Page 86 of The P*ssy Next Door
Liam looked at me, his expression soft with pride. “Look at you, Willa. You're unstoppable.”
I laughed, feeling a blush creep into my cheeks. “I don't know about unstoppable, but I definitely feel like I'm finally on the right track. Speaking of which, there's Penelope. Wish me luck.”
Liam came around the counter, pulling me into a tight hug. “You don't need luck, sweetheart. You've got talent, passion, and a heart of gold. Knock 'em dead.”
Penelope sat down at one of the tables and waved me over, a warm smile on her face.
“Willa, hi, it's so good to see you. I've been dying to hear about that trip to Tokyo. How was it?”
I slid into the seat across from her, returning her smile. “It was amazing, Pen. The city, the culture, the food, oh the food. But the best part was Hayes and the way everything was flabbergasting to him. Seeing him embrace the adventure, for me, when I knew it was totally weird and uncomfortable for him to be all spontaneous like that, it made me fall in love with him even more.”
Penelope's eyes softened, and she stared down at the table. “You two are so perfect together. It's clear how much you love and support each other. I hope I find that someday too.”
“Aww, Pen, I'm sure you will.”
We spent the next hour poring over maps and travel guides, marking potential locations for Kelsey's tour. Penelope had a keen eye for detail and a knack for anticipating potential logistic issues. She was hella smart. I found myself getting swept up in her enthusiasm, my own excitement growing with each new idea we discussed.
As we were wrapping up, Penelope fixed me with a thoughtful look. “You know, Willa, you're really good at this. You might consider starting your own business, scouting locations not just for Kelsey, but for other celebrities too.”
I blinked, taken aback by the suggestion. “I hadn't really thought about it, but that's an intriguing idea. Do you think there's a market for that kind of service?”
Penelope nodded emphatically. “Absolutely. With your talent for finding unique, off-the-beaten-path locations and your skills at navigating different cultures and languages, you'd be a hot commodity. Plus, you've got the Kelsey Best seal of approval now. That's no small thing in this industry.”
I felt a flutter of excitement in my chest, the seed of an idea taking root. My own business, my own clients. It was a daunting prospect, but also an exhilarating one.
“I'll definitely consider it, Pen. Thank you for the vote of confidence.”
We parted ways with a hug and a promise to meet up again soon. It seemed like everywhere I turned, new doors were opening, new opportunities presenting themselves.
My head was already ten steps ahead, thinking about who and where this business might lead me to. I didn't notice Hayes until I practically ran into him. He caught me by the shoulders, steadying me with a laugh.
“Whoa there, flower. What's got you lost in thought?”
I grinned up at him, rising up on my toes to press a quick kiss to his lips. “I just had the most amazing meeting with Penelope. She had some great ideas for Kelsey's tour locations, and she even suggested I start my own business as a celebrity location scout.”
Hayes's eyes widened, a slow smile spreading across his face. “Willa, that's badass. You'd be amazing at that.”
Seven meowed like he agreed. Wait, why had he brought Seven to the coffee shop?
He led me hand-in-hand over to the comfy cat-corner, and I was surprised to find Liam and George huddled there together, whispering excitedly.
They looked up as we approached, identical grins on their faces. George rushed over, pulling me into a bone-crushing hug. Weird. I always enjoyed his hugs, but what in the world was that one for?
Hayes cleared his throat, drawing my attention back to him. He looked adorably nervous, fidgeting with something in his pocket.
“So, Willa,” he said, his voice slightly unsteady. “There's something I wanted to ask you.”
George let out a little squeal, clutching at Liam's arm. I shot them a curious look before turning back to Hayes, my heart suddenly racing.
He took a deep breath, his blue eyes locking with mine. “Willa, these past few months with you have been the best of my life. You've shown me what it means to love, to take risks, to chase my dreams. And I know, without a doubt, that I want to keep chasing those dreams with you by my side.”
My breath caught in my throat as he lowered himself to one knee. George let out a gasp, his hands flying to his mouth.
But Hayes pulled a treat out of his pocket to get Seven to come to him. Then he picked up my cat, who had something hanging from the collar around his neck. Hayes held Seven out to me, and indicated to the small, velvet bag hanging there. “Open it.”
I pulled the string tied to Seven's collar while he squirmed, not enjoying his role in this show, except for the treats, of course. With more than a little trepidation, I turned the bag upside down to reveal a shining silver... key.
“Willa Rosemount, will you move in with me, officially?”