He uncrosses his arms, and I see a slight wince on his face. “Fair enough. That was wrong of me,” he says. “Your concerns are valid. I see that, and I should have tried to address them earlier. It’s just that we’re only getting started. This could easily sink us. And I guess I’ve been defensive.”
I am not going to feel guilty that the neighborhood has turned against the garage, just like I will not allow myself to feel guilty about getting the book first. Like NotAnOgre said, I deserve to celebrate my wins, and The Scoop is thriving again.
“My business has only been around a year. You don’t think this disruption could sink us, too? Anyway, I own The Scoop. My entire life is wrapped up in that shop. You’re only intending to stay in town until next summer, if I recall.”
“I might plan to leave, but I still care,” he says. “I care about the employees. And I care about Chase. He’s one of my only friends.” He clears his throat, looking awkward but pushing through. “And I care about the rest of the block. Haven’t done a good job of that last one, but it’s a... unique place, and I want us all to succeed. The Scoop included.”
For once, our voices aren’t raised. We aren’t arguing, exactly, and Riley seems to realize the same. Shaking his head and pulling his walls back up, he frowns.
“It’s my responsibility to make sure this business succeeds,” he concludes. “I take my responsibilities seriously. And I, uh, I’ll remember to add my responsibilities as a neighbor to that, too.”
That commitment to his responsibilities is another quality of his that I can’t help but admire, and honestly find a little sexy, too. His apology also earns him some goodwill. When he steals a glance at the book in my hands, though, I remember who I’m dealing with. We probably shouldn’t even be seen in the same vicinity, knowing how this town likes to gossip.
When he turns to walk away, however, I stop him.
“Riley, wait,” I say, and after glancing around to ensure we’re alone, I step forward. Surprised, he arches a bushy eyebrow at me.
Our businesses might be caught in a feud, but I believe him when he says that he cares. And the fact is we can’t make a good impression during the scavenger hunt without his cooperation.
“You know about the scavenger hunt on Sunday, I assume?”
“I’ve heard something about it.”
“For reasons I can’t entirely get into, it’s important to the whole gayborhood that the event goes smoothly. I’m not sure if I can get the protesters to stop for a day, but I’m going to try and do whatever I can to make it a peaceful afternoon. I know it’s a stretch to ask you for a favor right now, but if there’s any way you could get the bikers to take it easy, too, it would really make a difference.”
He looks at me skeptically. “You want a truce? For the sake of a scavenger hunt?”
“For the sake of the gayborhood,” I say. “I know it sounds strange, but we need the event to go off without a hitch and for the block to put our best face forward. I’d explain more if I could. But if there’s any way you could help us have one peaceful day, it would mean a lot to me. To everyone.”
Riley swallows, and we stand across each other for an awkward, loaded moment.
“Anyway,” I say, “please consider it. But I should be going. I’ve got a busy day ahead at work.”
“Fine.” Riley grabs another book from the shelf, seemingly at random. “Me, too.”
I glance at the book he grabbed. “You read a lot of vintage tentacle horror?”
“So what if I do!” he barks and turns on his boot heel, storming off.
I can’t help but laugh to myself. Every encounter with Riley is a surprise, whether it leaves me fuming, laughing, or dizzy with an orgasm. I’m not expecting him to grant my request, but at least I tried. And the fact that he apologized for how he’s been acting is notable.
“Good taste in books, too,” I mutter.
