Page 313 of The Trouble With Bad Boys

“I’d love to, Morgan, but I’m not sure I can afford to right now.”

We talked numbers, and sales had increased from last month, with the numbers still climbing. I knew Happy Flowers would continue to profit, but my savings wouldn’t be able to cover all the expenses. She said she’d sit with me to go over everything tomorrow, so I would know exactly where the store stood.

After our conversation, the number of three hundred thousand dollars floated in my mind. That number included the takeover with enough wiggle room for changes according to my vision and so on. I had hoped to have a sizeable chunk saved, so when it was time to go to the bank for a loan, I wouldn’t be in so much debt. Would a bank even give me that much right now?

She had other potential buyers in mind, but she made me the offer first. I asked Morgan to give me a week to think about it.

Was I ready for this change?

I decided a walk would help me juggle the pros and cons. This was a huge decision, and I didn’t want to make a mistake.

I wandered through Coolidge Corner, distractedly browsing the adorable shops, and imagined myself as a shop owner. The freedom to create thrilled me. I could make all the decisions.I could offer mini floral arrangement classes for people. Just thinking about it excited me, but the numbers. Ugh.

Before I knew it, I was on Etched Street, glancing at the storefronts. A customer exited a flower shop called Helena’s Flowers, carrying a bouquet of colorful Gerber daisies. From the window display, this store portrayed a country flair. It differed from Happy Flowers, which was more sophisticated and elegant—more my style.

A series of ideas bloomed in my head, making me smile.

I can do this.

Focusing on the joy, I wandered down Etched Street. The Etched Building had twenty floors, the top five floors being apartments for Kain and his friends. Kain lived in the massive penthouse apartment. The two lower levels had retail stores, including his tattoo parlor, Body Canvas. Kessler’s Workout Studio took up the third and fourth levels. The rest of the buildings were composed of offices and smaller residential apartments.

The modern exterior had dark stones with matte black metal accents. A logo that looked like four capital Es were strategically placed to create a square-shaped design.

In that moment self-doubt surfaced again. Kain had a lot of money. He lived in a world separate from mine. Would our relationship survive this vast difference? Would he get bored of me? I hated this nagging insecurity.

I understood money wasn’t everything, but in today’s world people measured your value based on your bank account. It was how things operated.

Stop sabotaging yourself. You’re worth more than numbers, Eva.

Switching off the negativity, I studied the building again. A car honked, startling me. I turned to the familiar white Land Rover. Kain pulled over to the curb and beamed at me from the window. I was still getting used to him being my boyfriend.

With amusement in his eyes, he crooked his finger. “Hey, gorgeous.”

Seeing him brightened my mood.

I strode over to the passenger side window and peered in.“How can I help you, handsome?”

He looked me up and down. “How much, baby?”

I arched an eyebrow. “You can’t afford me.”

“Name your price and I’ll give you my bank account number.”

A number appeared in my head. “Hmm . . . three hundred thousand would be a great deposit.”

“Done. Hop in. I want to show you something.”

Laughing, I slid into the car and he drove into the parking lot, which I could have easily walked to instead. We entered the gym and headed toward a section that had been roped off the other day. As I walked by, construction men drilled and hammered away.

Kain nodded at them and took me to an open space with a beautiful view of the street.

“This is where the café will offer healthy foods and drinks. It should be finished in six months.”

“That’s wonderful. My gym doesn’t have that.”

“I was thinking a small booth that sells plants would be nice in here too. People could pick up flowers for their significant others along with some food on their way home. Maybe you can help me with that?”

My heart leaped. Two offers in one day. Was it a sign from the universe telling me to go for it?

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