No Weddings (No Weddings #1)(22)

Turning forward again, she gazed out at the football stadium. “Kiki and I aren’t close, not really. We took an art class together and got along well but never became friends per se. I met your other two sisters at your bar opening.”

I smiled, wondering how much of the ice-queen treatment she gave everyone else. Every instinct I had screamed it was a barrier of protection. Against what, I hadn’t a clue.

“Well, they like you. So do I.”

She shot a sidelong glance at me. “Yeah? Well, I like them too.”

When she said nothing further, I almost laughed at the omission, glancing at her. “And me?”

She shrugged. “You’re not so bad.”

I snorted while her shoulders shook with silent laughter.

After that, in companionable silence, we watched the game. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d sat next to a woman as attractive as her without needing to do anything other than be beside one another to be content. The relaxed atmosphere between us was nice. Even better, in spite of the wild attraction we felt and the occasional games we played, it was nice to know we could call a truce when it came to business.

“So, what do you think? Do you want to be a part of the Invitation Only team?”

Hannah glanced at me. “My terms?”

“Well, let’s talk about those terms again.”

“I get to deliver cakes to any customer as long as I’m not working with an event-planning company. Even if it’s for a wedding.”

I stared at her. Something had to give, and I knew it. And really, the “no weddings” stipulation was more of a personal rule of mine with Invitation Only. Hannah doing cakes for weddings would be great for her business and okay for Invitation Only as long as we were protected. I gave a curt nod. “And have no contact with any event-planning company.”

“What if I’m delivering a cake to a hotel, and I accidentally have contact because an event planner directs me on where to set up?”

I sighed. “Fine. Minimal contact. We’re going to be extending a large amount of trust to you with this, so please respect the risk for what it is. Look, Hannah, let me explain it in terms of your business. Say you hire an employee and train them to the point where they know a lot about what you know. Then all of a sudden, they become your competition.”

“Well, I’ll have them sign contracts and non-compete clauses just like you are.”

“But what if they work around them, Hannah? What if they develop relationships with your clients? Contracts exist because people breach agreements and then everyone ends up in court. Do you see how it’s still a risk? And the greater the contact, the greater the risk?”

Her expression softened, and she nodded. “Okay, I understand where you’re coming from. I’ll be sure to protect our relationship by disclosing our exclusivity with any event-planning company that approaches me. And I’ll be sure to keep any possible exposure to a minimum. But I need you to understand where I’m coming from. A wedding does not always have an event-planning company connected to it. See my point?”

I did. And to not look like a total single-focused ass, I gave her a reasonable explanation. “I get it. With my upbringing, I kept imagining weddings and event planners going hand in hand.”

She tilted her head. “I thought you were being oddly unreasonable about the ‘no weddings’ thing.”

If only she knew. “Great. Looks like we’ve come to an understanding. Ready to sign on the dotted line?”

She nodded again. “Sure. Bring me the revised contract next time you’re at the bakery.”

“Not necessary.” I stepped over to the end of the bar and reached behind the counter to grab my bag. I pulled out the already prepared contracts with a pen clipped to them.

When I glanced up, I saw her stunned expression for a beat before she narrowed her eyes. “Cade Michaelson. You knew I’d agree?”

I smirked. “Helps to know your target market. I had a good feeling you’d agree on the major points. Just give me a second to write in our compromise.”

Right as I handed Hannah a pen, Kiki burst in between us. “Oh. My. God. Cade! I love football.”

Staring at her, I blinked. “Why the sudden change?”

“Have you seen their asses in those tight uniforms? So much better in person than on TV.”

I shook my head. “Never in the way you mean.”

Hannah handed back my copy of the signed contract and pen.

“Well, Kiki, congratulate Hannah. She’s now officially a team member of Invitation Only.”

Kiki turned with one of her trademark squeals and crushed Hannah in hug. “That’s so awesome, Hannah. Congratulations.”

I grinned at Hannah’s surprised expression over Kiki’s shoulder.

When Hannah pulled away, Kiki darted off toward Kristen and Kendall, presumably to share the great news.

Fairly certain a hug from me would be pushing it, I held out a hand. “Congratulations, Maestro. Welcome to the team.”

Beyond us, everyone rotated back toward that phenomenal cake, and I realized halftime had already started. A couple of people held empty plates in their hands.

I nudged her off the stool. “You’re on.”

“What?” She laughed but then turned and gasped. “Oh!”