Your retail units aren’t involved.” Peter’s voice dropped. “They’re looking at one or two similar businesses, but from what I understand, Mimi’s is their number one choice and they have deep pockets.”
Jensen was stunned. His first thought was an immediate denial. His business was his life. Then he heard an odd noise, and concerned, he stepped back into the lounge.
Dash was laid on his belly with most of the track assembled and a big train hooked up. He was making chuff chuff noises in his throat and looked enthralled. Jensen was completely convinced he didn’t even realize what he was doing, and his heart seemed to squeeze in his chest.
“Jensen?”
He stepped back into the kitchen. “I need to talk to Ellie.”
“Absolutely, but how about we meet first? I have a draft offer in front of me. If you think it’s something that you like, we can talk to Ellie and hash out a proposal you both agree to.”
There was a moment of silence. “The last time I saw you, we talked about you trying your hand at fishing and coming to the cabin for the weekend. That was over two years ago, and apart from various conference calls, we have never made it. I’d hate our next conversation to be discussing Ben’s graduation ceremony.”
Jensen winced because that was a little close to the bone. Peter and Jensen had been at college together, and Jensen had been Peter’s best man. He missed him.
“I have an appointment tomorrow, but what about Wednesday?” He wasn’t going to leave Dash on his own after the doctor’s appointment. He quickly confirmed a time and ended the call.
Home Style Kitchens was huge. If he was honest, he’d originally hoped to measure up to them, but that would mean a far bigger company than he actually wanted. Was he ready to step back?
And do what?
He heard the noises from the lounge again and quickly made the sandwiches. He put some separate chips in a bowl, some chopped vegetables, and quickly mashed some avocado for a dip. Put everything on a tray and grabbed two bottles of water before walking back into the lounge.
Jensen’s insides melted at the sight that greeted him. Dash had built most of the track, and two of the figures sat on the cart. He was still making the train noises as he pushed it around. Dash looked up as Jensen walked in, his face lit up with pure delight, and then he glanced back down and faltered. The smile fell and Dash scrambled back, a flush rapidly staining his cheeks.
Oh no. That wouldn’t do at all. There was no way his boy was going to feel embarrassed or ashamed. Jensen plastered a smile on his face. “Is the engine driver ready for his own fuel? I hope you like avocado dip. It won’t spike your blood sugar levels.”
Dash’s lips parted, but then he bit his lower one. Jensen put the tray down and walked up to him, his hand reaching out slowly so he didn’t surprise him, and gently prized his lower lip away from his teeth. He just managed to stop himself from following that up by dropping a kiss on Dash’s cute nose. “Let’s eat, and then you can show me what you’ve done.”
It took another twenty minutes to reassure Dash that Jensen was genuine. That he wasn’t going to humiliate him or stop him doing something he clearly enjoyed, but by then he was back to setting up the track and stopping to refuel every time Jensen gave him a gentle nudge and passed him some food.
Jensen got his laptop after a while, but he didn’t go back upstairs to work. He was happy keeping an eye on Dash.
Incredibly happy.
Tuesday morning Jensen woke before Dash as Dash wasn’t there with his morning cup of tea. He’d reluctantly gone back to his own room after Dash had fallen asleep both of the last two nights, and then worked for another hour approving documents Eric needed. Peter had sent him a copy of the draft proposal, and Jensen had been staggered at the initial offer. He had a lot to think about. He still had his rental properties, but they were handled by different agents, and cash-wise he would never have to work another day in his life.
But then what would he do?
He could certainly take up running again. He wasn’t into golf, but he’d neglected a lot of his friends over the last few years. Jensen groaned half-heartedly, and he admitted