Page 42 of Charm

I won’t confirm or deny that there’s hope because I feel numb right now. Making a decision that will alter so many lives requires a clear mind. My mind is cluttered with memories of East Hampton and thoughts of Celia at the moment.

“I’ll go now.” She reaches forward to hug me. “I love you, Greer.”

“I love you,” I whisper. “I always will.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Holden

It’s beentwenty-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?”