Page 23 of Accidental Blind Date
“You mean the way dad intended it to be?” she asks.
Jesus Christ.
“Look around you, Libby,” Kai says, motioning his arms in a circle. “Do you see mom or dad anywhere?”
Libby’s face reddens and at first, I think she is going to cry. But then I realize…she’s pissed.
“I see them everywhere. And if you had any heart at all, you would too.”
Kai opens his mouth to say something when his phone starts to ring. “I gotta take this, it’s the bank. Dax, for the love of God, help a brother out. Talk some sense into her, will ya?”
He walks out of the shop, leaving Libby and I together. I don’t know where the other booksellers disappeared to, but we are alone. The air between us is heated, awkward, and thick. So, I start talking.
“I didn’t know,” I say.
“Of course you didn’t. Although it would be convenient for you, wouldn’t it?” she spits out, and I narrow my eyes.
“What do you mean by that?”
“Oh, I don’t know. I’m not exactly a celebrity but people in the area do typically recognize me as the quirky bookstore owner from down the street. The one that laughs too loud, reads the Gruffalo better than any school librarian ever could, and will probably be eternally single because she gives Miss Frizzle vibes.”
I almost laugh at that. Now that I am seeing her in her element, she does give Miss Frizzle energy.
Goddamnit, Daxton. Focus. And stop imagining her in panties with stars and planets on them…
“What does that have to do with anything?” I bark out.
“You don’t see the irony of wining and dining a business prospect before the transaction is final? You’re not the only one who’s put in a bid for my store, you know.”
I snort at that. “Please. Who could bid higher than Hemingway?”
As soon as the words are out of my mouth, I realize how stupid they are. I press my palms together and take in a breath.
“What I mean is, I didn't know who you were when we went out. I also didn’t know that my business partner is your brother, though I’m surprised you didn’t.”
“Kai and I aren’t close,” she says, and something flashes in her eyes momentarily before disappearing.
“Even though you lost your parents?” I ask.
“Even more so. As you can see, I am trying to live out what they would have wanted. Kai hides his feelings in his wallet.”
I nod, suddenly realizing I am standing on a battle ground that is dangerously close to the heart. It means I am going to have to be tactful, but also, unattached.
“I’m not backing out,” I tell her flatly, holding face as I do. “It would be stupid on a business level to pass up on this real estate. And I’ve already put bids on the neighboring buildings for expansion."
“Well, I’m not backing down,” Libby says, her eyes meeting mine with the same stubbornness as last night. And despite the fact she is at a huge disadvantage, I know she means it. She’s going to fight us tooth and nail, even if it means she’s driving herself straight into the ground.
Kai suddenly reappears again, shoving his phone in his pocket.
“Things are looking good. You kids getting along yet?”
I look at Libby whose eyes are locked on me hard. I don’t know whether to be annoyed or turned on. Honestly, it’s a little bit of both.
“Something like that,” she says.
“Cool,” Kai claps his hands together. “Listen, Libs. I know you love the store the way dad built it. But times change. Demands change. So, trust me when I say we are doing you a favor. Selling the family bookstore to a man like Dax here guarantees us success. No more crunching numbers. No more coming up with our own marketing and promotions. And there will be an in-house coffee shop! You won’t even have to leave the building for your caramel latte or whatever it is you like. Trust me, it’s going to be good.
I am about to add to that, to let her know the mechanics of how it will all actually work, when my phone buzzes. It’s a text I need to respond to or I’m going to be kicking myself later.
