A fire still burned, and music played over the speakers, but I'd dimmed the lights since it was just us.
Clara lifted her glass, and we did the same."To Belle's bookshop, may you have never-ending success and sell tons of books."
"To Belle's bookshop," everyone murmured.Then we clinked glasses, sipping the white wine.
I settled into the cool leather, content to be off my aching feet.
Reina raised a brow."What were you talking to Maverick about earlier?I saw you two when I went outside to get you."
I swallowed hard, not realizing anyone else had seen us."We were talking about the renovation."
Meg leaned forward, cradling her glass."He's handling it?"
"He's supposed to be the best," I said simply by way of explanation.
"I'm a little jealous that you're going to see him working just outside your window every day.It will make for some nice eye candy.His forearms rippling with those tattoos.Yum."
I shrugged."It's winter.I doubt I'll be able to see much skin."
Reina tipped her glass back."One can only hope he gets hot when he works."
My body flushed.I hadn't considered what it would be like to be around Maverick with this attraction.I'd have to avoid watching him work through the windows.It was going to be a long few months.
Clara laughed."I bet he'll bring in more customers."
I licked my dry lips.I wasn't sure how I felt about women coming to the store to catch a glimpse of Maverick working.I couldn't blame them, but I wasn't sure I'd be able to watch anyone flirt with him.
The fact was that he'd made up his mind about me years ago.I wasn't the woman for him, and I couldn't forget that.
