Warmth radiated as happiness overflowed. "If I'll have you? No if about it. Just don't make a mess in my kitchen."
"I'm already picturing decorating you in frosting and slowly licking it off."
Ashley swayed toward him and the promise in his voice. "No one has ever done anything like this for me."
"You deserve it." He brushed his hand through her hair. "So, you'll say yes? You'll let me help you get going here? There's an apartment upstairs, so you have a place to stay."
The future was bright and sparkling with possibilities. "This seems too good to be true."
"It is true. I'm in this for the long haul." With a gentle hand and tender gaze, he cupped her cheek. "I love you, Ashley."
Staggered by his admission, Ashley clutched his shirt. Afraid she was dreaming, she bit the inside of her lip. Pain registered, as real as the man standing before her. Thrilled, she slipped her arms around his neck, locking them together. "I love you, too."
Arms banding around her, he briefly closed his eyes, then lowered his head and rested his forehead against hers. For a long moment, Ashley held on, allowing herself to dream. Visions of happy times spent in this new space, of crafting new recipes, of love and laughter, family and friends. Her mother's legacy would continue.
Xavier drew in a breath. He angled his head back and smiled. "I promise I'll do my best to make you happy."
"We'll make each other happy." Gazing into his eyes, she shifted onto her toes and met his waiting lips. "I can't wait to see what we create together."
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Off-season or not, a player didn't ignore a summons from the team owner.
Xavier Brennan walked through the halls of the Philadelphia Frenzy's facility, more than ready to be back. Training camp was only a few weeks away. Energy and excitement for the upcoming season surged in his veins. But the woman by his side was the real reason for his good mood.
Ashley glanced at him and smiled. "I wonder why Mr. Mills asked for me to come too."
"If all of this is just a request for you to bake a cake, I'll tell him that he can use the order form on the website, or call to set up a consult, same as everyone else."
She playfully batted his arm. "You will not."
He winked and laced their fingers together. "True. But I'd be tempted."
The new Bliss Bakery was a huge hit. From their grand opening, complete with several members of his family and his Frenzy teammates, to the steady stream of customers who visited the bakery each day, people couldn't get enough. The bakery had sold out of their treats every day. And custom orders were rolling in. Ashley had needed to hire two assistants to keep up with the demand.
The appearance on Pro Football Daily had helped both the bakery and Xavier's future prospects. The hosts had raved about the cupcakes, and he’d received glowing praise and an invite to stop back sometime during the new season to co-host. He was glad the door to that opportunity was still partially open. All thanks to Ashley.
Thousands of competition viewers had reached out to the bakery, too. Apparently, he and Ashley had been fan favorites. Even though the experience hadn't ended with winning the grand prize, he would be forever grateful for the competition that had brought Ashley and him together.
When they reached Mills' office, his assistant waved them inside.
The team owner rose from his desk with a welcoming smile. "Xavier, Ashley, come in."
Xavier followed Ashley into the room and sank into one of the chairs in front of Mills' desk. "What can we do for you, sir?"
"I'll get right to the point. We're nearing completion on some renovations at the stadium, and the work has opened up more spots for vendors. I'd like to offer Bliss Bakery first crack. Due to the popularity of your Frenzy-themed cupcakes and desserts, I think you would be a good fit to sell the items here during home games this season."
Ashley grasped Xavier's hand. "That's amazing."
Just when he'd thought that Mills wouldn't be able to top the last reason for an impromptu meeting... Xavier mentally cheered but kept his outward composure. "That would be a good opportunity."
The Frenzy-themed baked goods he and Ashley had created together were customer favorites. Working together to build something that mattered so deeply to the love of his life was better than any big game win.
Ashley shook Mr. Mills' hand. "We'd love to say yes. Can you send us the contract?"
"I'll have it sent over tomorrow." Mr. Mills shook Xavier's hand too. "Now if you'll be patient for a moment, I'd like to get my daughter on the phone. When I spoke with her last night and told her that I would be meeting with you today, she asked that I call when I had you in the office."
While Mills punched a few buttons on the keypad, Xavier swung his gaze to Ashley. What could Mills' daughter possibly want? He didn't dare to hope for too much.
Finally, Mills' daughter's voice came through the phone's speaker. After pleasantries were exchanged, she said, "Ashley and Xavier, the network keeps getting requests from viewers who want to see you on their screens again. You two were pretty popular. We'd like to do a follow-up show with you, with the option to expand to a six-episode series about the daily life at the bakery."
Ashley's fingers dug into Xavier's arm. Eyes brimming with excitement, she leaned forward in her seat. "Really? Oh my goodness."
"You both have great camera presence and the viewers really connected with you. You have that secret ingredient; you've touched their hearts."
Xavier extracted her grip from his forearm and laced his fingers with hers. "I knew from the start that Ashley was special."
"We'd like to start filming and air the first episode in the spring. I'll be in touch with more details and contracts and everything else you'll need. Food
