The trust thing was daunting enough on its own. As for the rest, she didn’t see any easy answers. But she also couldn’t see giving up what they had together now that they’d found it again.
I still love him.
The thought hit her like a punch to the heart. How could that be true? She wasn’t sure, but it was. She felt it down to her soul. And she’d spent too many years trying to find this special something with other men not to appreciate its rarity.
“This is worth fighting for, Shel. I believe it with everything in me.” He gave her a little space, held eye contact for a long moment. “But the ball’s in your court. If you can’t go there with me again... I understand. I’d hate it, but I’d understand. If that’s the case, I’ll do whatever you want—stay and help you through the holiday or... pack my things and leave.”
The very thought made her want to hide his suitcase. She wouldn’t send him packing. But her heart, though bursting with love for him, was wary. She had to keep her senses about her somehow until they found reasonable solutions to their problems. Maybe that was a lost cause, but she had to try. “We’d need to take it slow.”
Relief flared in his eyes as a grin tipped his lips. “You’re calling the shots here, Sunshine.”
The old nickname warmed her through. But she was too busy thinking of their obstacles to dwell on it. Like her family and their feelings toward Gray. “No sneaking around like last time.”
“I think we both learned our lesson on that one.”
Were they really going to do this? A thrill of pleasure shot throughher. He stroked the back of her hand, the touch resurfacing that runaway kiss they’d just shared. If she was going to keep her head, they’d have to dial it way back. “And we need to take those kisses down about ten notches.”
“Whatever you say.”
She gave him a stern frown. “I mean it.”
He lifted both hands, palms out. “You’re the boss.”
Hmm. All this power was starting to agree with her. She should use it to her best advantage. “All right then, Grayson Briggs. Get over here and kiss me again. But mind you keep that tongue in your mouth, mister.”
His grin split wide open. “Yes, ma’am.”
Chapter 37
The next morning Shelby blinked at the standing easel Haley had left by the register. The store specials were spelled out in a curly artistic font. There were chalk-drawn illustrations: a stack of books, Christmas ornaments, a garland draping across the top. It was whimsical and beautiful!
She carried the sign over to where Gray and the other booksellers stood, including Haley. “Haley, this sign...”
The girl peered up at her. “Is it okay? Did I forget to add something?”
“It’s wonderful! I didn’t know you were so artistic.”
Her cheeks tinged with pink. “I like to draw in my free time.”
“Well, you’re officially in charge of the signs from now on.”
Haley beamed. “Really?”
“I want this easel out front every day. You can switch up the messages.”
“Maybe we could use quotes from books sometimes.”
“I love that idea.” Who knew the girl had such talent behind that quiet facade?
Shelby checked her watch. “All right, everyone. Let’s do this!” She carried the easel down the stairs and out the door. After propping it at the entrance, she flipped the sign to Open.Let the games begin.
Black Friday was passing in a blur. It seemed everyone Shelby knew came into the store and made purchases. For once, Haley’s favorite task, straightening the merchandise, was actually full-time work. Gray stayed mostly in the background, but even so Shelby was supremely aware of his whereabouts at all times.
Caleb and Liddy stopped by with Ollie. Shelby had all of two minutes to admire the baby’s chubby cheeks and adorable grin. Her dad came in the afternoon and purchased a newly released biography despite the fact that she’d always given books to her family for free.
She’d have to tell them soon that she and Gray were together again. But she couldn’t think about that right now. She stopped in the middle of the Fiction section and glanced around the shop. Theresa, Brenda, and Wanda assisted customers. Adele and Zuri handled checkouts. Happy readers perused the shelves, pulling books, devouring cover copy. In the Children’s section, kids sat in cozy chairs reading or played with toys on the fluffy rug while parents checked out the merchandise.
They’d always been busy on Black Friday, but not like this. Gray’s advertising had worked wonders. A bubble of hope swelled inside. She soaked in the moment.
