Page 2 of Some Like It Hops

I laugh and roll my eyes playfully. “Of course.”

“Good. Then, when we’re all done, and the paperwork’s signed, sealed, delivered, and the keys are in your hand?”

I nod.

“And the tanks are full? And your little heart has everything it desires?”

I cock an eyebrow.

“And doggos are getting adopted faster than you can pour your famousGentlemen Prefer Blondes Ale… and Pops is splashing away in that little pool back there?”

“Yes!” I grin, picturing my harlequin Dane being a hurricane in the little doggie pool.

“The beers are on you.”

“Deal.”

Josie reverses out of the parking space, then stops abruptly, her brow furrowing. “Who’s this?”

I follow her gaze to a large white pickup truck pulling into the lot. The driver parks a few spaces down from us, then climbs out and waves. The man approaches the car, smiling brightly at us, so I roll down my window.

“Ms. Gallagher?”

I hook a thumb toward Josie.

“Great. I was hoping I’d catch y’all.” He points at the front door to the building. “Have you already been inside?”

“Yes,” Josie says, leaning over toward my open window. “Are you the seller’s agent?”

He chuckles. “No, ma’am. I’m the seller.”

“Oh, great!” Josie raises her pointer finger. “Let me re-park and we’ll join you.” Josie pulls the car back into the space and raises the windows, then turns off the ignition.

“But we’ve already seen the warehouse.”

Josie pointedly stares into her purse as she talks to me. “Yes, but now it’s time for the seller to see your vision.” She nods toward the guy’s truck. “What do you think that little paw print sticker on his back window means?”

My eyes widen. “He likes dogs.”

“Bingo.” Josie pats my knee. “It’s not very often we get a chance to win over a seller like this. With that other offer on the table, we can’t waste this opportunity. Make himseeyour vision.”

I’ve been dreaming of Pops & Hops for years. If anyone can sell this vision, it’s me. So I exit that car and approach the man, flashing my biggest smile. “Hi. I’m Charlie Harper.” I hand him one of my business cards. “I’d like to buy your warehouse.”

His warm hand envelops mine and his smile widens as he reads the card. “Pops & Hops?”

I nod, glancing up at the front of the building again, imagining the name there above the door.

“Dogs and beer, huh?” He points at the faint outline of a paw print on my business card. “I have a good feeling about you, Charlie Harper. Tell me about Pops & Hops.”

And so I do.

Chapter Two

Griffin

Watching lesser men squirm beneath my gaze is normally something I quite enjoy. Today, however, my fingers twitch with the desire to punch his desk between us. I breathe deeply through my nose and stretch my fingers, splaying them out across each thigh. “Explain this to me again, Marcus. I’m not sure I understand.”

“The owner has sold the property to another buyer.”

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