and one of five different duvet covers.

Today, it reminded me of the ivory dress with the big flowers that I loved so much.

The best part was the rumpled redhead with barely her nose and forehead showing.

My girl loved a cozy morning under the covers.

Which is why I had the air conditioning cranked to survive it.

Worth it.

Every bit of it was worth it.

“Gavin has to tell us something.”

She pulled the covers down enough to narrow her eyes at me. “You are waking me at the crack of dark for Gavin?”

I laughed. “No. That’s just part of it. C’mon, Duchess, up and at ‘em.”

She inched over to the side of the bed and flung the bedclothes back. “This better be worth it.”

I was pretty sure it was.

She stretched her arms over her head and that Sailor Moon T-shirt pulled taut over her rapidly growing breasts. She was a little horrified about that, but I’d certainly been enjoying her body’s changes.

Turns out our lack of condom action had definitely resulted in a baby.

I wasn’t sure it was the first time—the dates were a little fuzzy there—but I liked to think it was that first wild moment together.

I walked over to her, cupping the little baby bump growing inside of her. Her grumpy face went soft as she covered my hand. “How’s our little apple doing today?”

She grinned up at me. “You and your fruit chart.”

“Hey, it’s better than the other nicknames I came up with.”

She rolled her eyes. “Royal Highness isn’t happening.”

“You know she’s going to get treated like a princess.”

“I know.” She tipped her head up when I lowered to kiss her. “At least I don’t need to sleep for ten hours anymore.” Her fingers trailed along my belly to my jeans. “Why are you already dressed? It’s Sunday.”

And Sunday was our day to relax. Running two businesses was exhausting, but we were making it work. The baby was another addition to our very big plans.

I had a feeling our little girl would be helping mama cut the ribbon on the opening of Rooted In Love before she was a year old.

Sydney was a woman on a mission.

It helped that Max had been very interested in buying her shares of her mother’s company as well as investing in Sydney’s.

It rankled that it was him investing and not me, but I knew that this business needed to be hers.

And it was damn sexy to see my lady standing on her own—at least there.

And her crew was all in on the adventure.

She really wasn’t alone anymore on a number of levels.

Everywhere else, we were a unit.

I pulled her to her feet. “C’mon, we haven’t much time.”

She sighed, but wandered into the bathroom to get ready without another grumble. At least that was within earshot.

Sunrise was early in the summer. The days were rapidly shortening, and fall would be here before we knew it. Gavin was also an early riser no matter the day, so I needed to get the jump on my plans before his.

She came out of the steamy bathroom, her hair pinned on top of her head with a towel wrapped around her. As she walked, the little bump that had suddenly arrived peeked from the purple towel.

I resisted the urge to see if I could help her with her post shower oil and lotion.

It was my favorite way to start the day.

She pushed aside hangers in her armoire and pulled out a poppy red dress with a deep purple set of underwear. It was always a pleasure watching her pick out what she wore for the day. It gave me an idea of her mood.

And today was frisky.

Lucky me.

She turned as she was buttoning up the front of the dress. It pulled a little and her mouth-watering breasts were overflowing the cup of her bra. “I think we need to go to Underneath. My bras don’t fit anymore.” Her lower lip pushed out and I couldn’t help but cross to her.

“These are just right, and you know I love to help you pick out clothes.” I cupped her gently, they could be sore sometimes. But her eyes went hazy with pleasure.

“If we could get back in that bed, I’d let you do that all morning.”

I groaned. “You drive a hard bargain.”

She reached for my zipper. “Do I now?”

I dropped a kiss on her nose and fastened the last button of her dress. “Later.”

She wrinkled her nose. “Fine.”

I linked her fingers with mine and pulled her out of the bedroom before I could change my mind.

The trip around the lake was a short one. The sun was just cresting over the water as I pulled up to Lakeview Terrace.

A lot of work had been done in the last few months. The stone face was done, lending a sturdy silhouette to the dream Jude, Gavin, and I’d had for so long.

But it was the hill leading to the beach I was interested in.

Her words from that day at the food truck had stayed with me. She’d been so busy with the plans for her business that I hadn’t wanted to bother her with the landscaping.

Hopefully, I’d gotten it right with a local guy from Kensington Square.

“Oh, my God. You guys have done so much since the last time I’d been here.” She grabbed my hand on my shifter. “It looks amazing. Thanks for sharing it with me.”

“Just wait.”

I parked at the back of the building for maximum effect and went around to open her door. She was frowning but took my hand and let me lead her around the front of the building.

The red maple was the star of the show, and we had a dozen picnic tables and Adirondack chairs ordered for when we actually opened, but right now one lone white oak picnic table sat under the tree.

Sydney’s idea for long grasses and wildflowers to prevent erosion on the hill had been perfect.

She gasped as the hill came into view. “Xavier,” she said softly.

“Key Landscaping finished up the stairs yesterday.”

Her hand went to her mouth. “You went with the sandstone.”

“Yep. You were right on that one. And everything, really. Key said it would weather beautifully with the wind and spray off the water.”

Her eyes were shiny when she looked up at me with a wide smile. “Of course I was.”

I laughed and slipped an arm around her waist. “Shall we?”

Just as we crested the stairs the sun looked like it was rising right out of the water. The sky was a blush pink and soft butter yellow on the still water. A few boats dotted the lake, and a single sailboat was making a sunrise glide through the water.

She trailed her fingers through a few blades of the tall grasses as we got to the top of the hill.

Then she went right to the picnic table that was a little damp with the morning dew.

