Hometown Hero
Page 14
Arms banding around her, he briefly closed his eyes, then lowered his head and rested his forehead against hers. For a long moment, Ashley held on, allowing herself to dream. Visions of happy times spent in this new space, of crafting new recipes, of love and laughter, family and friends. Her mother's legacy would continue.
Xavier drew in a breath. He angled his head back and smiled. "I promise I'll do my best to make you happy."
"We'll make each other happy." Gazing into his eyes, she shifted onto her toes and met his waiting lips. "I can't wait to see what we create together."
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Off-season or not, a player didn't ignore a summons from the team owner.
Xavier Brennan walked through the halls of the Philadelphia Frenzy's facility, more than ready to be back. Training camp was only a few weeks away. Energy and excitement for the upcoming season surged in his veins. But the woman by his side was the real reason for his good mood.
Ashley glanced at him and smiled. "I wonder why Mr. Mills asked for me to come too."
"If all of this is just a request for you to bake a cake, I'll tell him that he can use the order form on the website, or call to set up a consult, same as everyone else."
She playfully batted his arm. "You will not."
He winked and laced their fingers together. "True. But I'd be tempted."
The new Bliss Bakery was a huge hit. From their grand opening, complete with several members of his family and his Frenzy teammates, to the steady stream of customers who visited the bakery each day, people couldn't get enough. The bakery had sold out of their treats every day. And custom orders were rolling in. Ashley had needed to hire two assistants to keep up with the demand.
The appearance on Pro Football Daily had helped both the bakery and Xavier's future prospects. The hosts had raved about the cupcakes, and he’d received glowing praise and an invite to stop back sometime during the new season to co-host. He was glad the door to that opportunity was still partially open. All thanks to Ashley.
Thousands of competition viewers had reached out to the bakery, too. Apparently, he and Ashley had been fan favorites. Even though the experience hadn't ended with winning the grand prize, he would be forever grateful for the competition that had brought Ashley and him together.
When they reached Mills' office, his assistant waved them inside.
The team owner rose from his desk with a welcoming smile. "Xavier, Ashley, come in."
Xavier followed Ashley into the room and sank into one of the chairs in front of Mills' desk. "What can we do for you, sir?"
"I'll get right to the point. We're nearing completion on some renovations at the stadium, and the work has opened up more spots for vendors. I'd like to offer Bliss Bakery first crack. Due to the popularity of your Frenzy-themed cupcakes and desserts, I think you would be a good fit to sell the items here during home games this season."
Ashley grasped Xavier's hand. "That's amazing."
Just when he'd thought that Mills wouldn't be able to top the last reason for an impromptu meeting... Xavier mentally cheered but kept his outward composure. "That would be a good opportunity."
The Frenzy-themed baked goods he and Ashley had created together were customer favorites. Working together to build something that mattered so deeply to the love of his life was better than any big game win.
Ashley shook Mr. Mills' hand. "We'd love to say yes. Can you send us the contract?"
"I'll have it sent over tomorrow." Mr. Mills shook Xavier's hand too. "Now if you'll be patient for a moment, I'd like to get my daughter on the phone. When I spoke with her last night and told her that I would be meeting with you today, she asked that I call when I had you in the office."
While Mills punched a few buttons on the keypad, Xavier swung his gaze to Ashley. What could Mills' daughter possibly want? He didn't dare to hope for too much.
Finally, Mills' daughter's voice came through the phone's speaker. After pleasantries were exchanged, she said, "Ashley and Xavier, the network keeps getting requests from viewers who want to see you on their screens again. You two were pretty popular. We'd like to do a follow-up show with you, with the option to expand to a six-episode series about the daily life at the bakery."
Ashley's fingers dug into Xavier's arm. Eyes brimming with excitement, she leaned forward in her seat. "Really? Oh my goodness."
"You both have great camera presence and the viewers really connected with you. You have that secret ingredient; you've touched their hearts."
Xavier extracted her grip from his forearm and laced his fingers with hers. "I knew from the start that Ashley was special."
"We'd like to start filming and air the first episode in the spring. I'll be in touch with more details and contracts and everything else you'll need. Food TV is excited about welcoming you to our family."
Thrilled for Ashley, Xavier existed on an adrenaline high for the rest of the meeting. She deserved every good thing that happened to her.
