Shit. Am I really considering if Marina is worth more than a million dollars?
You are . . .
Archer’s out of the running with our bet. I’m close to being out without even realizing it. So that leaves Matt the winner?
Unless he finds himself attached as well in the next few weeks, months. Whatever. Then we’d have to call it a draw.
“You should have Ivy do some matchmaking,” I suggest casually, knowing Archer will see right through me.
“Good idea.” Archer nods as we stop at the open door of our dining room. “I’ll talk to Ivy. She can work some magic and hook them up.”
“And then I’m off the hook,” I finish, making Archer grin.
We enter the private dining room chuckling, Ivy and Marina silent as we resume our seats. “You two okay?” Ivy asks pointedly.
I slip my arm around the back of Marina’s chair, stroking her shoulder with the tips of my fingers. “We’re great. How are you two?”
Marina turns to look at me, her expression full of confusion. “I thought you were arguing or something.”
“I was just trying to set his ass straight,” Archer pipes up. I send him a hard stare. Wish he would shut the f**k up.
“So Marina, why don’t we discuss whatever it is you wanted to talk about with me?”
She fidgets in her chair, glancing down for a moment and breathing deep, as if for courage before she lifts her head, her gaze meeting Archer’s. “You want to talk about it now?”
“Now is as good a time as any,” he says with a shrug.
“Okay.” She rests her hands on the table, her fingers plucking nervously at the pale blue tablecloth. “Like I was saying earlier, my aunt Gina makes amazing cakes.”
“They are amazing,” Archer agrees. “I can personally vouch for that.”
She smiles. “Thank you. I’ll let her know. Well, I wanted to see if you were interested in featuring her cakes at the restaurants within your hotels.”
Archer studies her, doesn’t say a word. He’s thinking, I can practically see the wheels turning in his brain, but his silence is making Marina uncomfortable. “I like this idea,” he finally says with a small nod.
“You do?” Marina sounds so hopeful I can practically feel the excitement vibrating off her.
“I do. We can call the cakes ‘decadent desserts’ or something along those lines. Our resorts have an almost . . . hedonistic quality to them.” Archer smiles. “You and Gage should stay there sometime.”
Very funny, motherfucker.
“Gina is a creative genius. Not only do her desserts and muffins taste amazing, but they’re beautiful. Like little pieces of edible art.”
“Hmm.” Archer taps his finger against his pursed lips, then reaches inside his pocket and pulls out his cell phone, bringing up his calendar. “Can you meet with me on Monday? Come up with a written proposal, exactly what you want to provide, and I’ll consult with my restaurant managers, see if they’re on board.”
Marina’s mouth is hanging open. She looks totally shocked. “Are you serious?” she asks breathlessly.
“Absolutely. I was just telling Ivy how I wanted to stop by your bakery soon so I could get a cake. I have a not-so-secret sweet tooth and so does Ivy. Occasionally we indulge. And your aunt is amazing.” Archer smiles. “I’d be honored if I could feature her at the restaurant. There will be some kinks to work out, but I know we can make it happen if you’re both patient.”
Marina pushes out of her chair and goes to Archer, throwing her arms around him and hugging him so tight, I’m afraid her cle**age is going to strangle him. I refuse to get jealous. She’s so happy I can’t begrudge her or her happiness. Ivy’s laughter indicates she feels the same way.
“Thank you, thank you,” Marina says, jumping away from him, the smile on her face saying it all. “We’ll make this happen. I promise. You won’t regret it.”
“I know I won’t,” Archer says, smiling at her in return before he levels his gaze on me. “Hope everything works out for you and the bakery. If anything, your aunt could come and work for me if Autumn Harvest ends up getting shut down.”
That f**king prick. I can’t believe he would say that to her.
“Um, I’m hoping we can make it work, but I appreciate you offering a job to Gina. I know she would appreciate it too.” Marina smiles, though some of the light has dimmed. “Thanks, Archer.” The excitement has left her voice. She sounds disappointed and she glances down at the table.
Damn my friend for putting her on top of the world and then knocking her right off with a few choice words.
“Why would you say that to her?” Ivy slaps his arm, hard. “You give her good news only to bring her crashing down with bad stuff.”
“Hey, I’d hire Marina too.” Archer flashes her a smile, which Marina returns, but it doesn’t quite light up her eyes.
Jerk. Thank God my sister spoke up. He’s as bad as me, saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.
Hearing his offer makes me want to help her keep the bakery now more than ever. If I get my hands on those buildings, there is no doubt in my mind I will make that bakery hers. She can fight me all she wants, but I won’t take no for an answer.
I want to do right by her. It’s the least I can do.
Chapter Eleven
Gage
“I’M NERVOUS.” I tap my fingers against the steering wheel, nodding my head to the music playing on the radio.