Page 37 of Lost in You (The Monroes 3)

A bit of pride swelled inside Liam as his ex-boss cut to the chase. “I’m ready to discuss a price for Magnolias,” Liam prompted.

Mark chuckled. “I knew you’d be on board with this. I’m actually glad to be passing it to someone I trust. But I’m a little surprised you’re ready to come back. I thought you’d stay in Haven.”

Liam headed further out onto the porch and took a seat on the top step. “Is that so?”

“Yes, but I was hoping you were up for this. I wasn’t sure how you were doing back in your hometown and I know you loved it here. Besides, the customers all miss you and this place would be in good hands if you decided to come back, especially as the owner.”

Intrigued, Liam rested his arm on his bent knee. “May I ask why you’re selling?”

“I’m getting tired. When you own a business, you’re essentially married to it.”

Well, this was one marriage Liam wouldn’t mind having one bit. A restaurant of his own, fulfilling his life-long dream, coming full circle to the vision his mother had for herself. Bittersweet emotions tightened in his chest as he thought of how proud his mother would’ve been at the idea of Liam having his own restaurant, and one as successful as Magnolias.

“I was hoping you could come in sometime soon so we could discuss specifics and then we can nego

tiate a price,” Mark went on. “That is, if you’re serious about this. I know you’d mentioned a few times over the years that you’d love to have your own place.”

Liam had dropped some hints. And why not try to get an established business as lucrative as Magnolias? He already knew the staff, the customers, how everything ran. The business side of owning a restaurant would be new to him, but he’d seen enough with Bella Vous to know a bit more than he did a few months ago.

This was a big risk, but everything he’d ever wanted was practically being handed to him. If he could get a loan for the place, everything else would be a non-issue.... Well, except for telling his family that he was moving back to Savannah to pursue his own dream.

Zach and Braxton wouldn’t like this. Most likely they’d be furious, but Liam had to do what was best for him. He wouldn’t just leave them hanging. He’d personally find a chef to take his place and make sure the resort was taken care of. The transition wouldn’t be smooth, emotionally or physically, but there was no way Liam could walk away from this opportunity.

“I can meet with you,” he replied, gazing out onto the pond. A few of the guests were taking a walk toward the dock, where they could feed the ducks. “It would have to be an evening.”

The second the date and time were set, Liam knew he’d placed a ball into motion that would continue to roll for the rest of his life. This was the moment he’d been waiting for, a chance to make his own dreams come true. After years of cooking being just a hobby he shared with his mother, then as a way to continue to hold her memory alive, Liam didn’t know anything else. This was his skill, his livelihood. And in a short time, he might be the owner of one of the hottest restaurants in Savannah and the surrounding areas.

Once he disconnected the call, it took a moment for him to remember Cora and Sophie were still in the kitchen. Female chatter sounded through the screen door. Liam came to his feet and stretched, placing the phone back into his pocket. For now, he was keeping all of this to himself. If by some chance this business didn’t come to fruition, nobody would ever know he’d thought of leaving Haven.

Years ago he’d wanted out because of all the heartache and tension after the accident. Now he wanted out because he craved being back in his comfort zone, in the lifestyle he’d grown accustomed to for the past ten years. And if getting his own restaurant and fully being his own boss came along with moving, then he was ready to pack his bags.

Nearly all of his savings was tied up in Bella Vous, though, but he had some retirement he could cash in, if he wanted to pay a penalty. There were just so many variables to think on, to plan out, and everything was going to come down to timing and funds. Liam had to be patient and wait, praying everything would fall into place.

As he stepped back inside, Sophie stopped midsentence and looked his way. “Everything okay?”

Liam nodded. “Yeah. Just a friend from Savannah.” Not a complete lie.

Cora came to her feet, reaching for Heidi’s collar. “I need to get back. I have an appointment coming in shortly. As far as the cake, I’m fine with anything and trust your judgment.”

“I promise you’ll love it,” Liam assured her.

Sophie pushed off the counter and stood as well, reaching over to close the binder. “I need to get moving, too. I told Macy I’d make some calls and draw up a simple invitation to her father’s surprise party.”

Just the mention of Macy’s name had Liam’s entire body on alert. Granted, the frustrating woman was never far from his mind, but especially after last night. He could still feel her trembling against him, still feel her warm pants against the side of his face. It had taken every bit of his willpower to walk away, but her words would haunt him forever. The look on her face after he’d denied her more had kept him awake nearly all night. Somehow, he needed to fix this.... But how did he approach her again without seeing a look of hatred or rage looking back at him?

“Hey,” Sophie said, her brows drawn together. “Something wrong?”

Liam shook away the thoughts as much as he could and offered her a smile. “Just thinking ahead to your wedding cake.”

Though worry was still etched in the slight wrinkles between her brows, Sophie tipped her head and grinned. “I can’t wait. I know you’ll do an amazing job. Macy mentioned asking you for some help with her father’s party. I’m sure that’s a lot on your plate with our wedding, too. I’ll see what I can do to help Macy. Surely I can throw something simple together.”

“No.” Liam reached out, touching Sophie’s arm before he could stop his actions or his mouth. “I’ll help her. It’s not too much. The party is before your wedding, so we’re good.”

And he hadn’t realized until this exact moment that he would actually help Macy. Perhaps that was a way to call a truce while he was here. She clearly needed someone to pull the party off and he needed to apologize in a major way. As much as he feared spending more time with her, there was no way around this. Macy needed people to band together, to show her and her father that she was cared for and appreciated. He wasn’t a complete jerk—just when he couldn’t control his hormones.

And from now on, he’d be in total control with Macy. He couldn’t afford not to be.

Sophie’s smile widened. “I was hoping you’d help her. But seriously, if you need me to do anything at all, please just tell me.”

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