by Mary Manners
“Of course I am. I’ve dreamed of owning a bookstore since I was a little girl. It’s my passion, Riley, my dream. You…you just want to destroy it, and for what?”
“Do you care…really care?”
“I care that I promised Nana I’d be wise with her money, that I’d grow it into something special to remember her by. I’ve sunk a lot of money into this venture, and to give it up would be failure. I can’t do that. I refuse to do that. I plan to keep my promise.” She fumbled through her purse for her door key, tried to jimmy it in the lock with shaky hands. Riley couldn’t blame her for being upset. He couldn’t expect her to understand his point of view without sharing some of his—and he wasn’t ready to do that.
“Let me.” Gently, Riley took the key from her. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m sorry.”
“You should go.”
“I’ll go, but this conversation is far from over.” He gave the door a slight push and reached around to flick on the light switch. A soft glow flooded the porch, bathing them. The way Jami gnawed her lower lip and stood stiff as an oak, fumbling with her purse strap and fighting the urge to cry again, turned him inside out. Why did things have to be so complicated? Why did he have to care about what she thought or felt? The very fact that he did care unnerved him and sent his heart to new and unchartered territory. God certainly had a sense of humor. After all this time, his feelings for Jami were bubbling to the surface. He had no idea where to go from here so he simply said, “I’ll be back for you in the morning.”
“Don’t bother.” Jami’s chin came up as she wrapped her arms around her slim mid-section. “I’m leaving early.”
“Then you’d better brew some coffee. I like mine heavy on the cream, and don’t skimp on the sugar.” Riley gave her earring a nudge as he repeated, “I mean it. I’ll be back for you in the morning.
4
Jami poured coffee into a go-cup as headlights flashed through the living room window of her cottage. Daylight dawned slowly, mirroring the sluggish beat of her heart. Her vision blurred, the result of a restless night in which sleep refused to come. She grumbled under her breath as she stepped over to the window and watched Riley turn his truck up the short drive. He sure was persistent—and stubborn. She’d give him that much. Light shimmered over grass kissed with dew as he killed the engine. Jami sighed and reached into the cabinet for a second coffee cup.
Might as well get with the program. She tamped down a niggle of guilt as he wheeled her bike up the walk. Her heart tugged just a bit at the sight of the rear tire, fat and round with air. She’d been a little hard on Riley yesterday, even by her standards. Caught up in a past that no longer existed, she denied herself a future that had yet to be lived. She wished she could take back her words…at least some of them.
“Mornin’, Jami,” He called as he rapped on the door. “I know you’re in there. I can see the light. I hope you made coffee.”
“Coming.” She rushed to open the door. He stood there slouched against the frame, dressed in a navy suit and crisp, white shirt. A splash of red tie brought it all together—the aura of power, primed for his oh-so-important buyout meeting. Jami swallowed a biting remark, stroked a hand through her hair, still damp from the shower, and offered him the go-cup. “Here, I just poured this and added a healthy splash of cream and a boatload of sugar, as you requested.”
“Thanks.” He took the cup from her, sipped. “Ah, that’s just perfect. Hits the spot. What is it, vanilla?”
“With a splash of hazelnut flavoring. I like to experiment.”
“Nice combination.” He sipped once more, smacked his lips before motioning to the Schwinn. “Your bike is all patched up. Where’d you like me to put it?”
“There, beneath the porch overhang, will be fine.” Jami motioned as he wheeled it over, propping the frame against the wall. She smoothed her peach-colored cotton blouse and leaned one hip against the doorjamb. Oh, the sight of him pushing her battered pink bike brought on a flash of heat. What was wrong with her? Was she losing her mind? She cleared her throat and gathered her senses. “Thank you, Riley. I really appreciate you fixing it.”
“No problem.”
Fanning herself with one hand, she turned to reenter the living room. “I have a chocolate-glazed donut to go with that, if you’d like.”
“I hear it calling my name.” He winked and cupped a hand along one ear. “Yep, there it is again.”