Her beaming smile rivaled the sun as they drove back to his place to pick up the dog and then headed to Everson's house for family dinner. He couldn't wait to share their news with the people who had been there for every up and down.
Family was everything.
It was time to ask Ashley to become an official part.
Everson opened the front door before Xavier had the chance to knock. "We're all in the kitchen. As usual."
Rocky raced ahead, knocking into Shane. Xavier followed Ashley into the house. They were greeted with smiles and hugs, and Everson broke out a bottle of champagne when Ashley relayed all of the amazing opportunities that had come their way.
Xavier lifted his glass. "A toast to Ashley. This is only the beginning. You're going to make Bliss Bakery and your mom's legacy a household name."
Her smile wobbled, and tears sparkled in her eyes. "Xavier, I couldn't have done any of this without you by my side. Thank you for believing in me. You're just as much a part of Bliss as I am. And I can't wait to go through all of these opportunities together."
"I'm glad you feel that way." His heartbeat thudded. Game day nerves were nothing compared to how he felt in that moment. Like he was poised to make the biggest catch of his career. He pulled a folded piece of paper from his pocket and held it out. "Here."
She set her glass down and opened the order slip. His breath backed up as he watched her face. Her brows drew together as she studied the sheet. "Wait, why is your name on an order request for a wedding cake?"
He wiped damp palms on his jeans. "Because while I have learned a lot about baking over the last few months, there's no way I can bake our wedding cake without your help."
Ashley's mouth dropped open, and her hand flew to her chest. "You want..." She took a deep breath. "You want..."
"I want you. Now. Forever." He crossed to her. "What do you say, Ash? Let's be partners in every way."
Smile beaming, she launched herself into his arms. "Yes."
The room filled with cheers. Even the dog barked along.
Xavier bent his head and sought Ashley's lips. She always tasted sweet. As he'd said before, with her, he felt like he was on a permanent sugar high. Having her in his arms, in his life, he couldn't describe the feeling. Only that it was the best rush in the world.
His family crowded around and enveloped them in hugs and questions and well wishes. They'd welcomed Ashley with open arms. She never had to worry about being alone again. He'd do his best each day to show her how much love and support surrounded them.
Xavier wrapped his arm around her as the family toasted to their happiness.
Time would only tell what life had in store for them, but as long as he had Ashley by his side, it was a recipe for success.
* * *
Thank you so much for reading this book! If you liked Xavier and Ashley's story, please leave a review. Reviews, even one line long, help other readers find my books.
About The Author
USA Today bestselling author Susa
n Scott Shelley writes stories with heat and heart, where love always wins. Her romances give readers lighthearted and emotionally satisfying escapes into happily ever after. In addition to crafting stories, she is also a professional voiceover artist and enjoys lending her voice to a wide range of projects.
She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and is an avid fan of her hometown sports teams. Her favorite things include running (honestly, it's more like jogging), sports (especially hockey), hard rock (but will listen to anything from heavy metal to show tunes), and writing about people from all walks of life finding their special someone.
Learn more by visiting http://www.susanscottshelley.com.
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Susan’s Books
Mad Scramble (The Philadelphia Frenzy series)
Hometown Hero (The Philadelphia Frenzy series)
Making His Move (Buffalo Bedlam series)
Fighting For More (Buffalo Bedlam series)
Taking His Shot (Buffalo Bedlam series)
Skating On Chance (Buffalo Bedlam series)
Holding On Tight (Buffalo Bedlam series)
Kiss Me Again (Holiday Hearts series)
More Than Words (Holiday Hearts series)
All I Want (Holiday Hearts series)
Marry Me (Holiday Hearts series)
Holiday Hearts (Holiday Hearts series anthology containing: Kiss Me Again, More Than Words, All I Want, and Marry Me)
Love Notes (Rocked by Love series)
Love Song (Rocked by Love series)
Rekindled (Game of Love series)
Captivated (Game of Love series)
Enamored (Game of Love series)
Game of Love (Game of Love series anthology, containing: Rekindled, Captivated, and Enamored)
Flirting on Ice (Atlantic City Hustlers series)
Simmering Ice (Atlantic City Hustlers series)
Iced (Atlantic City Hustlers box set containing Flirting on Ice and Simmering Ice)
Tackled by the Girl Next Door
Visit Susan's Book's Page for excerpts and to find your next happily ever after:
http://www.susanscottshelley.com/books
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