Page 25 of Moonstruck Kiss

“I heard what a cool artist you are.” Josie holds up her palm, and Ollie hits it for a high-five.

“What are you guys doing here?” I ask congenially.

Ollie wraps his short arms around my legs and my heart turns into a puddle on the floor.

“Mmm, I smell chocolates,” he says.

“Well, you’re in the kitchen where my parents and sister make chocolates,” I explain.

“Want some?” asks Mum. “But you’ll have to get them from the shop because the ones in here aren’t ready yet. You can get whatever you want for free.”

Ollie’s grin grows so large it could swallow his whole face. “Thank you! I knew I’d get chocolates.”

“Is that why you wanted to come here?” Brax asks dryly.

“What a smart boy,” my Dad says with a cackle.

Brax nods. “Honestly, I wouldn’t put it past him to manipulate me like that.”

Ollie lets out a theatrical sigh. “Dad, you need to be here. I need to be here. Win-win!”

I let out a laugh. “So youneedto be here, huh?”

He nods. “Can you tell me how to draw water in a swimming pool when no one’s in it?”

“Sorry,” Brax interjects. “My arm got twisted so I can bring him here and ask you that question. And, to be useful, I’ve come to pick up the two choc-and-fruit baskets the lodge ordered.”

“Oh, we haven’t put them together yet!” Mum says. “We were having a family meeting.”

“About business growing pains,” Dad supplies. “I’m sure you see a lot of that in your line of work, Brax.”

Brax chuckles. “I assume the popularity of Theo’s First is your biggest challenge right now.”

Mum nods. “It’s the most wonderful business opportunity we’ve ever had, but it’s also stretching us to the max. We’re still trying to find the answer for how to meet demand.”

“Is selling a consideration?” Brax asks with a frown. “I bet you could get a fortune if you decide to sell.”

Dad shakes his head. “No way. That’s the last option we’ll take.”

“It’s not even an option at all,” I add.

“We’re thinking of buying another chocolatier, ideally Chocolates at Oldington if they’re prepared to sell. That’s option number one for us,” Mum says in a musing tone before waving a hand in the air. “Anyway, we’ll figure it out. Joey, why don’t you take them to the shop while we finish the baskets?”

“No hurry,” Brax says. “I could always come back for them.”

“It won’t take us long. Maybe ten minutes.” Mum shoos me, Brax, and Ollie out of the kitchen.

I lead father and son past the big store room and into the shop. The place is empty of customers, which is not unusual for ten in the morning even during busy times. After lunch is always our peak period.

“Mind if I take a short break, Joey?” Oscar, our young sales assistant, asks. “I just need to finish some online forms for this course I’m taking.”

“Sure. Take your time.”

“Thanks.” Oscar leaves through the back door.

“Can I find chocolates I like?” Ollie asks, eyeing the shelves. “Ten minutes is a long time, right?”

“I thought you wanted me to tell you how to draw swimming pool water,” I tease.

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