Page 194 of I Hate, I Bake, and I Don't Date!

“That’s right,” Greg said magnanimously. “It’s adorable, really.”

Belle’s nostrils flared. “I don’t make business decisions because something is cute. Their verified user growth rate is fifteen percent a week, and they’re on track to do five million in revenue this month.”

“Five million?” Beck stammered.

Greg looked shocked. “How?” he said after a moment.

“We tried to tell you about our company,” Enola said with a frown, “but you wanted to wait for the Q3 reports. We have to strike while the iron is hot. We can’t wait for anyone.”

“They’re about to sign a deal with several major food brands for advertising,” Belle said, “including the dairy industry. Tess is helping to arrange it.”

“I love food!” I said happily. “As soon as I told them we would have a viral video contest for the best mac ‘n’ cheese using American dairy products, they were totally on board.”

“Fuck. I’m still an owner,” Greg said.

“Yeah, five percent,” Belle retorted.

“It’s okay, Greg.” Annie patted him on the arm. “You still have a board vote.”

“But Belle has three,” Enola added.

Beck pulled me away from Belle and Greg as they started arguing about the girls’ company.

“I was going to call you madam president in bed tonight,” Beck joked, “but I think I might have to start calling you boss babe since you’re scoring better deals than all of us.”

“I can definitely boss you around,” I teased, trailing my fingers down those washboard abs.

“I still make pretty good business deals, though,” Beck said, wrapping his strong arms around me. “Loving you is the best deal ever!”

I hooked two fingers at the waist of his swim trunks, satisfied to feel the muscles twitch against the backs of my fingers.

“You know, one thing that was at the top on my hate list was having to take your work home with you, but I’m happy to wear a tie and nothing else and have a very loud, satisfying negotiation session with the man I love most. Especially if there is cake at the meeting!”