Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2

S elena

I was antsy as it got, swiveling back and forth in my chair as I tried to concentrate on my business plan on such a beautiful morning. For all the wrong reasons, I couldn't seem to do it. Maybe because all the teasing from a couple of nights before had kept me in a mindless process of going over and over the ridiculous and very few relationships I'd had with men over the years. None of the dudes had been worthy of talking to Mother about.

I'd balked against my father's wishes of landing a billionaire catch, dating one hot construction worker after the morbid medical student I'd been goofy enough to date in college. At least the sizzling construction worker had a body made for sin but he'd had the brains of a pea. However, the rich son of one of my father's clients he'd introduced me to had seemed nice on the outside, refined and could certainly carry on a decent conversation over drinks and dinner.

Then he'd turned into Mr. Handsy in the car, even going so far as to try to force himself into my apartment. Not a chance. The last guy had been a hybrid, not a bad guy by any sense of the word and kind of cute. But he'd been more into playing Xbox games than spending time with me.

And forget about the passion.

Our sex life had been like I'd been fucking a dead fish.

Ugh.

As Alicia, the real estate agent I'd been working with for three of the four months since I'd lost my mind continued telling me about how fabulous the place was, I glanced out the window toward the ocean. She'd been stretching it bringing me to this location, but we'd checked at least two dozen during our search.

"What do you think?" she finally asked.

I wasn't certain what to think. "First of all, it's not near any other shops. Second, I have no clue who would take an elevator to the twentieth floor to purchase a cupcake or five. You need a storefront on a busy street so on the beautiful, warm days you can block the door open, allowing the scents of chocolate, raspberry, and vanilla to waft onto the sidewalk. That's how you bring people in through your doors. How much is this per month anyway?"

She gave me a dour look. "Twenty-five thousand a month. With three months as a security deposit."

I was forced to press my hand across my lips to keep from choking. "O-kay. What else you got?"

"Other than a fleabag in the worst section of town, nothing. Nothing at least that suits your budget and had been a restaurant or bakery of some kind before anyway. Maybe you should consider setting up shop in another town."

I had a feeling she was getting tired of wasting time with me.

While I knew my glare was harsh, I was tired of her too. "Alicia. I've really appreciated the help you've provided, the time spent, but our relationship just doesn't seem to be working out." I kept an oh-so sweet smile on my face when I was infuriated at her lack of understanding.

No one seemed to get how much I wanted to fulfill a single dream of mine. One. Not because my mother wanted me to be a debutant, or my father wanted to mold me as a carbon copy of him. A dream for just me, the little girl who used to fantasize about being a princess swept away by a handsome knight.

Yeah, right. That was a serious pipedream.

I'd been lucky to be working with my brilliant father, building a media empire that rivaled our enemies. My salary had tripled in the two years I'd worked with him, and I'd been able to afford to do or buy anything my heart desired.

Only I'd kept myself from doing so, saving what I'd been able to, living on ramen noodles and mac and cheese.

Alicia looked hurt at first then offered the same smile I'd given her. "Very well. I did my best and I doubt you'll find another agent who would bother trying to help you. You can let yourself out."

As she stomped toward the door, her heels clattered on the concrete floor along the way.

When she left, I couldn't help but give her my middle finger.

Groaning, I dropped my head into my hands. I adored coming to my local big box bookstore where the light was generous, the music soft, and the coffee plentiful. Sometimes wine.

However, even though the day had been lovely, a typical San Diego day, nothing could soothe the worry or the realization that I couldn't afford to pay the exorbitant rent fees on a decent place if I wanted to. All the leases required a minimum of three months as a security deposit, many wanting six since so many businesses had been burned. And I'd yet to see one that hadn't needed at least a hundred thousand dollars of renovation work, including new commercial equipment. I was screwed. I was a smart girl. I knew that if I wanted my business to be successful, I'd need a minimum of six months in savings in addition to spending all the other money required.

Not. Going. To. Happen.

"I found him." The chirpy voice startled me and brought me out of my ugly thoughts.

Her words also caused me to wrinkle my nose. "Him? What are you talking about and how did you find me?"