“It’s just perfect. You know, this is exactly what I saw in my head when we first…

” She trailed off as she turned to find me down on one knee.

“I have a little question for you.”

Her eyes filled.

“I know it’s quick, but I really can’t wait any longer to spend my life with you and our little girl.” I popped the ring box open and the simple three stones glittered in the early morning light.

She covered her mouth as the tears fell.

“I know we’re still building here and Rooted In Love, but I want to do it all with you as your husband. Marry me, Duchess.”

She nodded and held out her left hand, letting me slide the ring onto her finger. She waggled her fingers lightly making the diamonds flash.

I rose and gathered her in. “I need those words.”

“Yes.” She wrapped her arms around my neck. “I’m such a risk, Xavier. A new business on top of a new baby. You?—”

I cut her off. “The best risk ever. I love you.”

I could taste her tears as I kissed her and felt her smile building.

I lifted her off her feet and twirled her around under the tree next to the building we’d both fought to get started.

Her laughter lifted and I crushed her to me.

I set her down at the sound of tires on the pitted pavement. Gavin’s big, dusty truck pulled in followed by Jude’s SUV.

She dashed away the tears. “I wonder what Gavin has to tell us.”

“I don’t know.” She stepped back and we linked fingers to meet them at the edge of the eating area.

Gavin stepped out of his truck, his sunglasses on and a thin line to his mouth.

That couldn’t be good.

Jude and Gavin climbed the stairs.

“This looks amazing.” Jude glanced around at the top of the hill to the single picnic table with an arched brow. “What are you two up to?”

Sydney held out her left hand. “We came a little early.”

“Congratulations!” He dragged her away from me and pulled Syd into a hug.

“Thanks,” she said and gripped his shoulders.

“Gonna make a man of this idiot?” Gavin smiled and looked at the ring then me with a firm nod. “Good job, there.” He pulled Syd into a gentle hug.

I laughed. “Thanks.”

“Now I don’t want to tell you what we’re here for. Talk about a buzz kill.”

I frowned as Syd came back to my side, hooking her arm around my back. “What’s up?”

“I just got word about a property Arthur picked up a few months ago while we were distracted. I’d been out in Rochester and you were still on paternity leave. Syd was wrapping things up in Seattle—we all weren’t paying attention like we should. Like we need to when it comes to Arthur.”

Jude frowned. “What happened?”

“Not only did he buy the strip of land over there.” He pointed to the crumbling shell of a shack that we’d planned to bulldoze. “But he convinced the town to sell him the stretch of beach beside ours.”

“What the hell? That was town property, not for sale.”

Or we would have fucking purchased it a long time ago.

“Yeah, well he made them an offer they couldn’t refuse. He’s going to be our new neighbor, and his plans are to build a high-end hotel with boutiques on the lower level.”

“He hasn’t had an original idea since Obama was in office,” I growled.

“If he thinks he’s going to build bigger and better than us, he’s sorely mistaken.” Gavin’s voice was steely. “If he wants a fight, he’s going to get one. I’m not letting him ruin this beach.”

Syd looked up at me. “Claire won’t want this either. I think we need to bring her in on this.”

Gavin shook his head. “Are you insane?”

She reached down to link our fingers before she turned to Gavin. “Just talk to her. Claire isn’t like Arthur, she cares about keeping the Cove as it is. She might be able to help us.”

“I don’t need a Maitland’s help.” He stalked over to the stairs and down to the parking lot.

Syd sighed. “He’s so damn stubborn about Arthur. Even worse than you.”

I smoothed a hand down her hair. “He has good reason. Maitland destroyed his family.”

Jude sighed. “He won’t talk about the specifics, only that something happened between Arthur and his mother that ruined their family. His mother ended up losing their home and Gavin’s dad left.”

“No wonder he hates him,” she said softly.

“We have to find a way to stop that hotel.” Jude’s voice was even but I could hear the purpose under it. “Maybe talking to Claire would be a good idea.”

“I’ll see if she’s willing.”

“Thanks, Syd.” He squeezed her arm. “I really am happy for you guys and that baby.” He poked her lightly. “Our kids are going to grow up together.”

“And neither of us will be like our parents.”

Jude shook his head. “A new cycle starts with us.” He glanced up at me. “And you too, I guess.”

“Gee thanks.”

Jude tapped my cheek. “Be good to her.”

“Will you give me away, Jude?”

His eyes misted. “I’d be honored.”

She looked up at me. “I want something small. Maybe we could do it here. Add more good memories to Lakeview Terrace.”

“That sounds like an amazing idea.” My folks wouldn’t be excited about an outdoor wedding, but I wanted to start my life with her as soon as possible.

Jude grinned. “Guess you guys have some plans to make. And we need to pave that damn parking lot before we have guests.”

“What? You don’t think people will love our crumbling blacktop in their wedding finery?”

Syd rolled her eyes. “Don’t you worry. This place will be perfect when I’m done with it.”

“I know it will.” Jude headed down the stairs. “Wish me luck, Nessa is teething. Sleep? Who needs sleep?”

I automatically covered Sydney’s middle. “We’re looking forward to it.”

Sydney covered my hand. “You’re gonna marry me.”

“I sure am. Right here, evidently.” I lowered my head and kissed her lightly. “I couldn’t think of a better place.”

“I love you like crazy, Xavier Hastings.”

“Good thing. I couldn’t live without you, Duchess.”

“No worries there.” She went on her toes and wound her arms around me until there was no space between us. “You’ll never have to try.”

Ready for Gavin’s book? It’s gonna be a doozy!! Turn the page for details…