Page 22 of Moonstruck Kiss

“Teews Confectioneries.”

“Okay. I guess I’m not surprised.” Teews is fast becoming one of the biggest confectionery companies in the world. They make no secret of the fact that they want to eventually become number one.

“Needless to say,” Lando says, “this is all still hush-hush. We’re their top pick to work with but we can’t let anything out of the bag until they’ve signed the contract with us. We don’t want them to slip through our fingers.”

“Of course. I hope to have something to share before Ollie and I go back home.”

“Even before that, hopefully.”

“Yes.”

“Good luck.”

“Thanks.”

Lando hangs up.

And nerves come back to attack me as Joey’s face appears in my mind.

Argh!Admittedly, I’d hate to be the cause of her stopping to show that damn cute dimple of hers.

But why should I feel guilty about the prospect of them selling their family business? For all I know, they’d be ecstatic about getting an astronomical price for it—all without having to deal with the headache of producing insane amounts of chocolates made from a rock star’s recipe. They could even start all over again with that very healthy capital.

Besides, if Teews doesn’t sign with us, all this would be moot.

Yeah! What’s there to feel guilty about?

“There it is!” cries Ollie, pointing to the gate that leads to the shared courtyard of Joey’s studio and Moonstruck Chocolatier. He starts running towards it.

Out of the blue, my mind plays a short clip of Joey greeting me with a tight, delighted hug like she usually does with Ollie—and then giving me a passionate kiss on the lips.

I suppress a laugh. That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever imagined.

Sure I’m having a hard time stifling my attraction to my son’s maddening art teacher, but even if she happens to feel the same way, there’s still no chance I’ll pursue anything with her. With the way news spreads in this small town?—

In this small town.

For whatever reason I can’t explain, I’m whacked with the memory of what led to my argument with Joey last year, and I can’t stop my brain from replaying it to me.

“I’m so glad you’ve finally decided to attend a Mooner event,” Mum says.

I smile. I’d rather be back at the lodge getting my parents to see sense regarding their future than be in this barn for this community dance thing. I’m still annoyed that Mum and Dad refuse to even consider my suggestion of selling the lodge even though continuing with it could bring them to financial ruin. They don’t even need to leave the region if they get rid of it. There are a couple of accommodation businesses for sale in nearby towns.

But I’m here at this stupid dance because I want to see the woman who’s been frequently appearing in my dreams since meeting her last year. I’d only spent a few hours with her, and yet I can’t stop thinking about her.

Joey Barker. That’s her name. But in my head, she’s Dimple. Because I’ve never seen anyone more beautiful than when her face shines with that one-dimpled smile.

I have to know if she’s as nosy as everyone else. It might cure me of my infatuation.

“Isn’t everyone around here so friendly?” Mum asks. She’s still selling this town to me.

I’m not buying it, though, because the more I meet the locals, the more they show me their true colours. Everyone I’ve spoken to so far has known so many things about me. And I don’t know them from a bar of soap!

I also hate that they seem to know about my parents’ financial troubles. I’m offended that they readily bring it up in conversations as if it’s just gossip to be shared. It’s my parents’ life they’re talking about!

That’s another reason why I want Mum and Dad to sell the lodge. I’m sure they’ll find more privacy in another rural town than here. I’ve never seen people nosier than these Mooners.

“Hey, Joey!” Mum calls out.

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