“You’re my bestie, Carmie. You should’ve said something. What if I’d run into him?”
“He’s been here a while and you haven’t yet. And, yes, I guess I should’ve let you know. He upset you so much, and I worried you’d go through that again.”
“I get it, but I don’t need you to protect me.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry.”
“I forgive you. When did he come to Port Simms?”
“I believe he moved when he married his second or third wife.”
“How do you know all that?”
“Social media. Look it up. Not all cute guys are creeps.”
“I know that.” Vi didn’t see the point of developing feelings for a man who could have his pick of women far more attractive than she was. Why take that chance? “Can we stop talking about this now and order dessert?” She signaled their server.
They ordered, and Carmie went on. “One more thing—you’re a beautiful woman, and don’t forget it.”
Hardly. “Maybe you need an eye exam. I’m smart and good at what I do, but I’m average looking, and that’s okay. We both know Rose is the beauty in my family.”
“You’re every bit as pretty. Where’s your self-confidence? Ooh, here comes dessert. I love hot raspberry cobbler with ice cream.”
There, the conversation ended. As they finished the meal and parted ways, Vi shook her head. How had her tell-all turned into a pep talk instead?
Vi was strangely excitedto see Blake’s new bike store, not to mention the man himself. Only because they needed to hatch a plan to stop the grandparents from making a huge mistake, and two heads are often better. Or so she assured herself several times. She liked Blake a little too much, a man she barely knew and handsome to boot. Clearly, she was out of her mind.
She reached the bike shop determined to ignore her unwanted feelings. A blue van bearing the BW Bikes logo along with the phone and website link was parked in front of a brand-new two-story building.
Apparently the building was still under construction. A prominent Coming Soon sign listed a coffee house, a food market and the bike shop.
The door was unlocked. She knocked to announce herself, then let herself in. Blake headed toward her. A black BW Bikes tee hugged his chest, which was broader than she’d realized, and emphasized his flat belly. Faded jeans that fit like they were made for him hinted at powerful legs. He greeted her with a friendly smile and a warm look in his eyes. Either he knew his effect on her or he found her attractive.
As if. Yet, want to or not, she felt all fluttery, like a high school girl with a crush. Refusing to stare at him one more second, she shifted her gaze to the store-in-process. The drywall was up but not painted. Windows, dusty from construction debris, added light to the room. The floor was concrete. “This is a great space, and a wonderful place to open your new store. Are you going to leave the cement floor as is?”
Blake shook his head. “I found a rubber flooring similar to what’s in the first store. It’s easier on the legs and feet.”
“I hadn’t thought of that. Do you know where you’re going to put everything?”
He gestured at an unfinished counter. “Payment and order desk there. Bikes in the other room, merch on the wall over there. My office is in the back. Ace Recruitment is closed weekends and I’m in a hurry. I hired a former employee who used to work at the first store. He’s become a friend and cycling buddy and knows the ropes.”
“That’s great. Do I smell coffee?”
He nodded. “I stopped at Hastings on my way here and picked up coffee and doughnuts.”
Did he have to be so nice? “No way. How did you know I was craving both?”
His lips quirked. “Wild guess. After all, it’s midmorning on a Sunday.” He nodded at a pair of stack chairs with a little wood table between them. “Have a seat and help yourself,” he said and set the coffee and the bag of assorted doughnuts on the table.
Vi filled both mugs and chose a doughnut. “Sometimes I meet my bestie, Carmie, at Hastings,” she said as she dug in. “The coffee and doughnuts are excellent. I wonder if the cafe in this building will have treats as tasty.”
“I’m counting on it.” Cupping his mug in his big hands, he settled back and stretched out his legs.
She caught herself glancing at a certain part of his lap. She didn’t think he noticed, hoped not. Her face went hot, and she cleared her throat. “Have you heard from Malcom?”
He shook his head. “What about you? Anything from Caroline?”
“No, and I’m not sure I want to talk to her until we have a game plan in mind.”
