“It just occurred to me because I told the parents at my school, but obviously no one’s gonna cross the city from Richmond to Excelsior for this. But this is a family-friendly neighborhood. Lots of kids. Parents can bring them and enjoy a coffee while the kids play in their corner.”
Daniel nods thoughtfully as we walk the distance to the trashcans. “That’s the best way to position yourself—as a meeting point for your local community.”
“I’ll think about more activities we can organize here. How do you come up with ideas for new stuff to add in your business?”
“In the beginning, it was just in-house brainstorming, but now we have a large pool of customers, and we listen to their feedback and ideas. Right now I’m looking into opening a gym because so many of our clients want to do indoor activities.”
Unfortunately the trash cans are almost full, so stuffing the cartons inside takes a bit of creativity and a lot of brute force. I hold the lid open while Daniel does his best to press the boxes over the existing mountain of garbage. After a few ridiculous tries, we finally manage to close the lid on the cans again.
“What kind of activities?” I ask on our way back.
“Everything from climbing to team sports.”
“How about kickboxing?”
He shakes his head. “Not on the list, but Krav Maga is. Why?”
“A friend of mine is a trainer. He does kickboxing, maybe Summer told you.”
“Yeah, she did mention you roped her into this.”
“He offers Krav Maga too. If you need a trainer, I could introduce you to him. He owns a small studio, but he moonlights at other studios too. I’m training with him tomorrow. Would you like to come?”
“What time? I’m working in the morning.”
“Seven o’clock in the evening.”
“Works for me. I’ll bring my equipment too, test it out myself. I don’t like offering activities I’ve never done.”
Swallowing, I tell myself this is a good thing. This would be beneficial for both Daniel and Theo.
But seeing Daniel training is a dangerous temptation. All those muscles flexing, all that sweat, the manly sounds. Not to mention seeing him in his training clothes.
“I’ll text you the address,” I tell him. “My friend will be over the moon at the chance of having a new customer.”
That’s right. I’m inviting him along because it would benefit both of their businesses, not because I want a front row seat at seeing Daniel flex his muscles.
Liar, liar, pants on fire.
Chapter Fifteen
Caroline
“So, Dad told me the Bennett clan was here yesterday,” Niall says the next morning during breakfast. We’re at the coffee shop, enjoying some of Ailish’s delicious cake and cookie leftovers. The tips of my ears feel hot as I sip from my coffee. I wish Dad would hurry from the back. He went to get a book for Niall, and I have a feeling my brother is about to grill me on the topic of Daniel.
“Yeah, it was great of them to show up here.”
“They’re a friendly bunch. Daniel was here too?” He winks at me, biting into a cookie.
“Of course. Dad invited him. I told you he helped with the business plan.”
He sighs. “Caroline, be careful.”
“I am. Don’t go into overprotective brother mode.”
“It’s in my genes. Can’t help it. I remember how sad you were when you came to Dublin. I just don’t want you to be so sad again. Ever.”
“It was a long time ago. I’m a big girl now.”