Chapter 1: Business Proposal
“Take off your shirt and lie down,” Summer Norton said, walking to the consultation room with a medical tray. She was wearing a face mask. She added, “And your pants too.”
Theodore Jackman closed his eyes for a moment before undoing his belt. She was the first woman he’d ever willingly undone his belt for, and likely the last.
With practiced ease, Summer disinfected the area and expertly inserted the needles. Her needlework was impeccable, almost otherworldly.
Half an hour later, Summer swiftly removed the needles. Her hands moved so fast it was astonishing. She never showed any signs of taking advantage of her patient, even though Theodore possessed a physique that would captivate anyone.
“Eat something before you go home and come back in a week,” Summer instructed him. Then she picked up the tray and walked away.
Theodore glanced back but could only catch a glimpse of her slender, tall figure as she departed. On the table beside the bed sat a bowl of grits and some country ham. This was why he chose this clinic. Here, the doctor didn’t get lovestruck by his face. Oddly enough, it was the only place where he could stomach the food. Where else could he go? Despite his multi-billion-dollar fortune, he felt nauseated by the finest foods—except for the simple cooking from this clinic, which seemed to settle his stomach like nothing else. His family doctor recommended the clinic, stating that the owner was a senior colleague who only treated patients there and didn’t make house calls. As a result, Theodore arrived despite being skeptical about the claim. And now he was a regular.
Summer returned to her office. She removed her mask and disposed of it in the trash. “Joe, I’m done for the day, and I will be heading out now,” she said.
“Oh, Summer, thanks for helping out. How’s your sister doing?” Joe Sullivan, the clinic’s owner and one of two doctors, asked. He was an expert in holistic medicine, specializing in tough cases and children’s eating disorders.
Summer sighed as she took off her white coat. “Same as always, Joe. I’ll be back next week,” she said.
Chapter 1: Business Proposal
Summer returned to her family’s restaurant, Nortan’s Kitchen. She hadn’t even reached the door when she saw a group of thugs with clubs smashing their way inside. With a swift turn, Summer went into the neighbor’s shop.
“Wreck everything!”
Crash! Crash! Crash! Crash!
Once again, the restaurant was in ruins. Her unreliable father had gambled away his money again. This was the third time in a month. If they kept destroying the restaurant, there’d be nothing left to run. However, without the restaurant, how would she pay for her sister’s treatments?
After the thugs left, Summer cautiously returned to the restaurant. The place was a disaster. Thankfully, she’d had the foresight to hide the valuable things before they came. Well, not that there was much value left. Long ago, anything valuable had already been used to settle debts.
Resigned, Summer rolled up her sleeves and started cleaning. As she swept the floor, a pair of black leather shoes appeared in her line of sight. She looked up from her work and saw long, perfectly straight legs standing before her.
“Wow, lovely legs!”
“Had enough of staring?” A smooth, pleasant voice came from above.
Summer finally tore her gaze away. She stood up straight and looked at the man.
“Whoa, he’s really attractive!”
“How could I ever get enough of staring at an attractive man?” Summer teased him directly. “You’re standing in front of me, aren’t you? Obviously, you want me to look.”
The jab startled the man, who then quietly laughed.
“Oh wow, even his laugh is nice!”
Summer tossed aside the broom. “If you’re here for food, you might have to wait a bit,” she said.
Chapter 1: Business Proposal
“I’m not here for food,” the man explained with a smile. “I’m here for you.”
“For me?” Summer frowned. “Are you trying to buy me out? This restaurant may be a dump, but it’s been in my family for generations. Not for sale, not at any price.”
“Mind if I sit and talk?” The man remained calm, his demeanor gentle.
“If you don’t mind the mess, be my guest.”
The man cleared a spot at one of the least-damaged tables and sat down.
“Summer Norton, 23 years old. You graduated from Southras University with a degree in Food and Nutrition. You also earned a certification in holistic medicine. After graduating, you took over the family restaurant. You’re the sole owner and chef. Your cooking skills are excellent, and you have a loyal customer base.”
Summer narrowed her eyes. “So you’re telling me you don’t want to buy my restaurant? You’ve investigated me so thoroughly!” Sure, he was handsome, but even good looks wouldn’t help him if he came for the restaurant.
The man chuckled softly. “Let me introduce myself. I’m Bryce Jenson, from Northlorn.”
“Never heard of you.”
Bryce chuckled again. “Relax; I’m not interested in buying your restaurant. I have a business proposal to discuss with you.”
Summer relaxed slightly. “What kind of business?”
“Take a look at these.” Bryce handed her a stack of photos.
Summer took them and stared in shock. The woman in the pictures looked exactly like her, but the clothes she wore were nothing like anything Summer could afford.
“I’ve never taken photos like this,” Summer muttered, puzzled. “What’s the point of photoshopping me into these?”