He slipped his hands into his pockets as she approached. “Good morning.”
“Morning.” Her heart thumped like mad as she unlocked the store. Seriously, why did he make her so nervous? It ticked her off. She shoved open the door and flipped on the lights.
She headed up the stairs to grab the office key, Gray on her heels. She breathed in the calming scent of books as she went, the stairs creaking under their feet. Once upstairs she fetched the key.
“This place hasn’t changed a bit.”
“Only the inventory. As you probably know, Gram wasn’t a big fan of change.”
“You always had such creative ideas though. I figured you’d have talked her into all kinds of things by now.”
“You underestimate her stubbornness.”
His low chuckle, as familiar as her reflection, stirred something inside. She used to love the sound of it. Even more so when her cheek was pressed against his chest and it rumbled right through her. She pushed the memory away.
She headed toward the back stairs, Gray following. Once she stood in front of the office, she unlocked the door and moved inside. The citrusy smell of Gram’s favorite essential-oil blend filled her senses. Boxes of books were stacked in every available nook since Gram hadn’t been here to keep up with inventory.
Shelby could almost see her grandma sitting at the old, scarred desk, her fingers tapping the keyboard, her readers halfway down her nose. It was impossible to be in the bookstore or even think of books withoutthinking of Gram—she’d passed her passion for reading right along to Shelby.
“A good novel is like a vacation for the mind.”Gram’s voice rang in her head.“And who doesn’t need a vacation?”Shelby missed her so much. Her chest gave a hard squeeze.
“You okay?”
“I haven’t been in here since...”
Gray stepped up behind her so close she could hear him breathe. “I’m sorry for your loss. I know the two of you were close. She loved you so much.”
Shelby did not want to talk about this with Gray. The last thing she wanted was to be vulnerable around him. Best keep to business matters. “Thank you. As you can see, things are pretty backed up.”
“I’ll focus on inventory for now. Once I’ve caught up on that, I’ll start on the audit.”
“Sounds good.” She opened her purse and withdrew the contract. “I brought the paperwork. After you sign it you can bring it up to the front desk. If you have any questions about our system, I’ll try my best to answer them.”
“Right. I think I can figure it out, but I’ll keep that in mind.”
Chapter 7
Shelby handed Theresa Combs (rom-coms) the handled bag and receipt for three new releases. “Happy reading. Enjoy your staycation.”
“Oh, I’m planning on it. And I’ll make proper use of this.” She pulled out the door hanger that readGo away, I’m reading.
Shelby smiled. “You go, girl.”
A minute later the downstairs bell tinkled as the woman slipped outside. Shelby caught sight of the signed document Gray had brought her and stuck it in her purse. It was a done deal. After two weeks the bookshop would be entirely hers.
She drew in a breath and let relief wash over her. There would be a couple of awkward weeks ahead, but at least this was resolved. Her eyes shot back to the papers as a strange fluttery sensation stirred inside her.
He signed away his ownership to you.
It was impossible not to recognize that this was an act of kindness. Maybe it was only his guilt talking, but it was still an incredibly generous thing to do. And somehow that kindness soothed the ache of pain and grief inside.
The bell downstairs jingled again. Even if the wall clock didn’t announce it was four o’clock, the arrival of Daryl Lundstrom would have. The twenty-five-year-old man with Down syndrome was always a bright spot in her day. He reached the top of the steps, his brown bangs hangingin his eyes, and beamed when he caught sight of her behind the counter. “I got your newspaper, Miss Shelby!”
“Thank you, Daryl. You’re so helpful. Is that a new shirt?”
“Mom got it for me. She said I look good in blue. Do you think I look good in blue, Miss Shelby?”
“Indeed I do. It matches your eyes.”
