“We both know why she did that.”
Shelby tore her gaze from his. She hadn’t exactly cooperated in his reconciliation efforts.
“Because you’re too stubborn for your own good, young lady.”
You know, Gram, you could take my side for once.
“I am on your side. You’re just too stubborn to see it.”
Shelby shook her grandmother’s voice from her head.
“You deserve to carry on her legacy. She would’ve wanted you to run this place for as long as you desire.”
“So your motive is purely altruistic?” Her voice teemed with skepticism.
His steady gaze cut right through her. “Believe it or not, I loved your grandma. I care about what she wanted.”
His sincerity made her twitch with guilt. Just because he hadn’t loved Shelby didn’t mean he was incapable of loving others. The thought stung.
Regardless, she wasn’t at all sure she could pull the shop out of this downward spiral on her own. Gray’s offer was tempting, even if it meant putting up with him for a longer period of time. Speaking of which.
“How long are you talking about? And what about your job? Surely you’re needed back home.”
“I’ll be honest, that might be an issue. I haven’t spoken with my boss yet. But if you’re willing to take my help, I’ll ask him for the time off. The Christmas season is coming up. If we implement some changes and have a profitable holiday, I think we can get things back on track.”
“What kinds of changes?”
“There’s actually a lot we can do. I’d start with a website, then expand the sideline inventory: puzzles, stationery, literary-themed clothing and hats. I know reading is your passion, but there’s a higher profit margin in sidelines. Now’s a great time with the holidays coming up. We can do some thoughtful rearranging and stock more of the genres that areselling better right now—romance and fantasy and also the classics. In general, the inventory could use some refreshing. If it isn’t selling, it needs to go.
“We could do a better job of utilizing social media. And we should build up your email database. You have a lot of loyal customers, and email is the cheapest, most effective way of reaching your customers with special offers and sales.
“Speaking of cheap... It seems there are a lot of books given away for this or that cause or charity. I love your generous spirit, but you should hold off on donations for a while. And I understand why you give the book clubs a discount, but it’s too steep. You’re losing your margin.”
Ouch.Her book club members were some of her most loyal customers. And people hit her up weekly for donations.
“I know it won’t be easy, but we can turn this place around, Shelby.”
He had some sound ideas. She had some of her own but didn’t know which ones would actually increase profitability. And she couldn’t afford to take risks when the store was on the verge of disaster.
Shelby thought of the forty-thousand-dollar equity loan and winced. He might as well know the full extent of the situation. “Things might be worse than you think.” She told him what Caleb had discovered and her suspicions about the roof.
“I’ll investigate that. Go further back in the records and see if that’s where things went off the rails.”
He was so much smarter than folks around here gave him credit for. They’d studied together—back when they couldn’t keep their hands off each other long enough to focus. Just the memory of those stolen kisses and tender touches warmed her through.
Two months of Gray Briggs? Terrible idea.
And yet, what choice did she have? She didn’t possess the skill set to turn this store around. Hadn’t even found Gram’s replacement yet. “I obviously can’t afford to pay you.”
“I’m not looking for compensation. I just want to do right by Miss Viola.” He regarded her for a long moment. “If I can get the time off, will you let me help?”
Shelby took in those sculpted cheekbones and deep-set eyes, staring so steadily. Her heart waved a red flag, but her brain screamed that she—and the bookshop—was sunk without him. She hated to admit it even to herself, but she needed his help.
Having him in close proximity was a real risk. She’d just have to keep those walls good and high. He’d slipped through the cracks before, but she was older and wiser now. Knew how to protect herself.
Still, her heart tremored as she submitted to the plan. “All right. If you can get a leave from work, I’ll accept your offer.”
A flicker of something flared in his eyes. Relief? Satisfaction? “Good. I really believe we can turn things around.”
