Page 292 of The Maxwell Brothers
“Yes, they are. I checked everything beforehand,” Andreas said.
I took a quick look around. The place was indeed very small. I probably couldn’t have more than four customers inside at a time, but that was fine. I only planned to sell goods over the counter, not have people sit inside. Early on, when I first met Andreas, he told me that would work to my advantage, not only because my rent would be less but there wouldn’t be as much competition to get the available space, because most people wanted more square footage.
"I think you’ll find this place to be just what you need. Foot traffic is amazing, and you have appliances and furniture already available to get started." Jack was trying hard to sell me on the place, which told me he probably didn't have a lot of offers already. And I liked it a lot, except for one thing.
"It is a great place. However, the rent is a bit out of my price range."
He pinched his nose, like he wasn't expecting me to negotiate.
"It's the market price."
"Itisslightly above,” Andreas said.
Jack didn’t say anything right away. I could practically hear his wheels turning. Even though it was too expensive, I didn't want to lose the spot. It was the best place Andreas had shown me in months.
I kept a poker face. I was sure that because I wanted to lease the appliances and furniture as well, I had a competitive advantage. Selling this stuff was the responsibility of the previous lease owners, but for Jack, it all meant a smoother, easier transition.
I had butterflies in my stomach. My whole body seemed to explode with anxiousness. I couldn't believe this was happening. My bakery was happening. I’d dreamed about it for so long. It felt like it would never come true, that it would stay just that—a dream.
The door opened, and I looked over my shoulder as Declan entered the space.
My God, he was sexy and oozed power. What was it that made him dominate the room the second he stepped inside? Was it his confidence, his custom-made suit, those cuff links, or all of the above?
Whatever it was, the effect he had on the other two was noticeable. My realtor was clearly impressed, and Jack frowned, looking Declan up and down.
"Declan, hi. You came just in time. This is my realtor, Andreas, and this is my potential landlord, Jack."
"Nice to meet you," he said, nodding to them both. "Declan Maxwell."
"Maxwell?" Jack repeated, glancing at me and then him.
"Jack already explained everything to Liz, but I can go through it again,” Andreas said.
"Liz, give me the CliffsNotes. Are you happy?" Declan asked.
"Yes. I want to buy the furniture and the appliances as long as they’re in working order. But we were talking about the price," I said. “It’s a little more than I budgeted for.”
“All the costs are broken down in the contract. You can look in the contract and verify it all," Jack said.
"I will,” I said.
"And so will I," Declan added. "I'm a lawyer and am very familiar with lease contracts."
Jack’s eyes definitely looked bigger, and Andreas was staring at Declan as if he wanted the earth to swallow him whole. My sexy lawyer was coming on too strong, but guess who liked it?
Yep, this girl here.
I liked the fact that Declan came to meet me here and that I could count on him. No one besides my family ever gave me that feeling, that support, and now this gorgeous man was making me swoon in ways I didn't even think was possible.
"I’ll let you know," I told both Andreas and Jack, and then Declan and I stepped back out onto the street. I quickly texted Richard, telling him I was available now just in case he’d changed his mind and needed me.
He replied right away.
Richard: No. See you tomorrow.
At least I wasn’t fired, so that was a good thing. I was going to wait until I knew for sure I would lease this space before handing in my two weeks’ notice. I focused on Declan and noticed his wheels were turning.
"What was that, Mr. 'Oh, I'm a lawyer. Oh, I'm Declan Maxwell'?" I asked in a teasing tone. Because I was totally into it all.
