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​“Happy grand opening!” Clara hugged me.

The shelves and display tables were full of books, and the walls were adorned with hand drawn pictures I’d made of the building and upcoming renovations. 

I unlocked the door, greeting people as they came inside. 

As soon as my childhood crush, Maverick arrived, Angela's daughter, Ayla, grabbed his hand and led him to the children's section.
He crouched down to talk to Ayla. 

When he glanced up at me, I quickly looked away.  My heart was racing as if I'd just gone for a run. Unfortunately, Maverick had always had this effect on me.

He was the bad boy I couldn't stop thinking about when we were in school. We'd had a few flirty encounters before he asked me out and then stood me up.

The pain from that night took up permanent residence in my chest, but he was the man renovating the outdoor space of my shop. 

It was my dream to add onto the existing shop to create a four-seasons room and an outdoor patio, complete with a garden feel and a fountain. I could see people sitting outside on the wrought-iron chairs, sipping their lattes while perusing the latest bestseller.

To fulfill that particular dream, I had to work with Maverick, who was broody on a good day and grew irritated whenever I was nearby.

But he was the best contractor in the area for outdoor spaces and detailed stonework. 

Desperate for a distraction, I went to the front counter to help Clara check out customers. 

Meg was handing out hot chocolate, and Reina was distributing pastries. It felt like the whole town had come out to celebrate the grand opening.

Eve and Natasha had recently bought Christmas Town. There was concern that they'd shut it down, but they'd vowed to revitalize the area and bring in new customers. Their enthusiasm was one of the reasons why I chose this location over something in Telluride. Here, I was the only bookstore, and the only requirement was that I maintain holiday-themed books year-round.

It was a busy night, greeting customers and talking about the upcoming plans for the renovations.

When there was a lull, Clara leaned over and asked, "Why don't you take a break?"

"That's a good idea." My favorite spot was the back of the store where French doors led to a grassy area where my soon-to-be patio would be constructed. When it was done, there would be stone pavers, a water fountain, and tables and chairs. Maybe even a few cushioned couches and a fire pit. I couldn't believe I was so close to fulfilling all my dreams, and I hadn't let my parents stop me.

"I came here to get away from people."

I startled at the sound of the gruff voice. My head swung to the side where Maverick leaned against the building.
"What are you doing here?" I asked.

He raised a brow. "I could ask you the same question."

I straightened to my full height, determined not to let him get to me. "It's my store."

"I would have thought you'd be inside, absorbing the attention," he said snidely.

"I'm grateful that so many people came out for the grand opening, but I'm an introvert." Surely, he remembered that from school. The first time he’d talked to me, he’d asked why I was sitting alone, reading a book.

He grunted.
"I'm grateful that the shop is open." I gestured at the space. "This is everything I ever wanted."

He gazed into the darkness. "I have a feeling you're used to getting whatever you want."

I distinctly remembered the night we were supposed to go out on that date. I'd gotten dressed up, and then waited, my heart sinking when he didn't come. My parents had made comments about how I wasn't enough to keep a guy's attention. "I think we both know that isn't true."

"You graduated top of our class with more than enough money to go to that fancy private school—"

"I won't deny that some of us have more advantages than others, but that doesn't mean that everything was great." I remembered his family being there for him and his siblings at every school event. I bet they didn't make excuses about having to work or insisting that something else was more important. My family had money, but I didn't have my parents' love and attention. Maybe we didn't hang out long enough for him to get to know me.

I was intrigued by his broody bad-boy teenager persona. He got into trouble and seemingly hadn't worried about the consequences. Maybe he knew his parents would love him no matter what. I didn't have that luxury. I had to be perfect to get any kind of reaction out of them, but their approval seemed to be elusive.

Majoring in English was perfectly acceptable, but opening a bookstore was not. Thankfully, my grandmother's trust didn't have any restrictions on how I could use the money I'd inherited.

Maverick shook his head. "You seem to have gotten everything you've ever wanted—a fancy degree, a bookshop on the corner—"

I rounded on him. "And you haven't gotten what you wanted? A successful business and now a major collaboration with your brothers?"

His face was pinched. "It's not the same."

"You don't need a degree to have a successful business, and you're well on your way, if not already there."

He grunted again, and I wanted to scream in frustration. "Now I remember why you used to drive me crazy. You always had a chip on your shoulder. Everyone else had it better than you." I folded my arms over my chest. "Did you ever think the problem was you?"

He pushed off the wall, striding toward me. "You want to find a new contractor?"

I resisted stepping back, even though his proximity forced me to look up to keep his gaze. "You know you're the best, and Eve already signed the contract."

His muscles tensed. "Are you going to make my life difficult?"

I tipped my head to the side. "And how would I do that?"

"By being a pain in my ass," he muttered.

Electricity crackled between us, stronger and more potent than when we were kids. I thought it had been first love or something like that. But I never felt anything like it with anyone else. Finally, I said, "You do your job, and I'll do mine."

He raised a brow. "You won't get in my way?"

For some reason, I wanted to be a problem for him. I wanted to drive him as crazy as he drove me.

"And when the work is done, we won't have to see each other anymore."

I narrowed my gaze. "I don't have any problems working with you."

He stepped so close I could feel the body heat emanating off him. "Are you sure about that?"

My breath caught, because now that he was this close, all I could think about was kissing him. I wanted to chase that reckless feeling I got whenever I was with him.

The door opened. "Belle? Someone's asking for you."

