Paradise Found

He listened.

He totally understood my vision.

“It’s perfect, isn’t it?” he asks me.

“It truly is. But I can’t afford the space. This location is highly sought after, and I know the rental prices are astronomical,” I explain as I take in the space before me, and my mind runs wild with ideas.

“Lucky I know the owner, and they will give it to you for a good rate,” he tells me.

“No.” I gasp. “Still, it will be too expensive.”

“I’m sure the landlord would happily trade sexual favors and cupcakes for rent,” he says, giving me a wink.

He what now?And then my jaw falls as the penny drops, and Alistair starts laughing. No. There isno wayin this world that he bought this shop. “Are you the owner?” I ask hesitantly.

“Yep. I saw it months ago and was able to negotiate a great deal. It closed this week, and I bought it for you, Elle,” he explains.

Who the hell buys someone a shop?

“I know you will want to pay me rent, but how about this? “You don’t start paying me rent until you start making a profit,” he adds.

“Ali …”

“I won’t take no for an answer, Elle. This is where you’re meant to be. In this space, with hopefully, me by your side,” he says.

“This is too much.”

Ali shakes his head. “Nothing is too much for the woman I love.” He grins. “I believe in you. Always have. From the moment I tasted your cupcakes, I knew this is what you were born to do. Nowdo it!”

“Okay. Let’s do this,” I agree.

“Seriously?” he asks, not quite believing I’ve agreed to his demands this easily.

“Yes, seriously. How am I supposed to say no to the man I love?” I grin.

“You … love me?”

“With all of my heart,” I say as I jump into his arms and almost knock him over with my enthusiasm. “I love you, Alistair King.”

“I love you too, Eloise Muller. Wait! Is it Muller or Miller?”

“Miller is myrealsurname, but that’s another person. I don’t know who Eloise Miller is anymore,” I tell him.

“That’s okay because one day it’s going to be Eloise King. So it doesn’t really matter, does it?” he replies cheekily.

“One day,” I say, agreeing with him.

“Can’t wait.” He grins as he cups my face and kisses me passionately.

Behind me a throat clears, and Alistair and I break apart in surprise. There standing before us is Alexander Lewis, my old boss’s brother, and a gorgeous blonde. What are they doing here?

“Alex, Ivy, thank you so much for coming,” Alistair greets them excitedly, shaking their hands. “Let me introduce you both to Eloise.” He turns back and gives me a wide smile.

“We have heard so much about you, Eloise,” Alex states while shaking my hand.

“All good, I hope,” I say with a chuckle as I look over his shoulder at Alistair.

“This guy never shuts up about you,” Alex declares with a smile.