“Whoah, man. You two have barely been together a hot second, and then you dumped her over voicemail. I’m not sure-”
“Alden, I’m all in. I swear. I almost married my ex, and she’s not worthy of taking out Addy’s trash. I thought the world revolved around Ashley. It wasn’t until I met Addison I realized my ex-girlfriend manipulated situations to be front and center. But Addy gets your attention naturally. Because she’s so radiant, youcan’tlook at anything or anyone else. It’s not just her physical beauty. She’s… she’s… hell, she’s everything.”
This daunting man stares at me quietly, hands on his hips. My heart is in my throat. What do I do now? “Okay, man. You do what I say without question, and no one will get hurt.”
What the hell have I gotten myself into?
Chapter26
Addy
“Thank you.” Grabbing the glass of lemonade James holds out to me, I inhale the sea air and relax into my lounger. “This is just what I needed. I appreciate you having me here. And your friendship. It came right when I needed it most.”
Holding out his glass, we clink them together to toast this unlikely relationship. “Well, first. You deserve a man who knows how special you are. Don’t let that boy’s mistakes define you, young lady.” I can’t help but blush at his sweet words. “You’ve got so much more to offer the world than you’re giving yourself credit for, Addison. I believe in you. We just need to develop a business plan, so you have the tools to go after it. If I could do it, with my little lawn care business, so can you.”
“I just can’t imagine trying to run a business with my limitations. I could get sued for not following a contract I can’t read in the first place.”
“That’s where your team comes into place. The best managers and business owners know how to surround themselves with people who can get the job done. We just need to identify their roles.”
I bite my lip, wanting to be excited about the prospect, but reality is taking hold. “This sounds terrifying. And expensive.”
“Do you believe in your work?”
“Yes! I love what I do, and I’m good at it.”
“I know. I’ve seen it.” Alden’s website has a gallery of my cakes. “You should use your modeling talents to showcase your treats. Pose with your products. It’ll draw in tons of customers.”
I blush, feeling a bit embarrassed but proud nonetheless.
“I’m putting up the seed money for your shop. We’ll work out the particulars. I’d like to be a silent partner until you’re doing well enough to buy me out.”
I nearly choke on my lemonade. “What?”
Handing over a napkin, James chuckles. “I believe in you, Addison. It’s time you start doing the same.”
I barely have time to process all he’s said before my phone starts jumping across the metal table between us. Reaching for it, I hit the messaging app and discover Alden’s left a voice message.
“Hey, sassy girl. A lot’s happened since you’ve been away. Check this out.” Underneath his voice message is a link. Clicking on it, the internet browser on my phone opens to the local newspaper’s webpage. And the first thing I see is… Trevor.
He’s standing on Lark Street with a banner hanging above his head, draped from one light post to another. ‘Come to Honey Bunz, where you’ll meet the world’s sweetest cupcake.’What?Looking back down at the handsome firefighter, he’s wearing his helmet and turnout gear with the jacket open to reveal a shirt that says, ‘I like a girl who’s a little sassy & a lot smart assy.’ There’s a little black x over the assy, placed by the paper to prevent complaints, but you can still easily read it.
“Oh, my god,” I blurt.
“What is it? Is everyone okay?”
“Look at this.” I show James the article, and he lets out a hearty chuckle.
“Well, I think the groveling has begun.”
Chapter27
Addy
“Thank you for doing this, Gavin.” Gavin Gold is a local pilot. Not only did he get me to the Dulles International Airport several weeks ago, but he has graciously come to the Hilton Head Regional airport to fly me back home.
It’s been a crazy few weeks. The week in Paris being the most difficult. I felt so forlorn in one of the most romantic cities in the world. While the other models attended parties, I strolled the streets of Paris broken-hearted and alone, wondering what had become of my life. I’d been blessed to participate in a dream job most girls would sell their souls to have. Yet, it was clear to me I no longer wanted to be a part of this industry.
“Well, I have to say the time away was good for you. You seem a lot brighter than you did when you left.” He looks at me for a moment. “Boy trouble?”
