by Alanna Lucas
“A butthead.”
Bernie chuckled. “Yes, he is that at times.” She wiped wet strands of hair from Tessa’s face. “What you said about family, it’s not true.”
Tessa sat up and looked into Bernie’s blue eyes. They were so similar to his, but kinder and filled with understanding. She sniffled back tears. “But, it is—”
Bernie shook her head. “You may not have any blood relatives, but you are my family.”
“Oh, Bernie,” Tessa whispered on a sob. “I’ve felt so alone for so long and moving here… you’ve helped me so much, but now… I…” She buried her head in Bernie’s shoulder and cried.
Bernie tightened her embrace. “Shh, it’s all right, dearest. Everything is going to be all right.”
Tessa sniffled. “How do you know?”
“I have a sense about these things.”
“But Rex… I don’t think he likes me.” Tessa sounded like she was in kindergarten and had just had a tiff with a friend on the playground.
“You’re not the problem.” Bernie inhaled deeply, then slowly exhaled a long heavy breath. “I want to share something with you.”
Tessa bolted upright, fear knotted inside, tangling with alarm. She couldn’t handle any more bad news.
“I’m not defending Rex’s actions today, but I do understand why he acts the way he does.” Bernie took Tessa’s hand in hers. “It’s his defense mechanism. It’s easier for him to suspect the worst and argue, than to trust.”
“But why?”
“His mother ran off with another man when he was nine years old. And for years, Rex blamed himself.”
Tessa found herself defending the man who, less than a half hour ago, had taken a sledgehammer to her heart. “How horrible, I can’t even imagine. But how was it his fault? He was just a child.” Children were both her fear and greatest weakness.
Bernie sucked in another deep breath. Tessa suspected there was so much more to this story. “He was the one who found them together. It didn’t matter what anyone said, not even his father could reason with him. It wasn’t until he graduated high school and moved away that things started to change.”
“Makes sense, a new town, a new life.” That had been Tessa’s reasoning. That’s how she ended up in Devlin.
“I thought when he married Natalia, Rex had finally been able to put the past behind him, but…”
“I heard. The day he arrived in town. The divorce was final two years ago.”
Bernie shook her head. “If it were only that. Natalia ran away, just like his mother. And to make matters worse, Natalia’s been trying to get in touch with Rex lately, which has only made him more on edge.” As if suspecting where Tessa’s thoughts were straying, Bernie quickly added, “Rex won’t ever get back together with Natalia, especially not after the horrible things she said in her note.”
No wonder he didn’t trust women, first his mother then his wife. “I’m sorry.”
“I am not telling you these things so you will feel sorry for him. My reason is far more selfish. I don’t want you to move into the carriage house or leave Devlin. You are part of my family now and I care about you.” She tapped Tessa’s hand. “Just give him a chance. He doesn’t mean to be a… how did you put it? Oh yes, a butthead.” Bernie chuckled as she said the word. “He is a good person and deep down he really does care.”
“Thank you for sharing. It does help alleviate some of my current dislike for him.”
The tension in her friend’s face eased a little. Tessa could be polite and cordial to Rex for Bernie’s sake if nothing else. At least now she had a better understanding. It still didn’t change how she felt, especially considering she didn’t know what she felt. After almost three long years Tessa had finally found happiness and a new sense of purpose. She really didn’t want to leave Devlin and besides, where would she go? Not back to L.A. No, she would just avoid Rex, and focus on her bookstore.
Her bookstore.
Tessa’s mom would be so proud if she were still alive. She couldn’t let their dream die because of one man.
Bernie hugged Tessa. The warmth of the hug comforted her tired soul. She let out a long sigh. She imagined it drifting up, being carried away on a gentle breeze.
“Why don’t you go up to the house and have a nice long bath. I’ll close up the store.”
Tessa jumped off the bench. “The store, I completely forgot!” She rubbed her forehead. She was a shop owner now. She couldn’t just run out whenever she wanted to.
