Series: Paige Michaels
Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 44664 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 179(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44664 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 179(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
“Really?”
“She thinks you want to open a space here to be close to Gemma.”
“She’s right.”
“Ever go to Blaze?” Garrett asked casually.
Anton knew he was fishing without exposing too much of his own lifestyle choices. “I’ll be honest. I knew the club was in town, but I haven’t gone. It was too hard to see Daddies and Littles.”
“And now that you’ve found yours?” Garrett asked.
“I plan to keep her. I’ll discuss Blaze with Gemma. I think she’d enjoy having others around with her interests. Could you help us get approved?” Anton asked.
“Definitely.”
A few seconds later, they arrived at a small storefront that sat empty. Garrett unlocked the door and waved Anton inside. “This was a lawyer’s office, and he joined a big firm. It might already be set up the way you’d need it. Here’s the reception area. Not too large, but big enough for a reception desk and a small waiting area with a bathroom down the hall. There’s an office space through here. And in the back, there’s an area for storage and a small kitchenette.”
“This is unbelievable. I wouldn’t have to do much to this space at all. Tell me this wasn’t the office space the guy coming in the next hour wants to see?” Anton asked, looking around in amazement.
“She’s looking for a place for an arts and crafts location. This is way too small for her,” Garrett assured him.
“Can I put down a deposit to hold the space?” Anton asked.
“Of course. I’ll tell you honestly, I don’t have anyone else in line for this.”
“Thanks for letting me know. I’ll go ahead and leave a deposit with you. Someone is going to want to snatch this away,” Anton said firmly.
“You’ve got it. Let’s go do some paperwork. I have everything in my office here onsite. I also have that investment guy’s card. You should give him a call.”
“Thanks, Garrett. I think I’ve found the solution to a problem.”
“I’m glad I could help.” Garrett reached into his pocket to pull out his keys and ended up with a handful of sprinkles. “I’ll be damned. That Little girl filled my pocket without me knowing.”
Anton laughed at the sight. Littles were such amazing creatures.
Chapter Sixteen
Carrying Buzzy in her arms, Gemma walked out of her shop later than usual. She’d needed something to boost her spirits. When Gemma had thought of combining a flash sale and a free cupcake, she’d had no idea it would be so popular. Ellie had sent people down all day long to grab a free cupcake and do some shopping. She really was the best person ever.
Still regretting that she hadn’t seen Anton when he came in, Gemma lifted her stuffie to her nose. Maybe she could smell a bit of his unique scent? With a sigh, she juggled her purse and Buzzy to find her keys.
“Let me help you, Little girl.”
She looked up to see Anton lounging against her car. Stopping in her tracks, she felt her heart beat faster at the sight of him. “What are you doing here?”
“I want to spend time with my Little girl,” he answered calmly as he straightened up to stand in front of her.
“I can’t do a long-distance relationship, Anton. I hope you’ll understand. Thank you for bringing Buzzy back to me.” Gemma walked to her door and opened it. She set Buzzy in the driver’s seat to wait for her. He didn’t need to see this unpleasantness.
“Long-distance doesn’t work for me either,” he agreed and stepped closer to put his hands on Gemma’s shoulders and turn her around to face him.
“Please, Anton. This isn’t a game to me. I’m already hurting. Don’t make it worse.” Her heart lurched inside her chest at the concerned expression on his face. He couldn’t care how she felt. He was ready to move away.
“I wouldn’t hurt you for the world. You are the most important person to me, my Little Bee.”
“But you’re leaving,” she said, dropping her gaze to the ground between them as she tried to keep the tears at bay.
“I was shellshocked when I shared with you that the firm I worked for was transferring me against my wishes. I didn’t know what was going to happen. I tried to negotiate to stay here, but they refused.”
“Thank you for trying,” she whispered.
“I think they were completely shocked when I gave them my notice.”
“What?” She drew her gaze from the ground to his face so fast, she made herself dizzy.
“I met with Garrett today.”
Gemma’s mind struggled to see how Anton leaving his job had anything to do with meeting with Ellie’s Daddy. “What?”
“It turns out he has some office space in this shopping area. It’s designed perfectly to be a place for me to work.”
“But you work from home,” she pointed out, baffled.
“I used to work from home. Now, I’m going to work from a space just over there.” Anton pointed across the parking lot.