“Don’t worry.” Liddy placed an arm around her shoulder and gave a squeeze. “You’ve got this all under control, girl.”
But that was just it. Shelby didn’t have it under control. Not the store—and certainly not her stubborn feelings for Grayson Briggs.
Chapter 18
Nerves quivering, Shelby unlocked the store and slipped inside. The familiar smell of books welcomed her as she flipped the Open sign and headed up the staircase.It’s just another Monday at the bookshop.
Gram’s cackle reverberated through her skull.
Not funny, Gram.
At the top of the stairs Shelby stopped to straighten the hardcover books on an endcap. She got distracted by the beautiful cover of Elizabeth Berg’s latest novel, and while she read the back cover copy, Chaucer wove through her legs, emitting a loud meow.
“Hi, buddy. Don’t worry, I didn’t forget you.”
She set the book down and set out Chaucer’s food behind the counter. The cat gave her a dismissive glance and waited for her to leave. He didn’t like an audience.
“You’re very welcome.”
The bell jangled downstairs and a minute later Gray appeared, looking handsomer than any man had a right to. The sun flooded through the plate-glass window, chiseling shadows into his perfectly sculpted face. The blue button-down stretched across his broad shoulders and hugged his thick biceps.
Really, God? He couldn’t have grown a paunch or lost some hair in the past ten years?
“Morning.” His raspy voice scraped the corners of her heart.
She’d been staring. She dragged her eyes away and made herself busy behind the counter. “Morning.”
“I was up late last night making a list. I’d like to get your thoughts on where you want to start.”
“Uh, sure. But I need to call Sturgis first thing and see if they’ll give me some grace with the rent. If they won’t... all of this will be a moot point.” She’d tried hard to put that possibility from her mind.
“It’s in their best interest to work with us. And the store has a long history of financial stability. I like our chances.”
“Fingers crossed.” She checked her watch. “They open in half an hour.”
“We might as well get rolling then.” He dumped his messenger bag under the counter.
It hit her fresh that he’d taken off the rest of the year from his regular job to help her. How could he afford to be away that long? Was he risking his job? Gray’s text yesterday had been brief and to the point. “Hope you didn’t have to sell your soul to get this leave of absence.”
He spared her a glance. “Just my firstborn.”
“Probably would’ve looked like you anyway.”
His lips twitched. “Should we go down to the office?”
Shelby thought of the cramped space that would put them up close and personal. “Let’s stay out here since we’ll be talking about the displays and merchandise.” Her gaze caught on the file in his hands. “Okay, let’s see your list.”
He handed over a document that resembled a Peter Carey novel more than a list. “You did all this last night?”
“Well, over the course of the past several days really. Plus Dog kept me awake till one.”
“Dog?”
“Have to call him something.”
“You could give him an actual name.”
“That would suggest ownership and I’m just fostering him till Patrick rehomes him.”