“Don’t worry, I left Rex in charge.”
“Rex? In charge of a romance bookstore.” Tessa could not hide her laughter. “It is a rather good punishment for the way he behaved today.”
Chapter 6
It had been two days since Tessa had blown up at Rex and he still hadn’t had a moment alone with her to apologize. He was determined to change her mind about him. He sent a bouquet of white and yellow roses to the bookstore, sent even more flowers to the house, left her a card at the house apologizing and asking for a moment of her time, but she had yet to even make eye contact with him. Worse, Grams and Nina made certain that one of them was always near.
Rex knew Tessa had a weakness for coffee. He had one more idea up his sleeve. Anything was worth a shot at this point.
“Hi, Rex,” Phoebe greeted him as he stepped up to the counter.
“Hey. I’ll have a large coffee, and Tessa’s favorite.”
“Trying to win her over with coffee and an afternoon snack?” Her tone suggested she knew exactly what he’d done.
Rex grimaced. “She told you about what happened?”
“No.”
He let out a sigh of relief.
“Bernie did.”
Of course, Grams did. She probably had the whole town on her side, protecting Tessa. Everyone seemed to want to protect her. Including me.
“If you want to win her over, you’ll need more than just coffee.”
Rex put both hands on the counter and leaned in. “Are you offering to help me, Phoebe?”
Phoebe shrugged. “What can I say? I’m a hopeless romantic at heart. I think the two of you would be great together.” Her brows crinkled together. “But if you hurt her, I will come after you.”
If he hurt her again, he would hire someone to beat himself up.
Rex’s visit to Coffee on the Docks was successful. He hopped into his truck and within seconds the cab was filled with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee. He drove to the bookstore armed with all of Tessa’s favorites. He didn’t expect her to forgive him, but hopefully the coffee, chocolate cake, and Phoebe’s homemade vanilla bean ice cream would at least cause her to glance his way.
Normally, he would have parked around back, but it was a much shorter distance to carry his peace offering if he parked right in front. Thankfully, the front door was propped open and he wouldn’t have to awkwardly manage to try to open the door without spilling coffee everywhere. But the quiet moment alone he was hoping for was dashed the minute he stepped inside. Tessa was trapped behind the counter with a line almost to the door, not to mention a dozen more women browsing around.
Somehow Rex managed to maneuver past the customers to where Tessa was ringing up sales without spilling the coffee or dropping the cake.
“What’s going on?” He had no idea a romance bookstore could be so busy.
Tessa gave him an I don’t want to deal with you right now look before letting out a long sigh. “The book club just finished, and the new Sabrina Jeffries book is out and well…” She glanced about the store. “She’s rather popular.”
“Where’s Grams and Nina?”
Before Tessa had a chance to answer, a patron walked up with a question. “Excuse me, but I have to tend to customers.”
It was the most polite Tessa had been to him since before that afternoon she blew up at him. He glanced over at the clock. He still had time before his shift started. Rex strolled into the kitchen, put the ice cream in the freezer, and headed back out.
“I can handle the sales. Why don’t you go help customers?”
“But—”
He raised a questioning brow. “Would you rather I help customers?”
Tessa’s gentle giggle rippled through the air. Her gaze softened. “Thank you.” She turned and headed toward a couple of ladies eyeing something in the locked display case.
Dozens of books and more than an hour later, the bookstore had finally emptied out. Tessa looked exhausted but happy.
“I may need to consider hiring some extra help.” She rubbed the back of her neck.
“Maybe I should apply. A second job might come in handy with the holidays approaching.”
“Oh, so you do have a job other than spying on me.” Her light banter was music to his ears. Tessa was talking to him.
“Yes, I work over at the—”
“Rex, I didn’t know you were coming by today,” his grandmother said as she strolled into the shop carrying an array of empty baskets, her timing perfect as usual. How was he ever going to have a moment to talk to Tessa if Grams was always intruding?
