Page 88 of Moonstruck Kiss

“Teews.”

My mouth forms anO. “Teews?”

“And you’re just telling us now thatTeewswants to buy us?” Josie asks incredulously.

“Yeah, so? What difference does it make if it’s them or someone else?”

“Nothing, I guess,” I say with a shrug.

“You know…” Dad rubs his chin in thought. “I do think we’re a bit out of our depth right now. What we need is advice from an expert in the mergers and acquisitions field. I wonder if Brax would be willing to put in his two cents’ worth?”

Josie nods. “With a behemoth in the confectionary industry like Teews approaching us, a hotshot investment banker’s advice might be just what we need.”

I grin. “Well, he’s out in the courtyard right now.”

“Ask him in,” Mum says, going to the door herself.

To say that I’m happy at the inclusion of my boyfriend in our family’s business meeting is an understatement. That’s one other thing that shows how perfect Brax and I are for each other.

Nothing is perfect.

I push the unbidden thought aside. That’s just my nerves talking.

Chapter

Seventeen

BRAX

I sitwith Joey’s family at their meeting table, pleased to have been asked to give some input into their business challenges.

“Um, we probably can’t pay your usual fee,” Lola says with a tinge of embarrassment.

“I don’t want you to pay anything,” I say with a chuckle.

“Oh, no, we insist,” Roger declares.

“Well, I’m only covered by professional indemnity insurance under my employment and not as a solo advisor. So, you won’t be protected if I give you negligent advice that you might want to sue me for.”

The whole family looks at me as if I’ve grown horns in my head.

“We don’t intend to sue you for anything. We’re just after some friendly advice,” Roger says.

“Then, don’t pay me anything,” I counter.

Roger lets out a laugh. “Okay. It’s just that you’re this expert investment banker, you know. What about we pay for you and Joey to go to an expensive dinner? Or to go hot-air ballooning or?—”

Joey snickers. “Dad, are you trying to pimp me out or something.”

“Hey!” Roger frowns at his daughter. “Don’t be ridiculous. You’re already going out with him.”

“Guys,” I say, trying not to laugh out loud, “you want friendly advice, I’ll give you friendly advice. Let’s stop talking about payment. Although, I’ll take your daughter any time,” I add.

Joey gives me a scrunched but happy face.

“Sorry, Brax,” Josie says breezily. “I’m taken.”

I laugh with all of them.

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