"First of all, you're a creature of habit. If you're not at the bakery or at home getting frosting all over you then you're sitting in this same chair, your head in your hands."

"Fine. Why are you here interrupting my sullen mood?"

"Remember I asked if I found the perfect guy if you'd call him?" She slid into the hardback chair opposite me, her grin far too mischievous.

"I was just kidding."

Willow wagged her finger in my face. "Oh, no, you don't. A deal is a deal."

"Since when?"

The hard look suddenly appearing on her face made me almost cringe. "Do you remember when you set me up on a blind date with that accountant dude who worked in your father's office?"

Yep. I'd screwed up with that suggestion. The guy had been… scary. "How many times have I told you I'm sorry?"

She leaned over the table. "Not nearly enough."

"So, you want me to pay for my sins?"

Her laugh made me roll my eyes. "I'm not a cruel woman. However, you really do need to get your head out of a basket of flour."

"You don't put flour in a basket, Willow. You use a container."

"Whatever, so I found the perfect man. So I think. And I searched."

"In one night, you found me the man of my dreams."

"No, just a handsome dude you can use as a fuck buddy."

Why did it feel like everyone in the bookstore coffee shop was watching and listening to us?

"Okay, fine. I will consider your proposal." I wasn't about to jump right in with both feet even if it was possible she found a decent dude.

"Not good enough. What are you doing this weekend?" When I didn't answer right away, she was the one rolling her eyes. "Let me guess. You're going to spend all day baking tomorrow followed by some stupid bake sale or fair where you hope customers will throw themselves at your feet, begging you for more of your scrumptious cupcakes."

She made it sound so horrible. "Maybe."

"You will soon be thirty. You need to find a real boyfriend."

Now I was the one leaning over the table, threatening to accidentally toss my laptop onto the floor. "Like you?"

"I've been in two serious relationships, one even leading to a marriage proposal. Have you?"

Jesus. I was far too predictable. "Who is this guy?"

"While I don't know his name or his pedigree, I assure you he is perfect. From the clothes and watch he was wearing, his family must be from old money, but I watched him and he seemed very nice, a generous tipper, and had the kind of smile any woman would die to fall for."

Melodramatic much?

She was holding her phone in her hand.

"What does he look like, an ape?"

"He's cute, although the picture I took is a little grainy. I was in a hurry." She slid her finger across the screen, using her pinky to navigate to where she wanted.

"You are a terrible friend. Fine. Let me see."

The girl could light up an entire room with her smile alone. She remained dramatic, taking her time to slide her finger across the screen, navigating to her photos before handing me her phone.

"The photo is grainy."

"I already told you that. Why can't you trust me for once? I spent two days researching and hunting, using connections and my wit to find the perfect guy for you. The least you could do is act like you give a damn."

I wanted to glare but I smiled instead. "And he is single? Did you at least figure that out? I don't want to find myself with a married man."

Been there, done that.

"Oh, yeah, baby. He is very single."

"And you got his number?"

Her smile was positively devious as she pulled out a bright pink sticky note. "For you, darling. Call or text as you will. But soon or both Bella and I will bug you to death."

"Dare I ask how the hell you got his number?" I eyed the scribbled writing, her bad penmanship leaving a lot to be desired.

She shrugged, fanning her face and giving me a pouty look. "I have my ways."

"You did something naughty."

"I take the fifth."

"And his name?" What was I thinking? Texting a stranger out of the blue. Oh, good. Stalker 101, here I come.

"Oh, no. That's part of the game," Willow cooed. "The two of you need to learn that all by your naughty little selves."

"You don't know."

"My lips are sealed."

There were times I hated her with a passion because she knew me too well. However, in knowing all my darkest secrets, she knew how much I adored playing rather dark and devious games. "Fine. I'll consider it."

"I hope you do before you wake up one morning and you're planning your will."

"Morbid beast."

"Just looking out for my girlie. Remember, Friday is right around the horizon. When you find your courage and take a leap of faith, call me. Otherwise, I'll consider you an old maid."

Her laugh made me shake my head and as she walked out of the door as if she owned the entire building, I lifted my middle finger once again. Apparently, it was becoming my salute.

Yet I couldn't help but grin.

God, it was wonderful to have best friends.