Page 23 of Only for the Season

“No, there is a meeting room. But the meeting room is booked for a meeting about theMermaid Treasure Hunt.”

His brow wrinkles. “Mermaid Treasure Hunt?”

“It’s one of my favorite holiday events. Participants are given a treasure map with clues of where gifts are hidden around the island. Whoever manages to collect the most gifts wins. And, because this is Smuggler’s Hideaway, you have to drink a shot of moonshine every time you find a gift. Which is why the treasure hunt is conducted on bikes.”

“And you’re helping to organize the event?”

I can’t stop the smile from spreading on my face. “I’m hopingPirate’s Pastrieswill be chosen as a location on the treasure map.”

“You’ve never been a stop before?”

I lift my free hand and cross my fingers. “Maybe this year is my year.”

He smiles at me and my breath catches. He has two dimples – one on each cheek – to match the dimple on his chin. He went from sexy to panty-melting-sexy with a smile.

“You’ve got this, Parker. Your bakery is fabulous. Smuggler’s Hideaway would be stupid not to include you.”

“Thanks.” Ugh! I sound breathless.

I am not allowed to go all breathless for a billionaire who cares more about money and getting what he wants than other people. I clear my throat.

“Anyway, you can’t be meeting Eli in the meeting room since the committee already reserved the room.”

We reach the meeting room and my heart thumps in my chest.

Being a stop on the treasure hunt would expose the bakery to a ton of new tourists. More than half of the tourists to the island are repeat visitors. All I need is one chance to show them my baked goods and coffee is just as good – if not better – than the chain coffee place on the boardwalk.

My hand shakes as I reach for the door. Jeremy nudges me out of the way. “I’ll get the door.”

“Since when are you a gentleman?”

“I’m not.” He winks as he ushers me into the room.

I slow to a halt when I notice the room is empty except for Lana, the mayor, and Jennifer, the town secretary.

“Am I early?”

Lana motions to a chair across from her. “No, dear, you’re right on time.”

“And you brought goodies,” Jennifer cheers.

I set the tray of cookies on their table while Jeremy hands out the coffee.

Lana licks her lips as she rakes her gaze over Jeremy. “Extra points for bringing man candy.”

My cheeks warm and I sputter, “Oh, I didn’t… He’s not…”

“I’m meeting Eli here later,” Jeremy finishes for me when I run out of steam.

Jennifer flips through her agenda. “I don’t have Eli in my diary.”

Jeremy frowns. “He messaged me to meet him here at this time.”

“Today?” she asks.

“Yes. Today.”

Lana winks at him. “I, for one, don’t mind if he stays for the interview.”