“When’s the job starting?”
“Theoretically right away, but I can negotiate to start next week.”
My jaw drops. “That’s gonna require a lot of planning.”
“Luckily you’re a planning genius.”
Tilting his head forward, he brings his mouth to mine, swiping his tongue once over my lips before sealing his lips over my mouth. The kiss is explosive and all-consuming, taking my breath away. Fisting the lower hem of his shirt with both hands, I pull him to me, flattening myself against his chest. I become greedier by the second, wishing I could feel his skin against mine, wishing we could disappear under blankets and only resurface in a few days, or weeks.
“So that’s a yes?” he whispers when we pull apart. The door of the restaurant swings open and a couple steps out. They nod at us politely before stepping onto the narrow path leading to the outer gate.
Once they’re out of earshot, I eye Nate.
“No question, no answer.” I shrug one shoulder playfully before crossing my arms over my chest. “Everyone will think we’re hurrying because you knocked me up.”
He kisses my forehead and then my temple, feathering his lips down my cheek all the way to the tip of my nose. I barely restrain myself from smothering him with kisses. If I kiss him again, I won’t be able to stop.
“No problem. We can start with that project right after I put a ring on your finger.”
Pushing myself away from his grasp, I shake my head, hoping to clear it. I firmly believe this man can get me to agree to anything if he focuses his smoldering gaze on me long enough.
“By the way, about the engagement ring—”
“I’ll buy it from Bennett Enterprises. Didn’t even occur to me to go to the competition.”
“Would be a pretty serious incentive to say no when you pop the question.”
He sighs. “You won’t let me off the hook, will you?”
“Of course not. You have to drop on one knee, open the lid, pop the question.”
“You just moved from closet romantic to full-on romantic.”
I flash a grin. “I know. I’m not even sorry.”
“Any other requests?”
> “I want an epic bachelorette party. But the girls will see to that.”
Epilogue
Alice
One year later
“This is epic,” I exclaim, my eyes glued to my laptop screen.
“You’ll have to close that for takeoff. And you’ve seen it half a dozen times.”
“I think a dozen comes closer.” After mine and Blake’s episode on Delicious Dining aired months ago, the network decided it was so good, they’ll do another one. Blake did it, and it finally aired last week. I loved it. I’ve been rewatching it quite a few times. We’re taking off toward San Francisco, and the flight attendant has already told me to close my laptop once. “I’ll just watch this bit, and then I’ll put it away.”
Nate kisses my temple but doesn’t argue. Smart man. Our life in London is hectic but beautiful. Our apartment is lovely. I fly out to San Francisco about every six weeks, not only for work purposes but also because I have withdrawals if I don’t see my family often. Sometimes, like now, Nate joins me and we have a full program, visiting both my family and his mom. No matter if we’re in San Francisco or in London, when we’re together, everything feels right, balanced. Sometimes to find your balance, you have to put yourself out there, not hold back at all, no matter how scary that might seem.
Managing the restaurants from afar is a challenge, but I’ve learned to love it. It keeps me on my toes, drives me to focus on the essential parts. Besides, I took Pippa’s advice and asked Blake if he’d mind helping me manage all the locations, and he immediately agreed. We’re equal partners in the business now, and my little brother does me proud. Which doesn’t mean I can’t tease him when he makes an ass of himself on TV. There is a particular moment in the episode that I keep rewatching and laughing at every time.
When I finally put my laptop away, Nate says, “You’re not going to let Blake live it down, will you?”
“Of course not. It’s my duty as a sister to tease him.”