Page 12 of Rival Hearts

He sighs and runs a hand through his disheveled hair. The shaggy strands really do need a trim. Even if the longer length suits him. Tempts me to grab on and—Not the time, Sierra!

“Don't think about it as giving something up. Think about what you'll be gaining instead. Our core businesses will still be the same, whether it's Buttercream Dreams or Brewed or a different super cafe name,” he jokes. “The benefit is growing our businesses in a direction that's more profitable, more sustainable. That's what this whole event was about, right? Combating the current state of affairs with you know who breathing down our necks.”

He's not wrong.

And I hate that.

“What would we even name it? Brewed Buttercream Dreams?” Bleh, not the catchiest name around.

“Nah, that's too long. Plus, it clings to the old. We want to step into the future and a new beginning. I was thinking something like ‘Cups and Cakes Crossing.’”

“You're kidding. You already thought of a name?”

“Wasn't that difficult. You know I like wordplay.” He winks, and a mischievous grin shows off his dimples.

“Crossing's Cups & Cakes.” I rearrange the words. Test them out.

“Even better. Then we're paying homage to the town which is bound to gain us major points.”

“This is insane. You know that, right?”

Caleb straightens from his bent position. “Does that mean you're in?”

Does it? This is a major decision. Shouldn't I take longer than the few hours it's been since Luna first suggested the merger? Except this doesn’t feel like a rash decision. It kind of feels like the next step in my career.

Am I really considering this?

“If Luna's planning on demolishing a wall, we're going to take a financial hit since we'll have to close down during the renovation.”

“Good thing we just had this week of increased profits to tide us over.” Caleb rounds the counter and stops my agitated pacing with two hands on my hips.

Staring up at his warm brown eyes, a thrill of anticipation runs through my veins. “Are you always this optimistic?”

“I have to be when you're always glass half empty.”

“I haven't always been that way,” I mutter, dropping my chin to avoid his gaze.

“Yeah, I know. That chain is really getting to you, aren't they?”

“They shouldn't. I'm not on my last leg or anything, business-wise.”

“No, but you're thinking ahead. Trying to prevent any problems that might crop up in the future.” He squeezes my love handles before hugging me closer. The comforting scent of coffee beans and something uniquely Caleb surrounds me like a cozy blanket on a cool winter’s night.

“Look. I know this seems impulsive, and I won't deny that I have my misgivings. Hell, I've worked at least as hard as you building Brewed. But the fact of the matter is, no matter our egos, the both of us know that people come to me for coffee and you for pastries. They will literally stop by my place and then five minutes later walk over to yours. Why don't we get rid of the commute? Admit our weaknesses, and let each other’s strengths compensate for the lack.”

Why does he sound so reasonable? It makes it harder to convince myself that this might be a terrible idea.

“What do you say, Sierra Bear? We can call Luna right now. Have her start demoing the wall next week. That'll give us eight weeks until the All Schools Day Parade. Two months before our grand reveal. We can get a lot done in that time.”

My skin itches with the prospect of a new adventure. Business hasn’t exactly been stale the past few years, but the whirlwind of opening my own bakery and becoming profitable has died down. Do I really want to sacrifice the little bit of peace I’ve carved out for myself by jumping into an expansion by merging with Brewed?

My gut says yes.

So, I send a prayer heavenward and offer Caleb a tremulous smile before committing to an unknown future. “I'm in.”

CHAPTER NINE

CALEB

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