Page 33 of A Billionaire's Holiday Love

CHAPTER SEVEN

HOPE

“Good afternoon, Delila.” I slid into a red seat at the counter. A few patrons sat a few seats down. The dining room was bustling for midday. She wasn’t playing when she said they were extremely busy this time of year.

Her smile widened across her hickory complected face. She removed the dirty dishes beside me. “Hope, it’s good to see you again.”

“Good to see you too. Are you ready for our interview?”

Her big brown eyes lit up. “Yes. Follow me. I’d like you to meet my husband.”

I stepped into the open kitchen behind her. We stood close to the stove.

“Stuart?” she called out, waving him over.

He spoke to the cook beside him before walking toward us.

“Yes, baby,” Stuart answered as he approached.

“Hun, I’d like to introduce you to Hope. I mentioned her to you the other day. She’s writing the story about Christmasville.”

He grinned, extending his hand. “Yes! It’s nice to meet you, Hope.

“Likewise, Stuart.”

We shook hands.

He stood beside Delila, clutching her curvy waist. “Are you enjoying yourself so far?”

“Yes. The town's beauty alone is breathtaking. Tonight, my neighbor and I are attending the ice-skating event.”

“You’ll have fun. We’ll be there serving hot chocolate,” Delila stated.

“Great. I can’t miss a cup of your rich cocoa. You’ll definitely see my face,” I smiled.

“You two have the perfect location. Right in the center of town. After working up an appetite in the town square, the red trim windows caught my attention. The second I stepped inside I got a fifties vibe. I love the green garland hanging close to the ceiling around the restaurant. And the pretty red and white checkered floors. Every inch of this place comforts someone like myself traveling alone around the holiday.”

“We installed new floors soon after we bought this place.” She tapped her foot on the floor.

“I bet the cute red Santa mural also keeps most people in the holiday spirit. My neighbor not so much. Delila, you remember the guy I ate dinner with Sunday?”

“Yeah, how could I forget. He had it bad for you.”

My cheeks heated. “No?”

“Yup, he did.”

“Well, he’s my neighbor. And he’s the owner of Canyon Brewery.”

Her eyes widened.

“The owner of Canyon beer is in our town?” Stuart’s gray eyes widened.

“Please don’t tell anyone.”

He shook his head. “We won’t.” His lips fell on top of Delila’s head.

“If I could persuade him to create a line of flavored beer, would you two consider selling it on tap?”

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