Page 76 of Marked

“Trust me,” Marcus said with that mysterious half smile of his. “It’ll work out.”

A comfortable silence fell between us before I ventured, “So, does the whole town belong to your family or just the important bits?”

Marcus’ lips twitched again. “What makes you think we own any of it?”

“Please. I may be new here, but I’m not blind. Everything’s either named Stone-something or looks expensive enough to be.” I gestured at the passing buildings as we entered town. “Plus, the way people practically genuflect when they see your car…”

His rich laugh filled the cabin, making something warm flutter in my chest. “We may have some investments in the area.”

“Uh-huh. And I may have some student loans.” I rolled my eyes. “That’s like saying the ocean has ‘some’ water.”

Cedar Grove’s town square was quiet this early, morning mist still clinging to the corners of the Victorian buildings. Marcus pulled his ridiculous car into a spot right in front of Stone & Page—because of course the Stones would have their own private parking space, probably enforced by town ordinance.

“Ready?” Marcus asked.

“As I’ll ever be.” I stepped out, tugging at Caleb’s borrowed suit jacket. “Though I still feel like I’m cosplaying as a functioning adult.”

Marcus’ hand settled briefly on my lower back as we approached the store, and I tried to ignore how that simple touch sent warmth spreading through my chest.

I’d walked past Stone & Page before, but actually stepping inside was a different experience entirely. The quaint storefront I’d admired from the sidewalk opened into a bookworm’s paradise—all exposed brick walls and gleaming hardwood floors, with towering wooden shelves that required those sliding ladders I’d spotted through the window. The morning sun streamed through the front windows, catching dust motes in golden beams that made everything look even more magical than I’d imagined.

“Okay, this is just unfair,” I muttered, inhaling the heavenly scent of books, coffee, and old wood. “No wonder this place has survived the e-book apocalypse.”

Marcus’ smile was knowing. “You like it?”

“Like it? I want to marry it and have its book babies.” I trailed my fingers along a shelf of leather-bound classics. “Though I’m pretty sure this single shelf is worth more than everything I own.”

An elegant woman in her fifties appeared from between the stacks, her silver-streaked hair swept up in a perfect French twist. Her eyes widened slightly at the sight of Marcus.

“Mr. Stone! What a pleasant surprise.” She turned to me with renewed interest. “And who might this be?”

“Jane, this is Kai Chen. He’s interested in the position.” Marcus’ hand settled briefly on my lower back as he introduced us, warm and oddly possessive. “Kai, Jane has managed Stone & Page for twenty years.”

“It’s wonderful to meet you,” Jane said warmly. “Let me get you an application form first—procedure, you know.”

“Take your time filling it out,” Marcus said, his hand briefly touching my elbow. “I have meetings at the Stone Building. Come find me there when you’re done?” His eyes held mine for a moment longer than necessary. “The receptionist will know where to find me.”

I nodded, trying to ignore how my skin tingled where his hand had been. “Sure. Thanks for the ride. And the suit. Well, Caleb’s suit. Though I guess technically it’s all Stone property anyway and—I’m going to stop talking now.”

Jane waited until Marcus left before directing me to a cozy reading nook by the window. “You can fill this out here. Take your time.”

I settled into an obscenely comfortable armchair, trying not to think about how right this place felt. Like coming home, which was ridiculous since I’d been here all of ten minutes. But something about the store, with its maze of shelves and hidden corners, called to me.

While working on the form, I noticed Jane slip behind the counter, phone pressed to her ear, speaking in low tones. She kept glancing my way, nodding at whatever the person on the other end was saying.

“All done,” I said, returning the form to the counter.

Jane scanned it quickly—suspiciously quickly—then broke into a bright smile. “Perfect! Would you mind if we did the interview now? I suddenly have an opening in my schedule.”

Forty-five minutes later, I walked out of Stone & Page feeling slightly dazed. Not only had I nailed the interview—if I do say so myself—but Jane wanted me to start tomorrow morning. Either I was more qualified than I thought, or the universe was finally cutting me a break.

The Stone Building dominated one corner of the town square, all red brick and imposing Victorian architecture. Inside, the entryway opened into a lobby that looked like it belonged in a luxury hotel rather than a small-town office building. Dark wood paneling climbed halfway up the walls, meeting cream wallpaper with subtle gold patterns. A crystal chandelier cast warm light over leather chairs and what had to be actual oil paintings.

The receptionist, a polished woman in her forties, smiled warmly. “Can I help you?”

“Um, Marcus Stone asked me to come find him after…” I gestured vaguely at my borrowed suit.

“Ah, you must be Kai! Please, take the stairs up to the waiting area. I’ll let Mr. Stone know you’re here.”

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