Page 48 of Moonstruck Kiss

“Yeah.”

“So you’re dating my friend, huh?” Theo elbows my side.

“It’s nothing serious. I mean,ifwe ever find some alone time without anyone noticing, it’s something that won’t be serious.”

Theo claps my shoulder. “I know what you mean. Joey’s one of the well-loved, high-profile locals here. Everyone will make a big deal if they learn she’s dating you—and they probably won’t want it to be just casual.”

“That’s exactly right! And that right there is our problem!”

Theo stares at me before grinning. “Well, I’m going to solve your problem for you.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ll help you find a time and place. Just let me think about it first.”

“That’ll be great! Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. It’s about time our Joey has some fun.”

I chuckle, happy to get his vote of approval. “I bet there’s been a lot of Operation Theo and Gia that’s happened since you moved back here,” I say jokingly. “You seem very comfortable being out and about.”

“You bet. And I tell you what, Mooners love celebrity operations. It’s become a competition as to who comes up with the most creative and effective. By the way, did you know that Gia and I enacted an Operation BO ourselves?”

My eyes widen. “Really? When?”

Theo grins. “When Ollie was in one of the art classes, we noticed a group of tourists making their way to Joey’s studio. So, we came out and made sure they saw us. We gave them autographs and took a few selfies on the condition that they don’t bother the two of you. Ollie, especially. They were happy to comply.”

“Wow, thanks.” I’m gobsmacked that even Theo Cresswall himself has done an Operation BO. I have to thank Joey once again for keeping my stupid comments to herself. I very much doubt Mooners would even have included my name in the plaque had they known.

And, fuck, I hope Teews doesn’t sign with GX at all.

Chapter

Nine

JOEY

I finish my chicken schnitzel—Struckand Stuck’s bestseller—satisfied that my belly is full. I didn’t realise how hungry I was until I sat down to eat. Must have been all the excitement of Art Fun Day.

Ollie is now snoozing on Brax’s lap next to me, thankfully not bothered by the din in the pub. I want to offer to take him from Brax so Brax can relax his arm supporting his sleeping child, but I’m mindful of his and my family around the big table, along with Emory, Gia, and Theo. The last thing I want is for someone to notice any gesture Brax and I make that would indicate something out of the ordinary.

“How are things progressing with Theo’s First?” Elsa asks Theo.

“Thankfully, I don’t have anything to do with it,” Theo answers with a chuckle. “The Barkers are handling everything.”

“We’re negotiating to buy Chocolates at Oldington,” my dad says. “They have the facilities we need, and we want to keep all their staff, especially the chocolatiers. The owners were surprised by our offer but they’re very keen since they’re already thinking of retiring anyway.”

Everyone around the table expresses their delight at the situation.

“Everything okay with the bank?” Theo asks.

Dad sighs. “As usual, they want lots of paperwork—from us and Choc at Old. Nothing we can’t provide, but it all just takes time. We’ll get there soon enough. We’re very excited about it.”

“The world will soon taste Theo’s First,” Mum announces.

We all cheer, and Ollie stirs in Brax’s arms. We take the noise down a few notches.

“Why don’t we take Ollie home?” Elsa asks Brax. “He can stay overnight with us again so you can continue to enjoy yourself here.”

---