AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I don’t want to make a quick decision, but I have to apply for this,” I said.
“You should take video too,” Paige said, and I did a walk-through again, recording everything on my phone.
I could almost see the shelves, stacked with books and customers browsing from aisle to aisle. The children’s area could go upstairs, with cozy chairs and nooks for parents who wanted to read to their kids.
The downstairs could be for bigger events and storage. Near the bathrooms were two rooms that could be offices or storage. My brain was spinning with plans.
“You should get those bookshelves with the rolling ladders on them,” Paige said.
“Oh, I plan to. And I know just the person to make them.”
I was bursting to tell Theo about everything, so I stopped at the café before I dropped Paige off at home and brought Theo an iced coffee and a plain donut.
She came out of the workshop and she smelled of varnish. She pulled off her mask and set it down. I’d gotten used to the smell by now, and it made me happy because it reminded me of Theo.
“I think I found my bookstore space,” I said, almost jumping up and down.
“Show me,” Theo said and then looked at every single picture and every video that I’d taken.
“It’s a great space. Making shelves would be no problem,” she said, as if that was a given.
“Would you?” I asked.
“I’d be insulted if you didn’t have me make them,” she said, leaning down to give me a kiss.
A notification went off on my phone that Gail had sent me a copy of the lease and the application. My heart pounded as I scanned the documents. I’d have to read them later when I’d calmed down a little more.
“I can’t believe this might be happening,” I said.
“It is happening, princess. It’s all happening for you.” Theo kissed me as I laughed. “What?”
“Nothing. Just you being Susie Sunshine.”
Her ears went red and she ducked her head.
“Hey, I wasn’t making fun. I like it. Just not used to it.”
I put my hand under her chin and lifted her face until she was looking at me.
“You’re amazing. Thank you for everything.”
“You don’t have to thank me, but you’re welcome anyway,” she said, and I kissed the tip of her nose because it was just too cute not to.
One week later I had gotten my LLC, opened my business bank account, bought a domain name, applied for the proper permits to open my bookstore, and signed so much paperwork that my eyes were crossing. Theo was an angel at reading over my paperwork, looking for mistakes, and helping me figure out what the heck each form required.
Next week I was signing my lease, but it was contingent on all my permits going through, so I wasn’t telling myself it was a sure thing until I had the damn keys in my hand.
Hollis and I were designing a logo, and she gave me the name of a friend who was a fabulous web designer and could help with the bookstore’s website. There were so many things to think about like computers and electric bills and the space did need a little bit of work to make it up to my standards.
In short, I had never been so tired in my entire life and I had yet to purchase a single book.
“This is what it’s like,” Theo told me one night as I rubbed my exhausted eyes.
“I know,” I said. “I should have chosen something easier.”
“Easier wouldn’t make you happy,” Theo said, taking my laptop from me and carefully shutting it.
“I hate that you’re right. How do you know me so well?” I asked. Theo pulled me into her lap and I squealed. Our relationship was still so new, but I’d been so busy with the bookstore that we hadn’t had nearly enough time together. Definitely not enough naked time.
Theo pushed my hair out of my eyes. “I pay attention.”
“Are you paying attention right now?” I asked, grinding my hips against her.
“Oh yeah. A whole lot of attention,” she said, her hands gripping my hips, her fingers digging in. I loved how out of control she got sometimes. To see my grump come undone was my favorite thing in the entire world.
“Is there anything I can do to help you pay more attention?” I asked, moving my hips again.
“Get naked,” Theo said. “Very, very naked.”
I laughed. “I think I can do that.”
Logos and permits went out of my head as Theo picked me up and carried me upstairs to my bedroom, tossing me onto the bed that she had made for me.
I bounced and laughed as she went right ahead and ripped her clothes off. When we were alone, Theo had no modesty. I’d also discovered that she preferred to sleep naked, which I had zero complaints about.
