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“Hey, it’s okay.” Anton moves around the counter and gathers me into his arms, rubbing my back and soothing me. “You were being abused. You did what you had to do to survive. I don’t hold what you said against you, so you shouldn’t either. I know you didn’t mean any of it.” I breathe in deeply, trying to calm myself.
“Okay.”
“I have to head to work right now, but I’d like to come back on Saturday. If that’s okay with you? I’ll bring my work truck, and see if I can rope Isaiah into helping?”
“I would love that.” I nod, still holding him like my lifeline. When he steps away, I watch him leave, feeling a desperate desire to jump in the truck with him.
CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE
Friday morning, I head to the bookstore, only to find it closed. Elijah hasn’t been here since Tuesday morning, and I’m starting to worry. But I don’t have any way to contact him. I just keep coming back, hoping he’ll be here. I’m still on my bike, so I turn around, about to head back home, when I see Elijah jogging down the street.
He’s dressed far more casually today than he was on Monday. Dark wash jeans, white t-shirt, and black vans. If I thought the man looked good in a suit, he’s even more attractive when he’s relaxed. Those biceps are a serious distraction.
“Sorry! I was just trying to bring you coffee, but I didn’t realize what time it was.” He hands me the hot to-go cup, and I perk up.
“Thank you, this is very sweet of you.” One sip tells me it’s a Coffin Coffee. I have to wonder if Jer knew the coffee was for me.
“Listen, I know I’ve been missing the last few days, but I had to fly back home unexpectedly. I hadn’t decided what to do. If I was going to live here or sell… Anyway, everything’s been handled. I’m officially moving here.” He smiles, despite the look of pure terror that flashes in his eyes.
“Oh, wow. I’m happy to hear that. I assume that means you’re not selling?” I ask hopefully, and he chuckles.
“No, I’m not selling.”
“Yay! Let’s get in there. I’m excited to get back to work.”
“Thank you, Sapphire.”
The day passes quietly, and I make decent progress. By the end of the day, Elijah is so engrossed in his work, that I slip out the front quietly.
As I make my way to the twins' studio, my nerves make me feel like a swarm of bees is buzzing in my veins.
I don’t even make it through the front door before Jer is popping his head out and dragging me inside.
“I’m so glad you’re early! Come on, everything is already set up.” As we pass Daphne, she smiles, passing me a drink as I go.
“Cotton candy coffin!” she says as I practically stumble along.
I sip from the straw and moan. Strawberries and cream with a fizzy tingle.
“So, Zach is doing your left wrist, and I’m doing the right. He’s better at black lines, and I’m known for my color. We drew up a sketch.” I’m ushered into a back room and practically tossed into a seat. Zach blinks at me, and then at his brother.
“Really, Jer?” Zach lifts his brow at Jer, who just grins like a madman.
“What?” Jer shrugs, fluttering around the room as he grabs random things. Zach turns back to me, and mouths sorry, making me laugh.
“I brought cash, I hope that's–”
“Oh, this is on the house!” Jer interrupts.
“No, I can’t… I’ll pay–”
“Nope, sorry, bluebird, we can’t accept anything. Shops closed. Can’t even open the register. Taking payments under the table is illegal,” Zach argues, and I glare.
“That's not how that works.” I give him a critical look, and he shrugs.
“I don’t make the rules.”
“Zachariah, you literally make the rules. You own the shop.” I throw my hands up, and he just shrugs, sending me a sexy half-smirk in response.