“Come on inside.” She laughed and stepped aside to allow him entry. “Donuts are always better warm. I’ll pop it in the microwave for a few seconds.”
****
Riley crossed the threshold and followed her through the modest living room toward the kitchen. The aroma of chocolate and sticky-sweet glaze mingled with fresh coffee waking the hungry monster in his belly.
“Those donuts look amazing. Anderson’s Bakery, right?”
“That’s right.”
“I have a frequent flyer reward card from there…buy a dozen pastries, get one free.”
“Me, too.” She plucked a donut from the bakery box and plopped it onto a floral dessert plate before sliding it into the microwave. “I’m still finishing off my first dozen—plus one.”
“See, that’s where we’re different.” Riley leaned against the counter as the microwave whirred and dinged. “It took me all of an hour to polish off my first baker’s dozen.” He rubbed his gut. “I think I’m still recovering.”
Jami’s laughter tinkled like glass as she removed the donut from the microwave and waved it in front of his face. “Maybe I should polish off this one for you. I wouldn’t want to cause your digestive system further distress.”
“No way.” Riley snatched the plate. Drizzled chocolate, warm and gooey, nearly reduced him to tears. “I’ll suffer through.”
Jami leaned against the counter and watched him devour the donut with minimal bites, her blue eyes huge over the rim of her coffee cup. “Still have that meeting this morning?”
“I do.”
“I’m sorry I took your head off last night.”
“It’s still there.” He tapped his left temple. “So, no harm done.”
“I’m trying to see things from your point of view.” Again, that little lip gnaw. Her blouse, peach-colored and flirty, was a nice compliment to the fluttery skirt that kissed her knees. “But it’s hard. Maybe you can help me to understand your side of the fence.”
“I shouldn’t have sprung it on you when you were…so emotional.”
“I’m not emotional.” She shook her head. “I’m rarely ever anything but even keel. But this is just…important.”
“I know.” He took the coffee carafe, refilled her go-cup and added a splash to his before sealing the lid. “If you’re ready, we can talk on the way to the shop.”
“I’m ready.” She switched off the coffeemaker and set his empty plate in the sink. “Would you like another donut for the road?”
“Only if you’re trying to kill me.”
“Not today, but I can’t make any promises about tomorrow.” She flashed him a huge smile as she grabbed her purse and a file folder from the kitchen table and then wound her way through the living room as he followed. She made a quick pause at the front door to secure the lock, and they were on their way.
“What’s that in the back of your truck?” Jami asked as she eased around to the passenger side, high-stepping through grass to avoid the dew that most likely nipped her toes through strappy sandals. Along the eastern horizon, the rising sun carried a hint of warmth that promised another sultry day.
“It’s a gift to keep you from breaking that pretty neck of yours.” Riley opened the door for her and waited while she slid in. “Nothing like a stepladder to deter you from scaling bookshelves like a monkey.”
“You over-exaggerate.” Jami rolled her eyes. “Maybe you should write a book, and I’ll showcase it in my shop. You certainly have the imagination.”
“I actually have one in the works.” Riley adjusted th
e radio volume and soft music drifted through the cab. “But it’s not the kind you think. I don’t go for that sappy, romantic junk.”
“Obviously not.”
“I’m showcasing a collection of house plans. I met with a book packager in Nashville last week. It’s just a matter of compiling drawings and squaring away the details.”
“Really? That’s so cool.” Jami lowered the passenger window and smoothed a hand through her hair, adding a silver clip to combat the effects of the breeze. “You must have a lot of different ideas, then.”
“You could say that.”
“When will the book be released?”
“No solid date yet, but I’ll keep you posted.”
As they neared town, the road narrowed while the speed limit dropped. Cozy storefronts popped up, lining the tree-shaded boulevard. Flowers exploded along the walkway, spilling from planters and window boxes while vibrant, embroidered banners hung proudly from a string of light posts, promoting upcoming Fourth of July festivities on the town square.