"I'll be right there." I stepped back and out of Maverick's vortex. He'd always been prickly. When I was a teen, it was what drew me in. But I was older and smarter now. I deserved someone who treated me with respect, who showed up when he said he would. Not someone who infuriated me.

No matter how attracted I was to him, I wouldn't fall for him again. Even though my body was humming with desire and was overheated despite the chill in the air.

He inclined his head toward the shop. "You'd better get back to your party."

I turned my back on him and headed toward the door. I paused with my hand on the door handle. "If I'm so spoiled, why aren't my parents here celebrating my big day? Shouldn't they want to see what their money paid for?"

He cleared his throat. "I didn't know your parents aren't here."

"That's because you don't know me at all." I opened the door and walked inside, pleased that I'd had the last word. But at the same time, I felt vulnerable. I'd told him something I never shared with anyone. Our family appeared normal to everyone else, but behind closed doors? We were anything but.

I'd been able to create distance from them but only because I had the trust fund from my grandmother. Maybe she knew I'd need it to establish my independence. I appreciated the support, but I missed her. I felt more alone than ever. I didn't have any siblings, and the friends I'd made in high school weren't the sort that stuck by me.

But one thing was certain; I didn't need Maverick.

He was the best contractor for outdoor spaces. And when the work was completed, I'd never have to see him again. I felt shaky as I walked toward the front counter where Clara was waiting for me with a smile.

She hugged me. "Congrats, girl. You had an amazing turnout."

"Thanks for coming." The other shop owners were newer friends, people who I'd met recently while I was waiting for my shop to open. And Clara was one of the best.

"Enjoy this moment. You deserve it."

After my talk with Maverick, the praise felt empty. I hadn't earned the store. I'd used the money my grandmother had given me, but I couldn't tell her that. "Thanks."

"I'm going to run out and grab some wine and snacks. We'll celebrate once everyone is gone."

"That sounds perfect." Normally, I'd want to go home and be by myself, but after that encounter with Maverick, I felt off center. I didn't want to be alone.

Clara left, and I greeted the next person in line, asking if they'd gotten everything they wanted. I hoped that Maverick left. I didn't want another run-in with him.

I couldn't avoid the Sterling family. Not only were they the town’s contractors, but Ford had rekindled his high-school romance with Natasha, who was part-owner of the town with her sister, and Hudson was dating lingerie-shop-owner, Angela. After her shop flooded, I carried her products in my store. It was a little unconventional, but readers loved the combination of themed panties and books.

I paired them with the blind dates with a book. They received a surprise panty design and romance book. Tonight, it was my most popular offering.

The shop owners worked together, and we'd grown close.

Once everyone left, Reina and Meg stuck around to help me clean up. Angela had to take Ayla home for bed, so she wouldn't be celebrating with us.

Once everyone left, Reina pulled out a bakery box. "I brought a little something for us."

"You didn't have to go through all this trouble."

Reina rolled her eyes as she handed me a cupcake with pink frosting. She'd garnished it with a book. "The grand opening was for everyone else. This is for you."

I took the offered cupcake. "This looks amazing. Can I take a picture for social media?"

"I'd be upset if you didn't. I made a bunch of them."

She opened the box, revealing the various cupcakes covered in books. I snapped a few pictures, and then Reina insisted on getting one of me holding a cupcake. To be silly, I took off the wrapper and took a bite, the icing on my nose.

Reina came close. "You have to post this one. It's hot."

I rolled my eyes. "Eating a cupcake is hot?"

"Take a look." Reina sent the picture to my phone.

Apparently, I made eating a cupcake appear sensual. Then I caught a glimpse of her screen. "Are you posting that on my social-media page?"

Reina grinned. "Absolutely."

I sighed. "I don't have a choice, do I?"

Meg pulled me into her side. "Girl, we've got your back."

I chuckled. "By posting silly pictures of me eating cupcakes?"

"Yes," she said.

Clara opened the door, carrying a charcuterie board. "I have food and wine."

Reina put down my phone and rushed to grab the bag Clara held.

She pulled out a bottle of wine and glasses, then poured everyone a glass as we sat on the overstuffed leather chairs and couches that I'd arranged facing each other by the fireplace.

A fire still burned, and music played over the speakers, but I'd dimmed the lights since it was just us.

Clara lifted her glass, and we did the same. "To Belle's bookshop, may you have never-ending success and sell tons of books."
"To Belle's bookshop," everyone murmured. Then we clinked glasses, sipping the white wine.

I settled into the cool leather, content to be off my aching feet.

Reina raised a brow. "What were you talking to Maverick about earlier? I saw you two when I went outside to get you."

I swallowed hard, not realizing anyone else had seen us. "We were talking about the renovation."

Meg leaned forward, cradling her glass. "He's handling it?"

"He's supposed to be the best," I said simply by way of explanation.

"I'm a little jealous that you're going to see him working just outside your window every day. It will make for some nice eye candy. His forearms rippling with those tattoos. Yum."

I shrugged. "It's winter. I doubt I'll be able to see much skin."

Reina tipped her glass back. "One can only hope he gets hot when he works."

My body flushed. I hadn't considered what it would be like to be around Maverick with this attraction. I'd have to avoid watching him work through the windows. It was going to be a long few months.

Clara laughed. "I bet he'll bring in more customers."

I licked my dry lips. I wasn't sure how I felt about women coming to the store to catch a glimpse of Maverick working. I couldn't blame them, but I wasn't sure I'd be able to watch anyone flirt with him.

The fact was that he'd made up his mind about me years ago. I wasn't the woman for him, and I couldn't forget that.