Page 347 of Billionaire Temptations

“You have your doubts?”

I leaned back in my chair and placed my hands behind my head.

“A little. I just don’t think a shop like that will survive. She’s going to take a big loss the first year.”

“Wes, come on, she practically ran an international wine company. She knows what running a business involves. You don’t need to protect her.”

“But I want to protect her. I can’t help it. I was walking by Cartier yesterday, and I saw this beautiful ring in the window that caught my eye. I’m going to ask her to marry me.”

“Seriously? Already?”

“She’s the one, Christopher. The only one I want to spend the rest of my life with. I love her, and I want her to be my wife.”

“Wow. Congratulations.” He grinned.

“Thanks. But don’t congratulate me yet. She might not say yes.”

“Or she might say yes and then ditch you at the altar.” He laughed. “Just kidding.” He put his hands up.

I grabbed my suitcoat from the back of the chair and put it on before walking out of my office and heading over to the Cupcake Nook. I walked through the door and smiled as I saw Anna standing there yelling at a contractor about something. She handed him a check, and he walked away in a huff.

“What was that all about?” I asked as I wrapped my arms around her.

“He tried to rip me off and thought he could get away with it. He tried to charge me for material that wasn’t even used in the store. Shady motherfucker.”

I chuckled. “Nothing gets past you, does it?”

“No. Not when it’s my money. I’m happy you’re here. What do you think?”

“I think it’s amazing. You did a great job, sweetheart. Where’s Francine?”

“Right over there. Francine, come say hi to Wes.”

I stared at the woman walking towards me in disbelief that it was actually Francine.

“Hi, Mr. Carter. Welcome to the Cupcake Nook.” She smiled.

“Hello, Francine. The place looks great.”

“Thanks. Anna and I worked really hard.”

“I know you did.”

“Excuse me. I’m going to go check on the cupcakes that are in the oven.”

I gave her a friendly nod and then looked at Anna.

“That is not the same woman I met four months ago.”

“Pretty spectacular, right? I told you I was helping her make herself over.”

“She looks like a completely different woman, and she seems more confident.”

“That’s because I taught her how to be a confident woman. Her ex-husband really shattered her self-confidence. She feels good about her makeover, which gives her more self-confidence.”

“You did, good, sweetheart.” I kissed her lips. “I need to get back to the office. I’ll see you later. I love you.”

“I love you too.” She smiled.

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