“Will you be going to that?” Riley nodded toward a banner.
“What—the festival?”
“Yes, that and the fireworks. They’re the very best in all of Texas.”
“That’s the kickoff to my grand opening.” Jami frowned. “I’ll have extended hours all weekend.”
“Even so, the show won’t start until it’s plenty dark out—most likely close to ten. Surely you can make it by then.”
“Well, Julia will be here to help, so maybe…”
“Julia?”
“Yeah, my cousin. She’s helping out until the college students return for fall session and I hire a few part-timers. She’s already committed to help out that weekend as well as put in some extra hours until the dust settles.”
“Good, then it’s a date.”
“Are you asking me out?”
“I guess I am.” He reached for a pack of gum tucked into the console and offered her a piece before taking one for himself. “But I think, before a real date—something as huge as fireworks—that we should indulge in a preview.”
“Fireworks?” Jami’s eyes flew wide. “Are you talking proverbially or literally?”
He winked, grinning. “Time will tell.”
“And what do you mean by indulge?”
“Work out the kinks…just in case.”
“The kinks? Wait just a minute, Riley—”
“I’ll be back later to take you to dinner and home.” He plowed right past her protests, enjoying the curtain of mortification that draped her eyes. “Say, five o’clock?”
“I have too much work to do.” She shook her head. “And I don’t have time for games.”
“I’m not playing games, and we have to eat. So let’s kill two birds with one stone and enjoy a nice meal together.”
“Oh, be still my heart.” Jami pressed a palm to her chest. “That’s the most romantic pick-up line I’ve ever heard. My ears are burning.”
“Then they match your flaming cheeks.” He slipped into a parking space between her shop and his office and killed the engine. Without the cover of music, the cab seemed to shrink. The scent of her perfume toyed with his senses, tying his belly into knots. “It’s cute, watching you get all worked up. The rosy blush, set against those huge blue eyes, is more than flattering.”
“Oh, please…” Jami did the eye-roll thing again as she reached for the door handle. “I’ll go, but you’re picking up the tab. And, I want dessert—something chocolate.”
“Of course. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He opened the driver’s door and rushed around the front of the pickup to grab her door, as well. “Wait. I’ll get that.”
“My arm’s not broken.”
“I see that.”
“So, I can get my own door.”
“I’m sure you can. But it’s not a crime to be a gentleman.” He waited for her to exit the cab. “If you’ll give me a minute, I’ll carry your ladder inside, too.”
“Your ladder. But, thank you for letting me borrow it.” She tossed blonde hair back over one shoulder. “Better hurry. I feel the urge to scale some shelves.”
5
“Wow, it looks great in here.” Julia sidestepped the last carton of books left in the stockroom. Short, spiky midnight-black hair framed emerald-green eyes. “What happened to all those boxes?”
“Hauled them out back to the dumpster.” Jami blew a wisp of hair from her forehead and readjusted the silver clip at her bangs. “All is well for now—until the next shipment is delivered a week from Monday. We’ll stack the new inventory according to the labels I’ve placed along the shelves.”
“Cool. Looks like you went a little crazy with the label maker but that’s good, really good.” Julia scanned the shelves as she smoothed one hand along the metal. Even in tennis shoes, she dwarfed Jami. She could reach the highest shelves—a definite bonus. “I stopped by the Angel Falls Trumpet to approve the final ad for the grand opening. It looks fabulous.”
“Great. It won’t be long now. We’re ready, I think.”
“I know. You’ve worked so hard for this. It’s going to be amazing.” Julia gave her a quick hug. “And, I stopped by Anderson’s Bakery to place that order you gave me. Mrs. Anderson is the sweetest thing. She gave us a ten percent discount and threw in some flavored coffee. We should have plenty of pastries for the ‘Friends and Family’ event tomorrow.”
