Page 27 of Charm (Billionaire Buck Boys #7)

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Holden

It’s been twenty-seven hours since Greer stormed out of the meeting. I’ve spent nearly all of the time since thinking about what I want to say to her, yet I still have absolutely no fucking clue how this is going to play out.

This is my third time walking past the storefront of Sweet Indulgence today. The first time was four hours ago. I peered in the window, but felt like a creep since I caught the eye of a customer standing inside.

I didn’t see Greer anywhere, so I took off to grab a cup of coffee.

My second attempt to see her was another epic fail. As I turned the corner to approach the store, I saw her leaving. Her back was to me, but I’d recognize her anywhere.

She wasn’t alone, so I didn’t approach her. The man she was with was making her laugh. I did get a brief glimpse of his profile when he turned to look at her. He’s old enough to be her father, but I know better than to jump to any conclusion.

I hung around out front for over an hour, but she didn’t reappear.

I’m back now as the clock ticks closer to mid-afternoon. As I pass the store, I look inside. I spot her instantly. She’s standing in the middle of her store, gazing around at the customers filling the small space.

The research I did since I last saw her has helped me understand the business and their goal. What began as an online venture has evolved into this small storefront and a side hustle that involves setting up candy buffets at various events.

We’ve bought out a few companies that focused solely on that, but Sweet Indulgence seems to have approached that particular endeavor differently than others have.

They not only rent out the required tables, containers, and labels for the candy buffet, but they supply a multitude of premium candy choices.

The candy bar is manned for the entire event. The host or hostess sent by Sweet Indulgence prepares personalized candy bags on the spot. It’s a step beyond what I’ve usually seen, so it makes sense that they are seeing substantial growth in that sector of their business.

I wait until two customers leave before I make my entrance.

I’m not surprised when a bell hanging over the door rings to signal my arrival.

“Welcome to Sweet Indulgence,” Greer says in a cheerful tone as she turns to face me.

I can’t say for sure, but I swear she mutters “ dammit ” under her breath as soon as she spots me.

I take a deep breath because seeing her again is enough to make my heart thunder inside my chest. This woman does something to me. I don’t know if what I’m feeling is pure lust or a hard like. It doesn’t matter either way. I just want more time with her.

“Mr. Sheppard,” she snaps my name off her tongue as her arms cross her chest. “To what do I owe the displeasure?”

Holding in a laugh, I step closer to her. “Hello, Greer.”

Her eyes widen as she steps back, retreating far enough that her ass bumps into a tall display of brightly wrapped candy bundles. It sways but stays upright.

She turns to the side to look at it, giving me the full view of her profile.

The faded jeans and branded dark green T-shirt she’s wearing amplify her curves. Her hair is loose and in waves around her face.

She’s as breathtaking as she was the first time I saw her.

“What do you want?”

I’m not offended by the hostility lacing her tone. I expected it. “To talk to you.”

She glances at a customer who is filling a wire basket with an assortment of treats. “About what?”

“You, me, this business,” I try to cover it all in one breath. “We need to discuss all of it.”

The shopper glances our way. Greer reads the subtle clue when the woman’s hand rises in the air.

“I need to help one of my customers,” she tells me. “Besides, I’m very busy. I don’t have time to talk about you, me, and this business right now.”

“When then?” I push. “It needs to happen.”

She shakes her head before setting off toward the small checkout counter.

I watch in silence as she rings up the purchase, answering each question the woman has.

Greer explains how one rolled candy treat came from a recipe passed down from generations.

She takes credit for creating a fruit-flavored, tri-colored lollipop the woman claims her grandkids love.

The entire interaction is unrushed and has a friendly tone. It’s far from a routine business transaction. As Greer hands the small pink bag with the candies to the woman, they wish each other well. That ends with a hug when Greer rounds the checkout counter.

There is a lot more to Sweet Indulgence than I realized. I’m not here to weigh the merits of what I just witnessed against the increased profit I know I would enjoy if Carden acquired this company.

I’m here to see if the possibility of a deal even exists at this point.

More importantly, I’m here to see Greer, because now that I know who she really is, I want to get to know her more.

Just as that customer exits the store, another two enter.

I curse under my breath, but if it takes all day to get a word or two with Greer, I’ll wait.

I glance her way to see her walking toward me. She stops just short of where I am.

“I told you I’m busy.” She scratches the side of her neck. “You should go.”

“When should I come back?”

“Never.” She smiles.

I can’t help but smile, too. “What time are you done work?”

“Never,” she repeats.

I amend my question. “Will there be a time later today when we can talk? It doesn’t have to be here. I can buy you dinner so we can talk uninterrupted.”

“I have dinner plans,” she says in a rush.

Frustrated, but determined, I suggest an alternative. “What about dinner tomorrow?”

“I’m busy for dinner every night.”

“This week?” I question.

“Forever,” she answers. “I can meet you for a drink tonight after eight. It needs to be quick and close to here.”

I’m familiar enough with the neighborhood that I know there’s a Beaumont Hotel two blocks from here. “There’s a bar in the lobby of the Beaumont…”

“Hotel?” she finishes my sentence. “Are you seriously suggesting we meet at a bar in a hotel?”

“Yes.” I rub my chin. “I’m suggesting we meet at the hotel bar for a quick drink before I go my way and you go yours.”

It’s the last thing I want, but it’s obvious she wants little to do with me, so I’ll respect that boundary.

“There’s a bar around the corner.” She jerks her thumb to the right. “I’ve never stepped foot in it, but Krista has and recommended it. You can’t miss it. There’s a dragon sculpture near the entrance.”

“I’ll be there.” I tuck a hand in the front pocket of my pants. “At eight, you said?”

“After eight,” she clarifies. “Let’s make it at nine. I can give you thirty minutes then.”

I’ll take it, so I nod. “I’ll see you then, Greer.”