Chapter1
Belle
“Happy grand opening!”Clara hugged me.
The shelves and display tables were full of books, and the walls were adorned with hand drawn pictures I’d made of the building and upcoming renovations.
I unlocked the door, greeting people as they came inside.
As soon as my childhood crush, Maverick arrived, Angela's daughter, Ayla, grabbed his hand and led him to the children's section.
He crouched down to talk to Ayla.
When he glanced up at me, I quickly looked away.My heart was racing as if I'd just gone for a run.Unfortunately, Maverick had always had this effect on me.
He was the bad boy I couldn't stop thinking about when we were in school.We'd had a few flirty encounters before he asked me out and then stood me up.
The pain from that night took up permanent residence in my chest, but he was the man renovating the outdoor space of my shop.
It was my dream to add onto the existing shop to create a four-seasons room and an outdoor patio, complete with a garden feel and a fountain.I could see people sitting outside on the wrought-iron chairs, sipping their lattes while perusing the latest bestseller.
To fulfill that particular dream, I had to work with Maverick, who was broody on a good day and grew irritated whenever I was nearby.
But he was the best contractor in the area for outdoor spaces and detailed stonework.
Desperate for a distraction, I went to the front counter to help Clara check out customers.
Meg was handing out hot chocolate, and Reina was distributing pastries.It felt like the whole town had come out to celebrate the grand opening.
Eve and Natasha had recently bought Christmas Town.There was concern that they'd shut it down, but they'd vowed to revitalize the area and bring in new customers.Their enthusiasm was one of the reasons why I chose this location over something in Telluride.Here, I was the only bookstore, and the only requirement was that I maintain holiday-themed books year-round.
It was a busy night, greeting customers and talking about the upcoming plans for the renovations.
When there was a lull, Clara leaned over and asked, "Why don't you take a break?"
"That's a good idea."My favorite spot was the back of the store where French doors led to a grassy area where my soon-to-be patio would be constructed.When it was done, there would be stone pavers, a water fountain, and tables and chairs.Maybe even a few cushioned couches and a fire pit.I couldn't believe I was so close to fulfilling all my dreams, and I hadn't let my parents stop me.
"I came here to get away from people."
I startled at the sound of the gruff voice.My head swung to the side where Maverick leaned against the building.
"What are you doing here?"I asked.
He raised a brow."I could ask you the same question."
I straightened to my full height, determined not to let him get to me."It's my store."
"I would have thought you'd be inside, absorbing the attention," he said snidely.
"I'm grateful that so many people came out for the grand opening, but I'm an introvert."Surely, he remembered that from school.The first time he’d talked to me, he’d asked why I was sitting alone, reading a book.
He grunted.
"I'm grateful that the shop is open."I gestured at the space."This is everything I ever wanted."
He gazed into the darkness."I have a feeling you're used to getting whatever you want."
I distinctly remembered the night we were supposed to go out on that date.I'd gotten dressed up, and then waited, my heart sinking when he didn't come.My parents had made comments about how I wasn't enough to keep a guy's attention."I think we both know that isn't true."
