Chapter Twenty-Seven
ONE MONTH LATER
Anna
The Cupcake Nook was a tremendous success. So much so that we needed to hire another baker and sales associate just to keep up with the demand. Francine was over the moon that everyone loved her cupcakes, just like I knew they would. If things kept going at this rate, we’d be in for a nice profit our first year.
I was back in the office going over some numbers when I heard a sweet man’s voice from behind.
“Hello, gorgeous.”
A smile crossed my lips as I turned around in my chair and saw Wes leaning against the doorway with his hands tucked tightly in his pants pockets.
“Hello, handsome. What are you doing here in the middle of the afternoon?”
“I wanted to surprise you. It’s Tori’s birthday, so I thought I’d get some cupcakes for the office.”
“That’s sweet of you.” I made a face at him.
“I know she’s not your biggest fan, but she has worked for me for a long time.”
I got up from my chair and kissed his lips.
“Maybe you should fire her.” I grinned.
“Maybe you should be nice.”
“Whatever.” I rolled my eyes. “Come on, tell me which cupcakes you want.”
We walked out to the cases, and Wes picked out some cupcakes for the office.
“I have a surprise for you,” he spoke.
“I love surprises. What is it?”
“You’ll have to wait until tonight.”
“Is it something kinky?” I grinned as I leaned over the counter.
“It could be.” He winked before kissing the tip of my nose. “I’ll see you later.”
After he walked out of the shop, Francine walked over to me.
“He’s so dreamy. I wish I had one of him.”
“He is, isn’t he?” The corners of my mouth curved upwards as I glanced over at her. “Your dreamy guy is out there for you. You just haven’t met him yet.”
I stepped off the elevator and into the foyer of the penthouse. Kicking off my shoes, I walked to the kitchen, where I found Wes opening a bottle of wine. After setting the bag of Chinese food down on the island, I reached up and kissed his lips.
“Hi.” I smiled.
“Hi. How was the rest of your day after I left?”
“It was busy but good.”
He poured the wine into our glasses while I reached up and grabbed a couple of plates from the cabinet. I took them over to the table with the bag of food, and we each took our seats and began to eat while I waited for the surprise he had for me.
“Well?” I said.
“What?”
“What’s my surprise? I’ve been dying ever since you told me.”
“I need to go to Paris for a meeting, and you’re coming with me.” He smiled.
“Wes, that sounds wonderful, but I can’t.” I pouted.
“What do you mean you can’t? Yes, you can, and you are.”
“I can’t leave the shop. Not now.”
He took in a deep breath and set down his fork.
“Anna, you can leave the shop. It’s only for a week. The shop will still be there when you get back.”
“But it’s only been open a month. I can’t just walk away.”
“You’re not walking away, sweetheart. You’re taking a much-needed vacation. You have worked your ass off in getting that shop up and ready, not to mention the countless nights we didn’t see each other during the whole process. I want to take you away for some fun and relaxation and spend time alone with you. Please let me do that!” he sternly spoke as he pounded his fist on the table.
I sat there and stared at him in disbelief. His anger was turning me on.
“Okay. When do we leave?”
“We leave in a week. I already rented the private jet.”
“It’ll be good to see Paris again. I love it there.” I smiled as I reached over and placed my hand on top of his.
We climbed into the car that was waiting for us at the airport when we arrived in Paris. Wes told me we were staying at the Shangri-La Hotel, but the car pulled up to the Peninsula.
“I thought we were staying at the Shangri-La,” I said.
“Oops. Did I say that? My bad.” He smirked.
We climbed out of the car and headed into the lobby.
“Ah, Mr. Carter, nice to see you again. Miss Young, welcome.”
“You remember me?” I asked.
“Of course. How could I forget the beautiful American woman who made a fuss because the Rooftop Garden suite was already booked? The key to your suite, Mr. Carter. As always, enjoy your stay.”
“Thank you.”
“What suite did you get us?” I asked as we stepped into the elevator.
He glanced over at me with a smile on his face but didn’t answer my question.
“You got us the Rooftop Garden suite, didn’t you?”
“I did.” He grinned.
“Shut up!” I playfully slapped his arm, and he chuckled.
He opened the door to the suite, and the minute I walked inside, a surreal feeling washed over me as the memory of the first night we met flooded my mind.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Nothing. Nothing is wrong. It’s just the last time we were here together, we were strangers, sharing a beautiful night and expecting never to see each other again.”
He grabbed hold of my hand and led me to the living area.
“I know. That’s why I wanted to stay here, in this very room, again, with you.”
“I love you, Wes Carter,” I softly spoke as I wrapped my arms around his neck.
“And I love you, Anna Young.” His lips gently touched mine. “We need to change. I booked us a couple’s massage, and we need to be down in the spa in about fifteen minutes.”
“Oh my God!” I spoke with excitement as I threw my head back. “That sounds wonderful.”
“I knew you’d love it. So we better get moving.” He slapped my ass.