When the customers thinned, Milly finally set her books on the counter and cracked a smile. “What kind of discount can I get for these?”
Chapter 10
Not only did Milly drive a hard bargain, but she also helped me understand the value of Breed books. She definitely earned the discount I gave her. With a pen and paper, she made a list of specific topics that were considered highly coveted and others with perceivably less value. Milly was amazing.
Everyonewas amazing.
Customers trickled in, some to buy and others to check out the new store. I didn’t care if people browsed without buying. They might spread the word to those interested in collectibles. The sooner I got rid of these books, the happier Noah would be.
Still reeling from the unexpected sales, I inspected the shelves of the empty store and lined up books that had been misplaced or laid flat.
“Now that you’ve had your opening, you know what you need to improve the customer experience,” Joy said from her spot by the shelf. “Since these books are precious, you should buy cloth bags. Plastic cheapens everything, and you could even add a store logo to them. Not only will that help advertise your shopwhen they walk out the door, but they’ll never forget this place as long as they keep that bag.”
I took a red sucker out of my mouth. “I was thinking the same thing. The logo is a great idea, but we’ve only got a one-month lease. Then it’s over.”
A moment passed as I smelled the aging paper, and a memory tickled the edge of my mind.
Joy approached and wrapped me in a hug. “It’s okay to miss him. No matter how many years go by, you never get over the loss of a loved one.”
I felt myself crumpling beneath her touch. No one had ever consoled me after my father’s passing. Noah thought I should have gotten over it by now and didn’t like me talking about him.
“He would be so proud of you.” She drew back and arranged a few of my flyaway hairs that had broken free of the ponytail. “You know what you need to think about now that you’re making money?”
I shook my head.
“Safety. Lucian can work his magic to install a safe, and you’ll want to find a banker around here you can trust to manage your money. Unless your boyfriend has one, and then you should use him. If people think you’re keeping that money at home, they might do something foolish. Business owners who don’t live in a fortress or an animal group are seen as easy targets.”
I smiled. “They’d have to get through Noah first.”
A knock at the door startled us, and we turned to look. A man with bright blond hair stood outside, his hand up in greeting.
Wondering why he wasn’t coming in, I tossed the rest of my candy into the wastebasket and opened the door. “Would you like to browse? We’re still open.”
Perhaps he’s lost. Or looking for a bathroom.
When he took off his sunglasses, I looked away from his black eyes.
He lowered his head. “My intention wasn’t to frighten either of you. May I come in for a moment and speak with you?”
Joy backed up against the counter, looking as apprehensive as I was.
The Vampire stepped in, his eyes downcast. “I’m Atticus Rain, the owner of Dragonfly Bar & Grill. Forgive my appearance, but I drove straight from home to handle this matter.”
His off-white linen shirt had three-quarter-length sleeves and was lace-up instead of buttoned. It looked like something one might wear to the beach, but it didn’t seem worth apologizing for.
“It grieved me to hear about your unfortunate experience.” His lip curled as he turned his attention to Joy. “What that man did was unacceptable. I wouldnevertolerate anyone putting a hand on my guests in that manner.”
Joy folded her arms. “You should think about who you allow in your bar. That odious little monster had the audacity to make a lewd offer. We were just there to enjoy a quiet breakfast. It seems he’s using your establishment to drum up business.”
Atticus clenched his fists, and the gesture made me step back. “I know,” he replied flatly. His gaze fastened on her arm. “Did he hurt you?”
“I’m fine,” she said, not looking fine at all.
“Are you?”
Joy’s eyes were swimming in confusion, and she joined my side. “Did you only come here to apologize for that man’s boorish behavior?”
He clasped his hands behind his back. “I wanted to assure you that the guest who assaulted you won’t be making an appearance in town again.”
