Page 108 of Meet Me at the Fudge Shop

He froze.

“Um. I…that is.” She glanced around. What was the thrill in doing all of this by herself? She didn’t want to be a one-woman show. Didn’t need to prove anything anymore.

And she didn’t want to be alone. Didn’t want to live without the man she loved.

“Would you ever consider…”

He stilled. “Consider what?”

“Just…not leaving?”

He smiled then, the kind of smile that lit up her entire body. Sheesh, she should call him Maverick with the trouble in his blue eye. As if…

Had he wanted her to ask?

Maybe, because, “And what would I do if I stayed?”

Two could play at this game. “I know you’ve got a big important job waiting for you in Chicago, but how do you feel about fudge?”

“Meh. It’s okay.”

“Worth sticking around for?”

“Maybe.” Declan edged up to her. “But I’m not much of a fudge maker.”

She closed the gap between them, her hand on his chest. “No, you’re not. But I can probably find a position here.”

“Like?”

“I don’t know. Handyman? Plumber? Maybe throw in some accounting?”

His hands found her waist, drew her closer. “I don’t know. It’s not much of an offer. Throw in the fudgemaker, and we might have a deal.”

“I think we can negotiate terms.”

“Oh, you’re such a hard-nosed business person.” He wound his hand behind her neck, ran his thumb down her cheek, leaving tendrils of heat in its wake.

“I know you have a big job in Chicago?—”

“No,” he said. “I don’t. I mean, yes, I do, but…” All teasing vanished from his eyes. “I wanted it for the wrong reasons. And being away from here holds nothing for me.” His eyes turned misty. “I’ve fallen in love again with Jonathon Island.”

He lowered his mouth, but she put her hand up.

“What?” he asked.

“JustJonathon Island?” Her voice had turned husky, the nearness of him, the strength of his arms around her—she’d lost all power in this negotiation.

“No, Lily.” He pulled slightly away, smiled. “The fudge shop too.”

“Declan!” She started to wrench out of his hold, smacking him. But she laughed.

Oh, it felt good, so good, to laugh with him.

Chuckling, he grabbed her again. “Okay, you win.” He cupped her face. “I love you, Lil. I choose you. Always. Forever.”

“You’re hired?—”

He kissed her. His lips solid against hers, his arms tight around her, sealed the deal.

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