Page 243 of Billionaire Temptations

“I opened the shop six months ago.”

“Don’t you think it’s a little too soon to think about expanding? Maybe you should wait a year and see what the bottom line is with the numbers.”

“No. Like I said, the shop is doing way better than I expected, and I know it can do even better with more space and more merchandise.”

“And if it backfires?” I raised my brow at her.

“It won’t. I know I can do this. It’s in my genes, compliments of my mother.”

I raised my wine glass. “Then here’s to a successful expansion.”

She tipped her glass against mine and spoke with a smile, “Thank you, Mr. Caine.”

That smile was enough for me to throw back the rest of my wine, untie her robe, and push her on her back while I climbed on top of her, and we fucked for the second time.

“Leon,it’s Jackson Caine. Do you have time to meet today? Maybe we can do lunch.”

“Sure, Jackson. How about one o’clock? But we’ll have to meet over by my office. I have a two-thirty appointment.”

“Name the place, and I’ll be there.”

“Let’s meet at Resette’s. I could go for one of their pizzas.”

“Resette’s it is. I’ll see you at one.”

Setting down my phone, I sighed. There was no way Leon was going to let Emily expand her shop. If he did, he would charge her up the ass in rent and double what she’d normally pay. I knew him, and I knew how he operated. He was nothing short of a shrewd businessman.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Emily

I was in the shop folding some sweaters that had just come in when I heard the bell above the door chime. I looked and saw a man and woman step inside.

“Good afternoon. Welcome to Emily’s Edge.”

“Thank you,” the woman said with a smile as she went to the wall where the dresses were.

Once I was finished with the display of sweaters, I glanced over at the couple and couldn’t help but notice the man staring at me. The moment I looked at him, he turned away. Not thinking too much of it, I walked over and asked if they needed any help.

“This is a lovely shop,” the woman spoke.

“Thank you. Is this your first time here?” I asked.

“Yes. My husband and I are visiting. We’re thinking about moving here. We’re from Seattle.”

“Nice. Well, welcome to the city, and if you need anything, just let me know.”

“We will. Thank you.” She politely smiled.

The whole time I was standing in front of them, the woman’s husband kept staring at me, and even when I looked at him, hedidn’t look away. It bothered me, and I felt very uncomfortable. As I stood behind the counter, trying not to notice his excessive stares, Katie walked in from lunch.

“I’m back.” She grinned.

“How was lunch?”

“Excellent! Guess what?” she screeched with excitement.

“What?”

---