Page 37 of The Sweet Chef and the Corporate Queen

"I'm watching," I assure her, setting my coffee down. "Very educational."

Declan catches my eye over Mia's head, his lips curving into the smile that still makes my heart skip. "And how's the New York office this morning?"

"Surviving without me." I close my laptop decisively. "The quarterly projections can wait until Monday."

Words I never thought I'd say, yet they feel right. The restructuring of Sinclair Enterprises hasn't been simple. Creating a remote work arrangement for the CEO, establishing a rotating leadership team, and learning to delegate in ways I'd never considered before, were a challenge. But watching Mia flourish between our two homes—our Manhattan apartment and the lodge—makes it all worthwhile.

The kitchen door swings open, and Connor Callahan strides in, dressed in hiking gear.

"Morning, lovebirds," he calls, helping himself to coffee. "Munchkin," he adds, ruffling Mia's hair as he passes.

"We're making chocolate soufflé," Mia informs him importantly. "It's French."

"Fancy." Connor leans against the counter beside me. "You joining the trail walk this afternoon? Weather's perfect for the waterfall loop."

"Maybe next time," I answer. "Today's soufflé day, apparently."

"Your loss." He turns to Declan. "Did you tell them about the cabin yet?"

Declan shoots his brother a look. "I was waiting for the right moment."

My curiosity piques. "What cabin?"

"The Stevens property." Connor grins, ignoring Declan's warning glance. "The one on East Ridge with the amazing mountain view. It went on the market."

"And?" I prompt, looking between them.

Declan wipes his hands on a towel. "And I was going to mention that I'm thinking of putting in an offer. It needs work, but it's closer to the lodge than your rental. Thought it might make a good..."

"A good what?" I ask when he trails off.

"A good home base. For when you're here." His eyes meet mine, careful but hopeful. "It has three bedrooms. Room to grow."

The implication hangs in the air, making my breath catch. We've been carefully building this relationship across state lines, navigating two worlds without pressing for more. But this feels like a next step.

"I'd like to see it," I say softly.

His smile is worth every complicated minute of the past nine months.

"I gotta head out," Connor announces, setting down his empty mug. "Meeting Sarah at the bakery before the afternoon hike."

"Sarah Miller?" I ask. "The one who makes those amazing raspberry scones?"

"That's the one." Connor's tone is casual, but something flickers across his face. "Been stopping by her place every Friday for years. Best coffee in town."

"Just the scones keeping you coming back?" Declan asks with a knowing smirk.

Connor rolls his eyes. "She's a friend. That's it."

"Mmhmm," Declan hums skeptically.

"Whatever you're implying, stop it," Connor warns, heading for the door. "Some of us don't need romantic complications."

After he leaves, Declan chuckles. "He's been saying that for years.."

"Another Callahan falling for a business-minded woman?" I tease.

"Must be something in the mountain water." He moves behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his chin on my shoulder. "Speaking of which, what do you think? About the cabin, I mean."

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