Page 10 of Book Club Confidential

Tessa froze as a sudden mashup of memories returned. “You own a mystery bookstore,” she said. “With a liquor license.”

“Clues and Brews.”

Tessa laughed. “I can’t believe it slipped my mind. I really can’t believe my book club hasn’t been there yet.”

“To be fair, you read dystopian novels. I’m not sure the store’s your vibe.”

He remembered what she read? After all these years?

Hazy images of Grant returned in a steady flow. His face had aged a little. His jaw seemed sharper, and small lines had formed at the corners of his eyes and mouth, but his smile and carefree disposition were utterly unchanged. Grant had been a client during the five minutes she was married. No wonder she hadn’t noticed him then, the way she did now.

“Sorry,” Grant apologized. “Is it weird that I remember your reading preferences? I swear I’m not a stalker, just a big fan of readers. It’s why I came back here, I think.”

The comment returned Tessa to the moment.

“Time for a new campaign?” she asked. “Expanding the shop?”

“I sold the shop,” he said. “Franchised is probably a better word.” He waved a hand between them while wrinkling his nose. “There are two more Clues and Brews in Virginia now. One on the coast. The other is inland by an hour or two.”

“Impressive.”

His right cheek lifted slightly in a small self-deprecating smile. “I learned pretty quickly that I love seeing new businesses take shape and lift off, but I’m far less excited about the daily humdrum. Stocking shelves and taking inventory. Balancing the books for a thousand thirty-dollar sales.” He shook his head and shrugged.

“It’s a good thing you came in,” Tessa said. “I hate to say it, but a marketing plan based on your distaste for sales probably won’t work out.”

He laughed. “This is why I’m here. You make me laugh.”

“I am hilarious,” she agreed.

And was she—flirting? With a client?

Potential client.

Still, maybe she’d been struck by some of that lightning last night, and the impact had fried her brain.

“You’re real,” Grant said. “You’re direct without being mean, and you’re kind without being false. The last time I came here, I was new to business, unsure, and insecure. You never once made me feel as if this was a used-car lot in disguise.”

She grinned.

“You wanted what I wanted,” he said. “And it was magnificent.”

“What is it you want now?” she asked.

His gaze flickered to her left hand, then back to meet her eyes. He cleared his throat and shook his head on a chuckle while heat climbed her cheeks.

Was he looking for her wedding ring?

“I’ve branched out from Clues and Brews, and I want to advertise the new business.”

“Steamy romance bookstore?” she guessed.

“No, although I’m sure that would be an excellent money move.” His smile widened, and lord help her, she felt butterflies take flight in her chest. “I’ve moved into the investment arena. I want to help more people with dreams and limited funds see their visions come to life. Think you can help me?”

“Absolutely,” she said. “Would you like a roll?”

Thirty minutes later, Grant left Tessa with his newly signed contract and hope in her heart. Xavier wouldn’t be able to ignore the fact that a client returned for her. Or that the once-small client was now much bigger. That had to bring some clout. It might even secure her promotion tonight, if Xavier was on the fence for any reason. This was perfectly timed icing on the proverbial promotion cake.

She hustled to the break room and made a tray of espressos, then headed for the conference room. The thought of everyone being held up by her tardiness sent a wave of nausea through her core, but at least she was arriving with a new contract and coffee.