“That’s wonderful. I’ll have to stop by there and thank her personally.” Jami did a slow sweep of the shop, smiling as sunlight glimmered off the polished shelves. So many books and knick-knacks, coupled with the earthy scent of candles, gave the entire area a homey feel. She’d even added throw pillows to chairs that already sported extra-deep cushions. Customers could spend an entire afternoon relaxing and feel right at home. Nana would be thrilled. “I can’t believe we finally dip our toes in the water tomorrow, so to speak.”
“Believe it. This place is going live—full throttle ahead.”
“The event will give us a chance to work out the details and iron out any issues before we go full-blown public.” Cool air whooshed from the overhead vent, lifting Jami’s hair from her neck. She glanced up. “Praise God, it feels like the compressor is finally fixed.”
“Awesome.” Julia raised both hands and fanned herself before reaching for the final box. “I’ll take care of these while you take care of him.” She motioned toward the display window, where Riley stood with his hands in his pockets, peering through the glass. His tie was loose, his jacket gone while the cuffs of his sleeves were rolled to the elbows. Jami imagined his meeting was long over, and she couldn’t help wondering how it went.
“Hey, Riley.” She opened the door and ushered him into the shop. “It’s barely four-thirty. I thought you wouldn’t be back until five.”
“Ahh…your air is working.” He tugged at his tie until it came loose, and then stuffed it into his pants pocket. “Great, now my compressor is on the fritz.”
“Sorry about that. You can work here if you need to. I’ll share my air conditioning.”
“Thanks.” He laughed and turned back toward the boulevard for a moment, taking something from the bench outside her door. “Here. I brought you these.”
“Oh! They’re lovely.” The oversized bouquet exploded with marigolds, zinnia, and heather in a crystal vase. She held the blooms to her nose, inhaling deeply. “They smell delicious. Thank you.”
“I thought they might look good on the information desk—something special for your ‘Friends and Family’ event.”
“What a lovely touch, and so thoughtful.” Her pulse ran a sprint. “I’m floored.”
“You like them?”
“I love them.”
“Good.” He brushed a finger along her cheek. “Maybe I do have a little romance in me after all.”
“I believe you do.” Jami’s pulse skittered. “Surprise, surprise.”
Julia rounded a corner, caught sight of the explosion of
flowers, and gasped. “Oh my goodness, Jami. They’re gorgeous.” She beamed at Riley. “Good work, neighbor.”
“Glad to have your endorsement.” He stepped over the threshold. “Because I’d like to take your boss to an early dinner.”
“You have my blessing.” Julia reached for the bouquet and set it on the counter, turning the vase this way and that until she finally stepped back with a nod, satisfied. “I’ll hold down the fort. It’s almost quitting time for today anyway.”
“It can’t be quitting time. It’s too early.” Jami smoothed her skirt and tucked a lock of hair over one ear, adjusting her silver hoop earring. “There’s so much left to do.”
“Consider it done.” Julia ushered her away from the stock. “I don’t have any plans tonight. I’ll stay as long as it takes.”
“I can’t—”
“You can.” Julia slipped to her side and gave her a little nudge. “And you will. I’ll set up that web design for the book club while you’re gone and get the invitations ready to mail for the club’s kickoff July fifteenth.”
“All that?” Jami propped one a hand on one hip. “Whose side are you on?”
“Both of yours.”
“Fence rider.”
“Guilty as charged. Now, go.”
“I’m going.” Jami scanned the shop. Everything was in order—mostly. After all, she’d been at it eight solid hours. What damage could a little break possibly cause?
The answer was simple—none to the shop, but plenty to her heart. Because, despite all odds, she was falling for Riley, plain and simple.
“And don’t come back until tomorrow morning.” Julia snatched Jami’s purse from beneath the checkout counter and handed it to her. “The fort will be standing when you return. I promise.”
****
Riley was falling for her—hard. Jami was a petite blonde tornado, a whirlwind of energy and enthusiasm that drew him in. She sipped iced tea he’d just fresh-brewed and garnished with a fat lemon wedge.