Page 110 of Auctioned To Be Mine

“Welcome,” he announced as the first customers streamed in, their eyes widening at the space.

The reaction was immediate. Gasps, excited whispers, phones raised to capture the moment. The store came alive with energy as people spread out, exploring every corner of the carefully curated space.

I stepped back, Victoria still beside me, and watched as the store filled with people. It was finally happening.

“Not bad,” Victoria said, nudging my shoulder. “Not bad at all.”

I pulled her close and kissed her temple.

Adrian and my cousins approached, looking around with obvious satisfaction. My father stood nearby, talking to my mother, both of them beaming with pride.

“Impressive,” Adrian said, clapping me on the shoulder. “Very impressive.”

“You did well,” Briggs added.

Sebastian and Dash nodded their agreement.

I felt a swell of pride at their approval. My cousins had built an empire, and now we were expanding it to the West Coast with this flagship store. I was glad I could help them make it happen. Adrian had been pretty nervous about not overseeing the work himself, but with Bucky around, he wanted to spend time with his family.

“We wanted to talk to you about something,” Adrian said.

I glanced at Victoria, who gave me an encouraging nod before drifting toward Cleo to give us space.

“We’ve been discussing the management structure,” Adrian continued. “With the store opening, we need someone here in LA who understands the business, the family values, and has the vision to keep it growing.”

I nodded, waiting for him to continue.

“None of us are planning to leave New York,” he said, gesturing to his brothers. “So we’ve decided we need someone local to run the West Coast operations. Someone we trust. Someone who’s family.”

The implication hung in the air between us. There had been a lot of discussion about who would run things. I was willing to help get it off the ground, but that was the extent of my involvement.

“We want you to take over,” Adrian said simply. “Run the store. Expand as needed. Make this the cornerstone of our West Coast presence.”

I looked at the store, at the beautiful space we’d created, and the customers already making purchases. It was everything I could have hoped for when we started this project.

I shook my head slowly. “I’m honored, but I can’t.”

Adrian’s eyebrows shot up. “Why not? You’ve done incredible work here.”

“This was your dream,” I said, gesturing toward the brothers. “Your vision.”

“But you’re the one who made it happen,” Briggs insisted. “You’re the business mind we need here.”

“I appreciate that,” I said. “But I have a wedding business to run, and now Cleo is already branching off into a separate retail space for the wedding stuff. So get ready for that conversation.”

I looked across the room at Victoria, who was chatting with Bernadette. She caught my eye and smiled. I felt that familiar surge of emotion. I knew what I wanted now, and it wasn’t running a store, even one as beautiful as this.

“Have you considered Drew?” I asked.

Adrian looked at me as if I’d suggested he hire a golden retriever to manage the floor.

“Drew,” he repeated flatly.

“He was here every step of the way,” I said. “The construction, the vendors, the setup. He knows this space better than anyone besides me. And he actually seemed to enjoy it.” I paused. “When’s the last time you saw Drew genuinely enjoy something work-related?”

Adrian was quiet for a moment. I watched him turn the idea over.

“He’s not exactly known for his discipline,” Adrian said carefully.