Page 85 of Charm

I’m hoping that’s because she views it as a celebratory gift. Partnering with Wolf Candy would be ideal. Nikita Wolfhas built her very successful business from the ground up. Combining her premier chocolate with our candy seems like a win-win to me.

“Thank you,” I whisper. “You said you spoke to Nikita?”

“I did.” A smile blooms on her lips. “She mentioned that Holden Sheppard was in her store yesterday.”

I suddenly wonder if he’s out canvassing for a potential partner for me. If that were the case, he would have told me when I saw him.

“He was buying something for a friend.” She sighs. “He seems like a great guy, Greer. Are you sure there isn’t a chance for more between you two?”

I want nothing more than to tell her there’s not only a chance, but we’re going to pursue things to see where it all leads. Right now, though, I want to hear about what happened when she asked Nikita about buying her out.

I decide to go the direct route, so Krista doesn’t wander off course again. “What did Nikita say about buying your half of Sweet Indulgence?”

She unscrews the cap of her water bottle and takes a long drink. If she’s trying to forcefully push me into agony, she’s doing a great job.

“It’s a no,” she says. “She loves our products but is looking to expand her business, so she’s focused on that right now.”

A small jolt of disappointment courses through me, but partnering with Wolf Candy was a long shot.

“I take it you haven’t had any luck finding someone to buy me out?”

“I’m working on it,” I say, honestly.

“We’ll find someone.” She lifts her bottle in the air, motioning for me to do the same with my coffee cup.

I do, smiling the entire time. “What are we toasting to?”

“To the future.” She grins. “To my life in California, and the beautiful life you’ve built here.”

We both turn in unison when the store’s door swings open and Olive comes racing in.

Bruce is on her heel with a pizza box and a paper bag with twine handles.

“Pizza delivery!” Olive yells. “Krista, you’re here!”

My little girl runs toward Krista at breakneck speed, darting around several displays until she’s got her arms wrapped around my dearest friend.

“I’ve missed you,” Krista whispers as she strokes Olive’s hair. “You’re getting so big.”

Olive glances up at her face. “One day I might be taller than you.”

Krista’s eyes fill with unshed tears. “You’re so beautiful, Olive.”

“You’re not crying, are you?” Olive hugs her tighter. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m so happy to see you,” Krista explains as she shoots me a look.

I know it well. She needs me to save her from the overwhelming emotions she’s feeling. This doesn’t happen every time the two of them are together, but as Olive’s gotten older, it’s become more frequent.

Olive steps back before she comes to me. When her arms wrap around my waist, I feel the same sense of gratitude I do every time I get to hug her.

“There’s enough pizza for all of us,” she tells me. “We can have a fun lunch break.”

“I’d love to share that pizza.” Krista’s voice wavers. “I always like hanging out with all of you.”

Bruce sets the pizza box on the counter along with the paper bag. “I’ll run to the back to get napkins.”

“I know where they are!” Olive screams, setting off in a sprint to grab a handful of the napkins I keep on the desk in the back room. “I’ll race you again, Grandpa.”

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