Page 25 of March’s Bad Boy: Ty

I watch Ty pick up a muffin and walk over to where Hades is still standing guard by the front door. He feeds it to him, giving him some attention and some water, too. Then, meeting my gaze, he gives me a smile that makes my belly do flips.

Jackson and Asher arrive a little later, carrying in some wooden crates they salvaged from one of the old ranch barns. "Thought these might make some cool display shelves," Jackson says, setting them down near the front windows. The rustic look is perfect, and my heart swells with gratitude.

More and more people pour in throughout the day, offering extra hands, lending tools, even dropping off plants and little decorative touches that make the space feel warmer. A woman from town shyly hands me a quilt, explaining that it had belonged to her mother, who had been one of the first customers at my old store.

"She loved your shop," she tells me. “She would always read whatever book she picked up from you while sitting under this blanket. I know she'd want this here." I accept it with a tearful smile, folding it carefully over one of the new chairs.

People settle into their roles effortlessly. Levi and Ty build bookshelves as if they've been doing this forever, while Emma snaps photos, capturing the magic of the day to share on social media. Caitlin debates color matches with Ruby, planning where my new cozy reading nooks will go. There's an undeniable sense of purpose in the air. It’s as if we're all building something much more than a bookstore.

At one point, a group of kids races in, eager to see the transformation. I lead them to a corner where a children's section is taking shape. They sit on the floor, flipping through picture books while I read to them for a while, letting myself soak in the moment.

There is a bit of commotion when a new sign goes up on the window of the old store.

Coming soon: Fresh Market

It keeps the gossip going for the rest of the afternoon. But it's Ty who keeps drawing my attention. The way his strong hands steady the wood as Levi drills. The way he wipes his brow with the back of his inked arm. The way he glances at me every so often, as if making sure I'm okay.

And I am.

More than okay.

Because somewhere between the fresh paint, the smell of sawdust, and the sound of my friends laughing, it hits me like a freight train.

I love him.

I love Ty.

The realization settles deep in my chest, warm and undeniable. It isn't just a flicker of something new, it's something that has always been there, waiting for me to notice.

I watch him as he leans against one of the newly built shelves, rolling his shoulders, probably sore from working all morning. As if he feels my gaze, he turns and catches my eyes.

For a moment, the rest of the room fades away. It's just me and Ty. His expression softens, and he tips his head toward me. "You good, Bookworm?"

A slow smile spreads across my lips. "Yeah. Better than good."

His smirk deepens, but there's something mysterious in his expression, something deeper, something unspoken. And I realize with a jolt that maybe, just maybe, he already knows.

And maybe, just maybe, he feels the same way too.

CHAPTER 11

TY

The dayof the grand reopening arrives faster than I expect. Standing outside Kara's new bookstore, I take a deep breath, watching as the morning light reflects off the newly painted sign above the door. The place looks incredibly warm, inviting, and full of promise. Just like her.

People are already gathering, chattering excitedly, waiting for the ribbon to be cut. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries drifts from a nearby table where Ruby has set up a little refreshment station. Kids run around, laughing, while Levi and Jackson finish adjusting the last of the display shelves. Emma is snapping pictures, capturing every detail of this moment. This is all for Kara. She deserves every second of it.

And yet, she's not here.

Heading toward the back of the store, away from the crowd, I use my key and let myself in. I know she is here because I drove her into town this morning. I find her pacing behind the counter, chewing on her bottom lip. She's nervous. I knew she would be, but seeing her like this makes my chest tighten.

I step inside and stop just inside the door. "Bookworm, you're going to wear a hole in the floor."

She startled, but her expression softens when she sees me. "Ty," she breathes, exhaling slowly, like I'm the only thing keeping her from completely unraveling.

"Come here," I say, and she does, stepping into my space as if it's the most natural thing in the world. Her hands grip the fabric of my shirt, her forehead resting against my chest.

"What if no one shows up? What if..."

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