Christmas with a Bad Boy: A BWWM Billionaire Romance by Wilde Blaire

Author:Wilde, Blaire
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Purpose Prevails Publishing
Published: 2024-10-17T00:00:00+00:00

EIGHT

HOLLOW PROMISES

SARAIYAH

I hum along to "All I Want for Christmas Is You" as I hang a string of twinkling lights around the front window of Ruth's Brew. The shop smells like muffins and fresh coffee, and for once, I'm not worried about bills or customer numbers. I'm floating on cloud nine, replaying last night with Zale in my head.

God, that man knows how to use his tongue.

A group of college students bursts through the door, laughing and shaking snow from their coats. I grin at them, feeling generous.

"First round's on the house, guys," I call out. "Consider it an early Christmas gift."

Their excited chatter fills the shop as I move behind the counter, my body still humming from Zale's touch. I can almost feel his hands on my skin, his lips trailing down my neck. I shiver, forcing myself to focus on making lattes.

"You're in a good mood," Jamal comments as he restocks adds fresh pastries to the case.

I shrug, trying to play it cool. "Just feeling the holiday spirit, I guess."

But it's more than that. For the first time in years, I feel... hopeful. Like maybe I'm catching break, even that I can have something for myself.

The bell above the door chimes again, and I look up, half-expecting to see Zale's tall frame filling the doorway. Instead, it's a man in a crisp suit, clutching a leather briefcase. He scans the room before his eyes land on me.

"Ms. Banks?" he asks, approaching the counter. "I'm David Hosea, from Citywide Property Management."

My stomach drops. I know that name. They manage this building.

"What can I do for you, Mr. Reeves?" I ask, keeping my voice steady.

He glances around, lowering his voice. "Is there somewhere we can speak privately?"

I nod, gesturing to Jamal to watch the front. "Follow me."

We head to my tiny office in the back, barely big enough for the two of us. I perch on the edge of my desk, arms crossed. "What's this about?"

Reeves clears his throat. "Ms. Banks, I wanted to inform you that the building has been sold. As part of the transition to new ownership, the current tenant contracts are being bought out. You'll receive a formal notice soon, but I wanted to give you a heads-up."

"What? Bought out? What does that mean for Ruth's Brew?"

"You'll be offered a financial settlement to vacate your lease early," he explains, not quite meeting my eyes. "It's standard procedure in cases like this. The new owner has plans for the building, and we'll need all tenants to comply."

My head spins. This can't be happening. Not now, when things were finally looking up.

"Who's the new owner?" I demand, my voice sharper than I intend.

Before he can respond, I'm already thinking of the ways to rip Austin a new one.

The poor man looks nervous as he searches his cellphone.

Then he clears his throat. "I believe it's Fulton Enterprises... Zale Fulton is the principal buyer."

My heart drops.

I can't breathe. Can't think. Can't process the words I just heard.

Zale. Zale bought the building.

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