Page 44 of The Secret Heir Next Door

“I own a Fortune 500 company. Do you think I’m going to steal from you?”

“I once had a man tell me he was a millionaire, a couple of times over, while also offering to be my business coach. Turns out, he was a swindler.”

“I own the building next door. I’m all over the media with my accomplishments. Was this guy, too? No, probably not. I’m not going to burn you.”

“I’d rather you just listen to my no,” she says.

“Okay, I will. If you change your mind, let me know. I can be a lot of help to you, though, especially if you’d let me be.”

“Is that all you needed today?”

“Yeah, I guess so.”

“Good, I need to close up. I have plans tonight.”

“Okay.” My smile falters. I reluctantly turn to leave.

“You know,” she says quickly, “Thank you for bringing up the stuff about an online store. That sounds like a good idea. I would appreciate help with that.”

I stop and look back over my shoulder. “I’m glad to hear that. Let’s set up a time to go over some ideas. I’m sure we can come up with something fantastic.”

“O-kay,”she hesitates. “I’m looking forward to it.”

“I hope you have a good night.”

As I leave the store, I’m lost in anticipation and longing. The possibilities for Serena’s store are endless, and our connection is undeniable. I’m eager to explore both, even as I can’t shake the thought of how much I want to kiss her.

At least I found a way to stay connected to her after the party with Abby.

9

SERENA

“Idon’t understand this man at all,” I groan into the phone.

“He’s confused. It definitely seems as though he likes you. Maybe he doesn’t know how to convey that, so he does it by offering to help you be successful.”

“I don’t think he can learn to use his words. Also, my store is doing just fine thank you, I never asked him to save me.”

“You’re not wrong,” she giggles.

“I’m tired of men who can’t express their feelings. I’m tired of the damn guessing game.”

“I hear you, and I’m proud of you for finally realizing that you deserve better than half-ass men.”

“I just…”

“Okay, if you keep talking about it, you’re only putting frustration out into the universe. New subject. That Brant guy is so damn hot.”

“I don’t know him well, but I think he’s pretty sweet. Next time I see Logan, I can get his number.”

“Don’t tell Logan you’re asking for me,” she teases. “You will drive him crazy if he likes you and you ask for his bestie's number.”

“He has issues, and I don’t care,” I lie.

I’m sitting at my counter, tapping away at my refurbished laptop, surrounded by the comforting scents of the batch of fudge I finished earlier.

I’m supposed to review the finances, but instead, I’m staring at the notes I made after Logan’s impromptu visit yesterday. My eyes skim over his suggestions, and I can’t help but be impressed. How did he know so much about all this?

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