Page 105 of Under Daddy's Spell

Pursing her lips, she considered what having more time would mean. “Stepping back from the day-to-day business would free up time for things I’ve always wanted to do but never had time for, like getting my website up and running. I can’t compete with Amazon, but I’ve done pretty well up against the coffee chain at the end of the street.”

“And, expansion. I’m not talking national, unless that’s something you want, butTournez La Page- Baton Rouge and another in Lafayette would increase your income. Add a manager over all three, and you could enjoy the fruits of your success rather than working ten- and twelve-hour days, seven days a week.”

“Now I see the plot afoot here.”

“I’m not ashamed to admit to having ulterior motives, but I wouldn’t recommend something I didn’t think you could pull off. I might know of rental space near gyms in strip malls with better foot traffic than we have here.”

“Might these gyms be owned by a tall, blond, gorgeous former NFL football star whose bed I’ve been sleeping in for the past week?”

He picked up her hand and brought it to his mouth. His eyes met hers, and his lips tickled her skin when he replied, “They might be.”

Tessa found the idea intriguing, and the wheels in her brain started turning.

“If you’re interested in checking out the spaces, I have scheduled visits to both locations next week.”

“I’m interested in making Tessa not such a dull girl.”

“How’s that?”

“You know, if I’m all work and no play.”

“That won’t happen with me around. But if having three locations makes Tessa a happier girl with more time for her daddy, I’m all for that.”

Jordan got out and, as always, came around to get her. While he rounded the front of the truck, she dug her phone out of her bag. She had two messages, which were duplicates, but she didn’t open either. The on-screen notification contained the word Delta and was all she needed to know.

She leaned forward, laid her head on the dash, and was groaning when he opened the door.

“What’s wrong? Are you sick?”

“No, but I’m gonna be in about eleven days.”

“What does that mean?”

She held her phone up so he could read the screen.

“Your dad and step-mom are coming for a visit. How bad can it be?”

“Bad. He’s expecting to do some research while he’s here, or he’ll have his nose in a book, resurfacing in time for dinner each night. You’ll be gone on Sunday. Which leaves me to entertain Shelly for three days pretty much by myself.”

“Just on Sunday. We have Tampa Bay in the early game at one o’clock. It’s a short flight, which means I can fly out early and back in late, and only be gone for the day.”

“Awesome.”

“They’re family. The time will fly by. Speaking of time, if you don’t get a move on, you’re going to be late opening.”

“Angie is on, and she’s never late.”

“She mentioned something about going to the mountains and getting out of this heat for a week. Or do I have the dates wrong?”

“Holy crap, I forgot. And Georgia’s on.”

She dropped her phone in her purse and jumped out of the truck. Actually, because it was high, she was short, and since Jordan was ginormous, he didn’t see the need to get running boards. Her heel caught a rough place in the asphalt. She would have fallen if he hadn’t been there to catch her. Once she was steady, she took off.

“You’re going to break your neck in those damn shoes. Slow down,” he called, falling behind as he slammed the door and beeped the locks.

“Can’t. Gotta make the coffee and fresh scones.” A manager to cover for vacations and employees who couldn’t get to work on time sounded great about now.

She had trouble with the lock, fumbling with her keys in the dark because Mr. Thompson still hadn’t fixed the light. Jordan caught up with her, took them from her, and had it open in two shakes.

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