Page 88 of The Billionaire Is Back

I put my hand on his bony arm. “I would love to hear more about Rosie sometime.” I give him a flyer. “Come to the reopening. This flyer is a coupon for twenty percent off.”

He swipes it from me. “I will take this flyer as a memento, but I will pay half price at the end of the day as usual.”

“I don’t know if there will be anything left on that day.”

“Well, I like to live on the edge. We’ll just have to see.”

Jake and Grady come over, carrying drinks. Grady hands me my chardonnay.

Crabby extends his hand to Grady, who shakes it with a bemused grin.

“I suppose, in this situation, the better man lost. But as long as you treat her right and don’t screw up my bakery, I will allow it.”

“Very gracious of you, Mr. Crawford.”

Jake places a strong, insistent hand on Grady’s shoulder. “Oh, he’ll treat her right.”

Grady, as ever, is unfazed by the warnings. “Absolutely. You staying to hear some music, Clarence?”

“Absolutely not!” Crabby yells, returning to his natural crotchety state and leaving in a huff before the devil’smusic can assault him.

Laughing, we return to our table and sit back down with Vera and our parents.

Grady raises his glass. “I propose a toast.” We all raise our glasses. “This is a great town with a great history. This group of people has a great history and great memories. But let’s drink to the future. I’m really looking forward to it.” Grady keeps his eyes totally and completely on me, and it makes me shiver—in the good way.

As soon as he takes a sip and puts down his drink, he looks down at his phone and frowns.

“What is it?” I ask.

“It’s Alice. I have to call her. I’ll be right back.” He gives me a quick kiss and exits.

The house music fades out. Damien returns to the stage, watching his brother walk out the door just as he walks into the spotlight. As he picks up his guitar and steps up to the mic, we all cheer so loudly for him—surely that makes up for Grady’s temporary absence.

“Nice to see you again, Sea Dog people,” Damien says into the mic. “Thanks for coming out.” He combs his fingers through his hair. Just like Grady always does, but different.

There’s more cheering. There are so many women here swooning over him, but Vera is just grinning as she watches him up there. Not smirking. Grinning. A full-on happy smile as Damien plays the opening chords of “Unsaid.”

I glance over at Jake, who’s staring at the door, looking less than pleased. I’ll have to figure that out. I thought we had his blessing. But as the alcohol courses through mybody, I realize how happy I am. I’m in Beacon Harbor, enjoying some free time with my friends and family, with a bright future for my business and an even brighter one for my love life.

Those damn affirmations worked.

I have everything I want.

As soon as Grady gets back.

Chapter 23

It’s All or Muffin

Grady

I exitthe Sea Dog to find a quieter spot down the block so I can call Alice. Before I even tap on her contact name in my phone, I hear, “You didn’t say anything about that video I sent you.”

I turn to find Jake right on my heels, not looking very happy. “What?”

“You never even commented on the video I sent you.”

I put my phone down. Now, Jake Sweeney is a big guy. A strong man. A very cool dude by anyone’s definition. But if this guy isn’t happy with you, he will pout like a toddler. He has been so moody since we got to the bar, but I have no idea what’s up with him. “What video?”

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