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“Well, I’ve done all the research. I have a business degree. I love books, and I’m turning my passion into my career. So, yeah, I think I can make a living doing this. And if I can’t, then I’ll figure something else out.” She stared at Hayes, and everyone was quiet, because there was definitely tension there, but we all understood both sides.
His need to protect her and her need to prove that she could take care of herself.
“She’s going to kill it,” Kingston said, breaking the silence. “And Ruby passed on this romance book to me, and let me tell you, I’m all about it now. Damn.” He whistled. “I need to step up my game with the ladies. This dude in the book is one hell of a lover.”
The room erupted in laughter, aside from Hayes, who didn’t seem humored by the comment at all.
“Are there that many people reading romance books?” Hayes asked.
“No. It’s a very unpopular genre. That’s why I’m opening a store selling romance books, because I want my business to fail,” Saylor said, not hiding her irritation, which was rare for her. She was a ray of sunshine most of the time. But the pressure of getting this business off the ground, taking out a loan, and making all sorts of decisions was weighing on her.
“I know you’re smart, Say. I’m not questioning that. I just want to make sure you don’t get in too deep.” Hayes softened his gaze and set his beer down.
“It’s always a gamble when you go into business for yourself. And the bookstore won’t only have romance books, althoughthat will be the primary genre, but there will be others, as well. But I’m nervous enough, Hayes, and I don’t need you planting all these seeds of doubt. I’m excited about it, and I need you to get on board.”
“Yeah, you got it. I’ll stop with the comments,” he said, pushing to his feet. “Anyone need another beer?”
“I’ll take one,” Kingston and Romeo both said at the same time.
The doorbell rang, and Nash went to answer the door for what I assumed was the pizza.
“It’s going to be great,” Demi said, bumping her shoulder into Saylor’s. “I was really nervous, too, and my parents were not sure a coffee shop was a good idea. But Magnolia Beans is thriving, and the bookstore will be no different.”
“He’s just worried about you.” River wrapped an arm around me as he spoke to Saylor.
“Yeah, worrying is his love language. Right, baby?” Romeo chuckled.
“Yep. Especially when it comes to Saylor,” Demi said.
“I’m a grown woman.” Saylor shook her head with irritation. “I had a date last night, and Hayes insisted I call him when I got home because he thinks Lucas Kraft is a tool. But he hated the last guy I dated, too.”
“Well, I hate to break it to you, but Lucas Kraft is a douchebag,” River said over his laughter.
“And why do you say that?” I raised a brow. I agreed with him, but I wasn’t going to burst her bubble. She’d been excited to go on a date, as she hadn’t been out since she and her college boyfriend broke up months ago. She hadn’t yet told me how things went last night, and I had no real reason for not liking Lucas other than his teeth were a little too white, and he was pretty full of himself.
“For starters, he refers to himself in the third person. He came to see me over a year ago about suing his parents because they got rid of his superhero collectibles when he was in college. He wanted to be reimbursed for the toys that they actually bought him.”
Saylor covered her mouth with her hand. “I’m not totally surprised. The date was a total disaster, but that’s not the point. I can take care of myself.”
“Well, he came into the coffee shop this morning and told me you guys had a great time last night. So, I don’t think Lucas has any idea that it didn’t go well.” Demi chuckled.
“Yeah, that’s because I never spoke. He talked the entire time about himself. And he had me split the bill with him, and he had a full entrée and three cocktails, while I had one drink and an appetizer.”
Laughter filled the space around us.
“What an asshole,” Kingston said. “I’ve got your back if he gives you a hard time.”
“I thought you were a lover, not a fighter.” River raised a brow at his brother.
“I’d throw a punch for Saylor, no doubt about it.” He winked at her, and I didn’t miss the way her cheeks flushed.
I’d noticed the way they always seemed to gravitate toward one another when we were all out together. Maybe it was just all the romance books I was reading lately that had me noticing things more.
River had mentioned that Saylor lived with them for a few months during the time he was away at Fresh Start, but he didn’t say much about it. He said it wasn’t his story to tell, and I hadn’t pushed.
“Thanks, King.” She smiled.
“And we’ll make that bookstore everything you want it to be,” Kingston added.
