Page 42 of The Secret Heir Next Door

Dinner at eight?

You can stop by the store before I close today. I have plans for tonight.

Plans? What could she have planned?

Does she have a date with one of those guys from the bar?

I cover my face and let out a frustrated groan.

If she does, she does. I can’t be getting into a relationship right now. It’s not in my plan for the year.

When I arriveat the candy store, it feels different, more vibrant, and organized. Serena has everything for the party on display as she works through the final touches.

Damn it, she is sexy as hell right now.

She’s wearing a tight purple dress with a plunging neckline. Her tattooed and sculpted arms are on full display.

“Hey,” I say as I enter. “Ready to finalize the plans?”

“Yeah, let’s go over everything and make sure we’re all set.”

We sit down at the small table, surrounded by colorful candy jars and party supplies. The atmosphere is more relaxed today, but I can still feel the undercurrent of tension between us.

“Everything should be set.”

“Great,” I say, trying to focus on the task at hand. “And the entertainment?”

“The magician and the bounce house are both confirmed.”

“Perfect. It looks like we’re almost ready.”

There’s a moment of silence, and our tense feelings hang between us.

“I’ll get to the venue on Friday to begin setting everything up. You and Dee won’t need to do anything. I’ll take care of it all.”

“That’s amazing. Thanks. You’ve exceeded my expectations.”

“Great. A phone call to the building owner would be appreciated right now. I don’t want to be out on my ass in two weeks.”

“The deal was that Abby had to be happy with her party.” I try to delay. I don’t want her to turn me away so quickly.

“She will be. You know how much she loved everything when she was here the other day.”

“She’s four, it changes by the hour.”

She narrows her eyes and glares at me. “Very well then, it can wait, I guess.”

“By the way,” I say, trying to lighten the mood, “I noticed you’ve got quite an impressive collection of candy. Do you have a favorite?”

She shoots me a funny look. “I do. I’m a big fan of the gummy bears. They’re just so... nostalgic.”

“Nostalgic?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

“There’s something comforting about them. Plus, they remind me of my childhood.”

“I guess we all have our guilty pleasures,” I say, leaning closer. “Do you have any other secret favorites?”

Serena’s gaze lingers on me. “Well, I do have a soft spot for chocolate-covered pretzels. They’re a little indulgent, but they’re worth it.”

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