Page 29 of Rainbow Kisses

I wrinkled my nose at her. “What are you talking about?”

Except I was pretty sure I knew what she was talking about.

“Oh please,” she said, “I know you’ve got a thing for Brian.”

“Who says?”

“Your face, every time you talk about him.”

I opened my mouth to deny it, then shut it before I said anything and incriminated myself. Erin grinned, indicating her victory, which made me want to give her the finger. Which would cement her victory in her mind.

“I still think you need to get laid more than you need to start a new business.”

“But I already have the space, and it’s not like we have a bookstore in town. It’d practically be a public service.”

I rolled my eyes, but I could see how excited she was. And honestly…it wasn’t a horrible idea. I loved books. I loved to read. Hell, more than once I’d lamented that the nearest bookstore was almost an hour away. Of course, we had a library, but I couldn’t own those books and horde them in my house…

“Don’t you think you’d be biting off more than you can chew? I mean, you’ve already got the radio station and the newspaper and the café. There’s just not that much time in the day.”

“Granddad still runs the newspaper. Mostly. And Gil takes care of the radio station. I could do it.” She paused, her eyes lighting up, and I knew exactly where she was going before she opened her mouth to finish. “If I had a partner.”

“Uh…”

I should say no. I had so much on my plate already. I had a more-than-full-time job. I volunteered at no fewer than three local organizations. Christmas was around the corner and after that, the Winter Carnival in February, which was a part-time job in itself.

And yet…

I wanted to say yes. My mind already raced with ideas, and my gaze wandered around the space. There was more than enough room for bookshelves if she lost some of the tables. I’d always thought this space was too big for just the bakery. Too much empty space, too many tables. It made the business look uninviting. And I knew there were a few rooms on the other side of the wall with the radio station that could work as well.

“Rain?”

“Uh-huh.”

Enough room for a children’s area and a few cozy chairs and couches tucked into the shelves. The café could host book clubs and after-school reading groups and?—

“Say yes, Rain.”

I wanted to. Damn it, I really wanted to. This would be something just for me, and I couldn’t help feeling that if I didn’t say yes, I’d regret it. I also knew I usually jumped in with both feet before I truly thought things through. I always made it work out, no matter the cost, which was usually to my sanity.

I met Erin’s gaze and saw the hope shining there.

You could do this. You’d have a partner, someone to split the work?—

“Let me sleep on it, okay?”

Trying to rein in her smile, Erin nodded. “No problem. Of course. I know it’s a big decision, but Ihavethought through a lot of the logistics. I’ve even put together a cost projection and business plan. And it’d be so much fun to do it together.”

Digging into the pile of papers on the table, she grabbed a folder and put it into my outstretched hand.

“I know you’re going to be busy getting ready for the carnival next month, so take your time.” Her smile turned sly. “And maybe take a little time to have fun with, oh, I don’t know, a hot hockey player.”

Rolling my eyes and sighing, I put the folder in my bag and lifted my mug to my mouth so I couldn’t stick my foot in my mouth. At least until I swallowed.

“I’m not looking to date anyone yet. Especially another player.”

Except if Brian asked me out, I’d say yes so fast, he’d probably reconsider and run the other way. Not that he would ask because he had a lot on his plate at the moment, including caring for his twelve-year-old niece and getting back into hockey life.

“Right.” Erin drew the word out to about five syllables. “But if you think I need to get laid, honey, you should take a look in the mirror.”

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