Page 20 of March’s Bad Boy: Ty

"What kind of work do the apartments need?" I ask.

"There are two of them. One was converted to an office and needs to be changed back. The kitchen and bath remain. But other than that, both have not been touched in over ten years. Paint, flooring, and updating, mostly," she says.

I don't even hesitate. "Done."

Ruby grins and hands me a set of keys. "Then you should be the one to tell her. Have her come by the Merc later to sign the paperwork."

Taking the keys, I grip them tight, and watch as Ruby walks away.

Without any hesitation, I pick up my phone and call Levi.

"Hey, I was just getting ready to call you. What is this project?" he asks.

"Renovating two apartments over one of the downtown stores. They haven't had any work done in a decade or more and the owner wants to rent them out. You in?"

"You know I am. When do we start?"

"After we move Kara's bookstore into the shop below the apartments," I say.

The line is quiet for a moment.

"I'm going to need just a bit more context," he says.

So, I fill him in on seeing the notice yesterday all the way to my talk with Ruby just now.

"I guess everything went well after you went after Kara?" he asks, and I can hear the smile on his face.

"Shit. I forgot to tell you, but yeah, it did." I can't help but grin big.

"Good. You can tell all about it while we work on moving books. I’ve got to go, but let me know when and where," he says before we hang up.

I check my watch. I've got twenty minutes before my first appointment.

"Hey Priest, I'll be right back."

He gives me a questioning look, but nods. Walking down the road, I get my first look at the store that will be the new bookshop. It's right across the street from where Kara is now. Not only is it bigger, but it has better parking and the historical charm that she loves.

Going around to the back, I climb up the stairs and peek into the apartments above. These look to be easy fixes. The weight that has been crushing me since we saw that eviction note finally lifts.

This is all going to work out, and I can't wait to tell Kara. But first I have a few appointments to get through.

CHAPTER 8

KARA

I forcemyself to start sorting through inventory. Though every book I touch feels like a countdown clock ticking toward losing everything. The creaky wooden floors, a sound I've grown to love, are a reminder that this place has history. Wrapping around me like a familiar embrace, is the scent of ink and paper. But today, even that comfort isn't enough to settle the weight pressing against my chest.

I start making a list of what I have to do. Maybe I can run a clearance sale--make as much money as I can while clearing out inventory. But then I'm faced with another problem. Where would I even put the extra books? Could I afford a storage unit? How much would it cost to rent a moving truck? I know Ty said I can store stuff in his guest room, but for how long? All my thoughts begin to spiral, and before I know it, panic sets in. My breath comes faster, my vision blurring slightly, as I grip the edge of the counter.

Sinking onto the stool behind the counter, I rub my temples as I try to push back the fear clawing at my throat. The idea of walking away from this place, from everything I built, is unbearable. Closing my eyes, I will the stress to ease, but it only intensifies.

I pull out my phone and start looking into my mobile bookstore idea to give me something else to focus on. My heart sinks when I see I will have to spend over twenty thousand for a decent bus that will run and not need a bunch of engine work. That doesn't include the remodel cost. I just don't have that kind of money.

The bell over the door goes off, letting me know someone is here. I look up and find Ty walking in, his hands tucked into the pockets of his jacket. The sight of him--solid, steady, familiar--grounds me for a moment. I exhale slowly before setting my phone down and focusing on him.

"Hey, Beautiful," he says, stepping beside me and dropping a kiss on my cheek. His voice is easy and warm, though his eyes flicker with concern as they scan my face.

Though I attempt a smile, it doesn't quite land. "Just... trying to figure things out."

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