Page 33 of The Prince Who Loved Me

“In a minute. Do you feel like reading any books on the subject? I can recommend some great ones.”

Feel like it? Absolutely not. Reading was for fun, not for work. But she had to get into a different mindset. “Sure.”

“These are my top three books for aspiring entrepreneurs and those in charge.” She listed the titles.

Brandi scribbled them down, feeling exhausted just looking at them. “Don’t suppose they made audio versions?” She could listen while she slept and learn through osmosis.

Jordan laughed. “They’re not as dry as you think. Some of the personal stories are really fascinating.”

“If you say so.”

“So weird, I recommended some similar books to Sebastien a couple of days ago.”

What had Sebastien told her? “Why?”

“He evaded answering.” Her voice became shrewd. “Did that have anything to do with you?”

“He knows Gerald is retiring.” Panic gripped Brandi’s chest at the thought of admitting to Jordan that she wanted Belle’s as her own. She couldn’t put a voice to it, not after what happened with Sebastien. If she failed, a century of family history would fail with her. It was too much. “So, look, I think you’ve given me enough homework for now.”

“Okay.” Jordan’s thoughtful tone was still there. “You know where to find me when you’re ready for whatever comes next.”

Once she got off the phone, she scanned for her mother hanging around. No sign of her, leaving her free to focus on organizing her notes. “I can do this.”

All typed out, the steps to take didn’t look awful. Jordan said she’d help, but Brandi wanted to do it on her own. Succeedor fail, she’d own it all.

Starting with cleaning the vents.

Chapter 8

Brandi had already left Belle’s by the time Sebastien made his way to the dining room for breakfast. Truth be told, he may have delayed his morning routine. He wasn’t ready for the consequences if he had fucked things up between them.

Pretending everything was normal around Wendy and Rob had made him ache. With all the years of waiting, it never occurred to him that his fantasies might remain one-sided. He respected that, respected Brandi’s choice, but it would take some adjustments. Starting with pretending everything was normal. Maybe eventually he’d believe it.

He thought of and discarded reasons for going to Belle’s. He’d never needed an excuse before.

He pulled into the parking lot, relieved her car was there. Where else would she have been? Not on one of her dates, at least. He strode by the office and caught her silhouette in the window. Okay. He was ready.

“Hey—” he cut himself off when he saw Carolann sitting at Brandi’s desk. “Hi.”

“Hey yourself.” She threw him a flirty smile, one he’d seen on Brandi’s face a thousand time. Carolann resembled an older version of her daughter, with the same blonde hair and lips and … physical attributes. They were about the same height, too, though Brandi was probably an inch or so taller. Brandi’s eyes were uniquely her own, though, as Carolann’s were solid brown.

“What are you doing here, sugar? Or, Your Highness. Do I curtsey?”

Oh, dear God. She half-rose from the seat and bent herknees while leaning forward, displaying those attributes.

“Oh, no, ma’am. I’m just Sebastien here.”

She cringed at the ma’am, but waved her arm toward one of the buildings. “Brandi’s up on a roof somewhere.”

On a roof? “What’s she doing there?”

“I don’t know. Cleaning gutters?”

“Thanks.” He went outside, staring at the tops of buildings, until he saw a ladder leaning against the outside wall. “Brandi?”

He heard movement on the roof, and then her head peeked over the side. “Hey.”

“Do you need help?”