“Hi, Grams.” Rex leaned down and kissed his grandmother’s soft cheek. “I brought some coffee, but the store was packed, so I helped out.”
Grams raised a grey brow as if waiting for him to admit he’d done something wrong. Rex was about to ask if he could have a moment with Tessa, but his grandmother seemed to have other ideas.
“Tessa and I have baskets to make up for the lighthouse fundraiser.”
“I get the hint, Grams.” Rex kissed her on the cheek and headed for the front door. He wasn’t even going to tempt fate again today and try to speak to Tessa.
Thankfully, fate was being kind to him.
“Rex,” Tessa started, worrying her bottom lip. “Thank you for helping today.” A warm blush tinted her cheeks. “I really appreciated it.”
“You’re welcome.”
It was a start.
It had been a crazy hectic day. When Tessa conceived the idea to open an all-romance bookstore, never in her wildest dreams would she have guessed it would have been successful from day one.
At first she thought it would be a passing phase and within a few days, the customer count would dwindle. But with each passing day, more and more women—and a few men—frequented the store. She’d even booked several special events.
Tessa flipped the closed sign and locked the door. The bookstore might be closed, but she still had several hours worth of work staring her in the face. The baskets for the fundraiser needed to be assembled, and earlier that day Tessa decided it would be nice to have a used book section. There was a good size storage room at the back of the store that would be perfect. The floors had already been refinished, and the walls painted. She just needed to move inventory upstairs, add bookcases, some better lighting fixtures, and signage.
“Tessa,” Bernie called, bringing her out of planning mode.
“Coming.” Tessa strolled to the kitchen. Her feet ached with each step she took. It was going to be a long night. “What’s up?”
“Rex just texted me. There’s ice cream in the freezer, chocolate cake in the fridge, and coffee on the counter for you.”
“For me?”
“That’s what it says.” Bernie handed Tessa her cellphone.
He did bring it for her. Damn, why did he have to do that? It was far easier to think he was a jerk, than to have him helping her out at the bookstore, bringing her coffee, and tempting her with chocolate.
“Do you mind if I respond?”
“Not at all, dearest.” Tessa could hear the hope in Bernie’s voice.
Tessa didn’t have the heart to tell Bernie that nothing would ever—could ever—happen. She just wasn’t ready. She didn’t think she ever would be.
She would just type a quick thank you, and then hand Bernie back her phone and that would be the end of that.
“Let’s get these baskets done. I want to deliver them tonight,” Tessa said, putting all thoughts of Rex out of her mind.
With the raffle baskets assembled and delivered the following morning, Tessa focused on the next task, converting the storage room to a used book corner. Thankfully, the constant downpour had kept customers from venturing out, and Tessa had been able to spend the morning ordering white bookcases, an elegant chandelier, and a rose and gold scroll patterned area rug.
All the books from the storage room had been moved upstairs and Nina enthusiastically volunteered to tackle the task of organizing, announcing with much enthusiasm that organization was one of her best skills. At which point Bernie leaned in and whispered to Tessa, “Just as long as you’re in no rush. She likes to take her time.”
There were quite a few little finishing touches that had been overlooked, and today seemed to be the day to tackle those items on the list as well.
Bernie was busy cleaning the inside of the locking display cabinets, making it known rather emphatically that she did not like the accumulation of dust on the glass shelving and would tackle that project herself.
“Tessa, while I’m cleaning the glass, would you mind getting the box of lace doilies down from the attic up at the house? I think they would be a nice addition to this cabinet.”
“No problem, Bernie. I just finished sweeping.” She returned the broom to the cabinet and grabbed her coat from the hook.
“They should be in a box labeled springtime doilies,” Bernie hollered as Tessa rushed out into the pouring rain.
