Page 98 of Cherry on Top

“Oh, next time we’re in town, I’ll definitely have to meet her.” Carla smiled.

“Yes, next time,” Will said, emphasizing the last part of his sentence.

“I’ve got to get back to work, but it was wonderful to meet you,” Enzo said, deploying another one of those smiles that melted his mother and even seemed to ensnare his father.

Enzo was something else.

Will adored him. Every single part of him.

“We’ll also have to stop by to see the mural, when it’s done,” Carla said.

“Definitely,” Enzo agreed, a twinkle in his eye.

He leaned down and apparently was not at all averse to PDA, even in front of Will’s parents, because he gave him a kiss that would leave him thinking about Enzo’s lips on his—on every single part of him—the rest of the afternoon.

Then he was gone, waving to Rocco, as he headed out the door.

“Well, he’s sure something else,” Carla said, with an approving nod as the door closed behind him.

“Yes,” Will agreed. He could hardly argue with that assessment. “I’ve got to get back, as well. But I’ll make sure to email you over that opening list, and some tips for Brewer.”

“We appreciate it,” Patrick said, putting a hand on Will’s arm as he stood. “I’m just sorry you weren’t able to come yourself.”

Will wasn’t surprised his father had gotten one last guilt trip in. Enzo had worked him hard, but Patrick Johnson wasn’t the kind of man who would ever put personal life above business. Mom might’ve been convinced, but Patrick wouldn’t be. Not entirely.

“I am too, but not that sorry,” she said, giving him a quick hug. “Not after we’ve met what’s keeping you here.”

“Cherry’s is what’s really keeping me here,” Will emphasized. “Enzo is just an added bonus.”

“But what a bonus,” Carla teased.

She was right, again.

Still, he was unbelievably grateful when he finally waved goodbye to them, a few minutes later and returned to Cherry’s, walking in the door feeling like he’d just gone through a war.

Kate looked up as he walked in, not even bothering to hide her curiosity. “How did it go?” she asked.

Will just laughed. “Good. I think.”

I just upgraded from a boyfriend to a fiancé.

Chapter Seventeen

Enzo slipped into Cherry’s right before Kate locked the door.

She looked tired. Enzo could only imagine how Will looked.

“Busy day?” he asked.

Kate nodded. “We were slammed from four on. Rocco stopped by to help out and we had Mari, but it was a lot.” She paused, giving him a little smile and a gesture towards the back. “He’s in his office.”

Will was on his laptop when he sauntered in. He glanced up, meeting Enzo’s eyes.

“They left?” Enzo asked.

Will nodded.

“And without you,” Enzo said, feeling relief flow through him. The only problem with him declaring them engaged was the possibility that the Johnsons wouldn’t leave, like they’d planned, and head to Tybee. He’d been pretty certain they would, considering the store opening situation, but if they’d stayed . . .well, that could’ve created some serious complications.

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