What if he did ask her back to his place? Was she ready for more than just a kiss?
“Molly? Are you alright in there? Dinner’s ready on the table,” Mrs. Kerstman’s asked from outside the door, concern etched into her voice. “Please don’t tell me you ate one of the candy canes off of the Christmas tree in the den. You know how Howard mixes the candy canes from years ago in with the newest batch. I hope you didn’t forget—”
Molly swung open the door, putting on a bright smile. “I’m fine, Mrs. Kerstman. Sorry for making you worry.”
“Ah, you know that worrying is never a waste to me,” Mrs. Kerstman said with a smile. She wrapped her arm around Molly’s shoulders. “Now, come on. Dinner's ready.”
* * *
“Nicholas Kerstman Enterprises? Ooh, that sounds like serious business,” Mrs. Carmichael said, placing a bit of salad onto her plate. “What kind of work do you do there?”
“I help local businesses in New York City stay afloat. For the most part my company’s concerned with wealth management, sponsorship opportunities, and other things like that,” Nicholas explained. “We’re basically the ones who keep the wheels turning.”
Molly was having a hard time not staring at him. He kept sneaking glances over at her and grinning, which gave Molly giddy shivers all down her body.
“Too modest, he’s much too modest,” Mrs. Kerstman said, grinning over at her son. “He’s the owner of one of the fastest growing business management companies in the city. He’s been thinking about buying an entire Manhattan building by next year, all for Nicholas Kerstman Enterprises.”
“Oh, wow. You can afford to buy an entire building in New York City?” Mr. Carmichael appeared to choke on his glass of wine. “You know our beautiful Molly is single, yes?”
“Dad!” Molly glared at him and considered kicking him under the table.
Just because she liked kissing Nicholas didn't mean she wanted her parent's meddling. She didn't need her dad helping her with this.
“It’s not so much about buying the building, but when the business gets to a certain point, I’ll need all the space I can get,” Nicholas explained. “I typically work hands-on with my assistant, conferencing with the rest of the team when I absolutely need to, but if we grow any bigger, we’ll need more and more staff on-site.”
“More staff, eh? Our beautiful Molly is pretty good with admin work, aren’t you, Molly?” Mr. Carmichael winked back at Molly.
Molly sank into her chair. “Please just pretend I’m not here, Dad. Please.”
“You sound like a very busy man, Nicholas. What brings you to our little town?” Mrs. Carmichael asked, changing the course of the conversation to something a little bit safer.
“That’s actually something I wanted to talk to you about,” Nicholas said after a moment.
Molly's stomach twisted and she stopped eating. This was the moment Nicholas shared his plans. Thoughts of kissing her boss left her mind.
“Mom. Dad,” Nicholas began, taking in a shaky breath. “I know this may not be the best time, but I think I need to be honest with the both of you.”
“Oh, no. Nicholas, did you elope? Is there some woman you’re trying to introduce us to?” Mrs. Kerstman asked, soundly like she might be close to tears. “I knew you wouldn't come here without a reason. Oh, Nicholas, please, tell me you didn't get married without telling me!”
“Are you bankrupt?” Mr. Kerstman’s tone was serious, but not critical, his face softening into one of genuine concern. “Did you need help getting back on your feet, son? We’ll do anything we can to help, Nicky.”
“No, I’m not married, and no, I’m not bankrupt,” Nicholas told them, sounding exasperated. He exhaled again, his face taking on the confident look of a businessman. “I’ve been thinking of selling the rights to the store.”
“Selling the rights? What does that mean?” Mrs. Kerstman asked, sounding confused. “Are you planning on kicking us out and replacing us with your own people or something?”
“No, nothing like that. I would never do that,” Nicholas insisted, shaking his head back and forth. “But it would mean that none of us would be responsible for any of the big picture stuff anymore. No more worrying about running the website in the off-season or balancing the books or checking on inventory. You two would solely handle the day to day, the hiring and firing, the current going-ons of the shop. And someone else would handle all the rest.”
“All the rest...” Mr. Kerstman repeated. Molly couldn't read his tone as to how he felt about that. She swallowed hard on nothing, watching the Kerstmans and their son intently.
Nicholas leaned towards the table, resting his palms against it. “It would mean having actual vacation days that you wouldn’t have to schedule yourself. It would mean that you could even retire, whenever you wanted, and you’d still make money from the shop, because you’ll always have a percentage of the sales. It would mean that you two could finally just breathe.”
“Oh.” Mrs. Kerstman tilted her head. “Breathing sounds good...”
“But what would happen to you, Nicholas? What happens to your ownership in the shop?” Mr. Kerstman asked. Molly couldn't tell what he thought of this idea yet.
“I’d be giving up my ownership, completely,” Nicholas said simply. “If that’s okay with you two.”
A silence fell over the table.