Page 21 of Moonstruck Kiss

“Your parents haven’t told you?”

I shake my head.

“Oh, dear,” says Cutie with a sigh. And then she shrugs. “Well, I think you should know.”

“Yes, I think so, too. They hate talking money with their kids.”

“They shouldn’t. Anyway, the Barkers gathered a few of us together and told us of your parents’ financial woes. Elsa mentioned it to Lola, you see. So, we banded together to offer them a low-interest, long-term loan so they could pay off that restrictive one. It took us a while to get them to accept. Such proud folks, your parents. But we reminded them they’re Mooners already and they finally caved. So, things are much, much more manageable for them, I believe. And with Moonstruck Cove having a resident superstar in Theo, the lodge is already fully booked for the next six months and even getting bookings for next year.”

My jaw is on the floor as I stare at Cutie. “That’s great,” I manage to say.

Cutie nods. “It’s what we Mooners do for each other. Anyway, have fun with Joey, both of you. I’ll see you later.”

“Bye-bye, Cutie Pie!” cries Ollie.

Cutie giggles. “Oh, you’re adorable. Can I have a hug?”

Ollie gives her a tight embrace, then Cutie goes back inside Voovoo’s shop.

I’m still in shock from what she divulged, but my ringing phone brings me out of it. I thought about ignoring the call, but it’ll just be delaying the inevitable.

“Hello, Lando,” I greet my boss.

“Braxton. How’s everything going with you and Oliver? Good, I hope.”

That wasn’t a question but merely pleasantries to get out of the way.

“Yes, good. You?”

“Great! Especially since I have a juicy new assignment for you.”

“Okay.” I hope he’s not going to make me start working on it immediately.

“Look, I know you’re technically still on vacation?—“

I smirk. That hasn’t stopped him from calling.

“—but this involves a business in Moonstruck Cove. Since you’re already there, you’re the perfect person for the job.”

Well, that piques my curiosity. “Right. What’s up?”

“We’re close to signing a new international client who wants to make an offer for Moonstruck Chocolatier.”

What?“Is it even for sale?” Surely I would have heard if it was.

“No, it’s not for sale. But with news breaking that Theo Cresswall has given them his chocolate recipe to manufacture, this client is extremely interested—the kind of interest that won’t take no for an answer. They’ve already done some preliminary research and they’re sure that Moonstruck Chocolatier will struggle big time to meet demand with their insufficient facilities.”

“What if the owners won’t sell under any circumstances?”

“That’s why I’m working directly with you on this account.”

I run my fingers through my hair. “What exactly do you want me to do?”

“For now, just play detective. Try to feel the owners’ pulses to see how much they’d sell for without indicating someone’s willing to buy them out. It’s a fantastic coincidence that you happen to be there already.”

A project such as this usually excites me. This is what I’m known for at work—coming up with well-researched and well-argued financial proposals that are not only advantageous to our buyer-clients but also entice their targets, who never had a thought of selling, to sell. It’s always been a win-win-win proposition for our client, their target acquisition, and me/my employer.

But apprehension sits heavy in my chest. I ignore it, though, and reach for the ambitious achiever in me and let it take over. “No problem. And, if you say that this client is willing to pay a premium straight off the bat, that helps a lot. Who are they, by the way?”

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