Page 3 of Bear In A Bookstore
He approached with an easy, sexy stride. “Ms. Meredith?”
He handed her a folder. She leaned back like it might bite her.
“I’m Master Sergeant Desi Mitchell, United States Marine Corps. Not a felon. Promise. I’m here on behalf of my brother Dax from Mitchell Construction.”
Oh God. That made so much more sense. The weight left her body and she almost laughed in relief. “Oh, no, no, I didn’t think you were.”
Liar.
She expected him to call her out. Lifting his chin a bit, his grin widened. He was clearly enjoying this.
“I’m sure that exchange sounded a little suspicious.”
“Oh,” she waved him off. “Not at all.”
His eyes gleamed. “Dax is doing some work for you, huh?”
“Mmm-hmmm,” she nodded again and cleared her throat. “Yes, that’s right.”
He leaned against the counter and glanced around, then circled one strong finger in the air. “You’re really going to turn an old brothel into a kid’s bookstore?”
His voice was totally neutral, but she wondered if he was being judge-y. “Do you have some personal moral complications with that, Mr. Mitchell?”
He arched a brow, eyes twinkling good naturedly. “Moral complications? No, ma’am. I never struggle with my moral compass. Do you?”
No, morality was one thing she didn’t struggle with. Getting out of bed some mornings, remembering to eat, leaving the house with matching shoes . . . now that was another matter.
“I’m the one turning a brothel into a children’s bookstore, so what do you think?”
Good God, were they flirting?
His hair had a military edge. Ah, she should have considered that earlier. It was neat, short, perfectly trimmed, and fractured shades of blonde. A scruff of stubble lined his jaw. Blue eyes gently assessed her. There was a wicked amount of intensity in his gaze.
Nope, not interested. Not interested. Not interested.
She’d just dumped a worthless man and was not interested in trying her luck again. Besides, she wasn’t here permanently and from what she’d read about Mitchell Construction, they were a family of grizzly shifters deeply tied to this community. Talk about opposites.
“It’s going to be great,” Desi said sincerely. “Just think of what you can do with this place over Halloween. A building with a creepy past, kids in costumes, and a shit ton of candy.”
“Maybe some spiked punch for the grownups?” Earl pipped up hopefully. “And a grand tour of the secret room?”
Kora smiled. “I’ll see what I can do.”
The possibilities for her bookstore excited her. She’d made her money writing thriller novels, but she was taking a break from that to work on a young adult fantasy filled with warrior princesses, elves, fairies, and wizards. She imagined the book completed, its beautiful cover gracing the display window once it was finished.
She glanced shyly at the hot military shifter. Nope. The book was going well, and she didn’t need any distractions.
Desi lightly slapped a hand on the counter and pointed amicably at Earl. “Nice to see you. Good to meet you, Ms. Meredith, and good luck with the bookstore.”
Earl put his hands on his hips. “You coming to the gala? Dance starts at eight.”
Kora’s curiosity piqued. Gala?
“You know Mitchell Construction wouldn’t miss it. My dad never passes on an opportunity to get the business in front of the public. I’ll see you then.”
“Hey, before you go, Des.” Earl wagged a hand between them. “Ms. Meredith, weren’t you looking for a security system for the store?”
She’d inquired with We Know Electronics when she’d called to arrange for a repairman to come out. They said he could go over the options with her.
