Page 24 of Moonstruck Kiss

Chapter

Five

JOEY

“Theo rang,”Dad says. “Someone got in touch with his agent to ask if he’s willing to sell his recipe to a company happy to pay very good money for it.”

Sitting around the table in the kitchen of Moonstruck Chocolatier for a family meeting, I’m not surprised to hear my dad’s news. “I bet that won’t be the only offer for Theo’s First,” I say.

Dad nods.“Theo told them to contact us. And he reminded me that he doesn’t need or want the money, so he’s happy with whatever decision we make. But we’re not interested in selling his recipe, right?”

“No,” I answer with Mum and Josie.

“While no one is making us feel obliged,” Mum adds, “I feel it’s our responsibility to ensure Theo’s First is made by Mooners right here in Moonstruck Cove.”

“Yup,” I agree.

“So we move on to our biggest challenge.” Dad lets out a sigh. “I think that with Theo’s First, we’ll need to use machines. Otherwise, we’ll never produce enough to satisfy even just a small percentage of its market. We can still highlight that the rest of our products are handmade.”

“I agree with you on that,” Mum says.

Josie and I voice our assent.

“Our best option is to buy another chocolatier business that’s already fully equipped and employing experienced staff,” Dad says. “I heard that the owners of Chocolates at Oldington are planning to retire soon. They might be willing to sell now.”

“Oh, yes, Choc at Old would be ideal,” Mum says. “They’re near us. I don’t like the idea of having other branches too far away from here.”

“If we becomereallysuccessful with Theo’s First,” Josie says, “we could build bigger premises somewhere here in Moonstruck Cove.”

“Wow, I like that idea,” I say.

Dad grins. “Sounds great, but let’s not get carried away. As a starting point, I’m going to talk to our accountants so they can help us with paperwork to take to the bank for a loan. The three of you can do some research on a suitable chocolatier that we can buy if Choc at Old is a no-go.”

Mum, Josie, and I nod in agreement.

“Joey!” a child’s voice calls out from the courtyard. “Are you in there?”

“I told you she’s busy,” a man says. “We’ll have to come back some other time.”

My brows furrow. “What are those two doing out there?”

“Well, let’s say hello,” Mum says as I open the back door.

“Hi,” I say to father and son, my heart skipping at the sight of Brax.

Damn it. How did I end up still crushing on someone I wouldn’t touch with a barge pole?

“Come in, come in.” Mum gestures for Brax and Ollie to come inside.

I frown a little. Only our family and very select people are allowed in this kitchen. Why is she asking them in?

Even my dad doesn’t seem to mind, which annoys me. Have they forgotten this was the man I had a big argument with last year?

If only they knew the most hurtful words Brax had said, I don’t think they’d be so welcoming.

“Brax, good to see you again after so long,” Dad says. “Hello, Ollie! I’m Roger, this is Lola, and that’s Josie.”

“It’s so great to finally meet you, Ollie,” Mum adds with a big smile.

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