The weatherman had promised rain overnight, but as usual, he was wrong. Clouds had crept into Devlin shortly after breakfast, bringing heavy rains that had pummeled the seaside town all day. By the time Tessa reached the house, she was drenched. She draped her coat over the porch swing.
Drying off was pointless, she would get just as wet on her way back to the bookstore. She took off her shoes and left them outside the front door and hurried up the stairs in her socks. The second floor was still warm. It took all her energy not to change into her PJ’s and climb back into bed with a book, but that luxury would have to wait till she actually had a day off.
A long cord dangled from the ceiling at the entrance to the back bedroom. As she pulled the cord, the wood panel and retractable attic stairs dropped down. A rush of cold air swooshed about her. Tessa rubbed her arms with both hands.
“Oh, I hate attics.” They were often filled with too many memories, layered in dust, and protected by ghosts.
She unfolded the stairs and locked them into place. As quickly as she could, she scurried up the narrow stairs.
The attic was surprisingly clean and neatly organized by season. She soon found the box marked ‘doilies for springtime’. She picked up the box and carried it over to the opening to the attic. It probably weighed less than five pounds, but she was careful with the large box, nonetheless. She contemplated how she would get herself and the extra-large box down the stairs.
Tessa stared down the ladder. It was a good ten-foot drop. She sucked in her breath. “Oh, there has to be an easier way,” she mumbled as she began to descend the narrow retractable stairs backwards, taking one rung at a time.
Several steps down, Tessa reached for the box of doilies and propped it on the top step. She took another step down, then brought the box down one step, and repeated the process.
She struggled to keep steady as the box began to slide sideways from the step it was perched upon. She fumbled with the box before it slipped from her hands, landing on the ground with a thump. Tessa tried to grab on to one of the rungs, but her hand slipped, and she began to fall back. Every muscle in her body tightened, bracing for the collision with the hard ground, but instead of landing on the decorative carpet, Tessa was cradled in warm protective arms.
She looked up into sky-blue eyes that washed away the dreary day. Her breath caught in her throat as her heart thundered in her chest.
“For a woman who’s been avoiding me, you’re going out of your way to end up in my arms.”
The teasing lilt
of Rex’s voice was doing strange things to her insides. Things she didn’t want to name. Things she didn’t, no should not be feeling.
“I’m not trying to avoid you.” Liar. She inhaled deeply, preparing her argument, but instead was paralyzed by his spicy masculine scent. She swallowed hard. “I…I was just trying to get a box for Bernie. And besides, you’re the one still holding me.”
As if Rex holding her wasn’t driving her insides crazy enough, when he released her legs, her body slid across his, warming her twenty degrees. Desire shot through her. The second her feet touched the carpet, Tessa backed away, but the close distance still burned her body.
She picked the box up. “Thank you for catching me.”
“I want to talk—”
“Bernie is probably wondering what’s taking me so long.” Tessa said over her shoulder. She scurried down the stairs and out the front door, pulled on her sneakers, not bothering with the laces or her coat, and ran down the steps.
Cool rain sprinkled down onto her heated face, but for the burning ache within there was no relief. What was she going to do? Tessa liked Rex better when they were arguing. At least when she was mad at him, her insides didn’t do somersaults. Liar.
Tessa reminded herself to stick to the plan. Move to a new town, open a bookstore, start a new life. Nowhere in that plan was there any mention of men or falling in love. Stick to the plan and it will all be okay.
Thankfully, Rex had not followed her back to the bookstore. Within a few hours, she was able to tackle every item on her list. Soon, there wouldn’t be any extra work to do. She would be able to relax and enjoy the fruits of her labor. But what was she going to do with the extra time on her hands? If Jillian were here, she would suggest a cooking class. She may not be up for that sort of challenge just yet.
“Here, let me help you with those, Nina.”
Tessa didn’t know how she managed to have a staff of two with a combined age of one hundred and fifty, but she did, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. She adored having Nina and Bernie around, but constantly worried that they were over-doing it.