Page 10 of Whisk Me Away
Her shoulders tensed, and I immediately chided myself for causing her to raise her defenses. I didn't want to spar with her today. I just wanted to let her know about the break-ins. That way, she could be prepared. It had nothing to do with wanting to see her.
"I remembered you saying you were looking into buying the spot where Heavenly Bites used to be. I was wondering how that's going?" I slid my hands in my pockets and crossed one foot over the other, hoping to give off a non-threatening look.
"Yeah, actually, I just found out today I’ve been approved for the business loan and should be able to get the keys next week. The family was eager to sell, so it's all moving pretty quickly,” a twinkle of excitement sparked deep in those green eyes.
"That's great,” I cleared my throat before continuing. "I just wanted to let you know we've been experiencing a few break-ins over the last few months, and a recurring target is that storefront. I just wanted you to be aware. If you see anything suspicious, be sure to call. We don't know exactly who's behind them, but from past incidents, it doesn't seem like they are trying to harm anyone."
"Oh. Um, thanks. I’ll be sure to keep an eye out. I plan on changing the locks as soon as I get the keys… but if they break in, I guess that won't help much,” her cheeks turned a beautiful shade of orangey-pink.
Something in me wanted to soothe her embarrassment. "No, that's a good idea. Maybe if they see new locks, they’ll know someone will be there regularly. They probably saw it empty for months and figured no one would be checking on it."
"That makes sense,” she slowly nodded her head as if working through a problem. Her eyes met my gaze before her lips twitched. If I didn't know better, I would think she was holding back a smile.
"Anyway, that's all. Be sure to tell your parents hey for me,” the mention of her parents reminded me of the news about her mom. That’s probably the reason she moved home in the first place. "Hey, how's Barbra doing?"
I saw a look of surprise travel across her face before she quickly hid it. "She's doing good. I'll be sure to let them know you said hi."
She slowly stood from the swing, stretching her arms above her head before turning to grab the blanket and book from the cushion.
"See ya around,” I nodded before retreating to my truck and climbing behind the wheel. When I got inside, the front porch was empty, leaving only the swing swaying gently in the breeze.
I shook my head, pulling off my hat and dragging my hands through my messy, brown hair. I needed to get myself together before I found myself in a situation I'd worked too hard to avoid.
CHAPTER 7
KARIS
"Karis!" Mia squealed with excitement.
I held the keys up, allowing them to dangle between our eyes. "It's mine,” the words came out just above a whisper as if I couldn't quite believe them myself. This dream of owning my own bakery had always felt so far away. I never felt ready to reach for it, and if I'm being brutally honest with myself, I still didn't feel ready.
What if I failed? What if my vision for the interior turned out childish or tacky? What if I couldn't create new treats to keep customers happy? The number of "what ifs" flying through my brain right now was astounding. On the other hand, the excitement coursing through my veins was thrilling. It was an interesting juxtaposition, two competing emotions battling for purchase in my mind.
"It's yours!" My best friend echoed much louder than I had initially stated it. "What do we need to do first? I know you already have a list going,” Mia chuckled before wrapping me in a warm embrace.
I took a minute to just relish in her joy and confidence, allowing it to seep into me and give me the boost I desperately needed. Of course, I had a list. My life revolved around lists, and Mia used to poke fun at me during our high school years. I made a pro and con list for every school I got acceptance letters from, weighing my options thoroughly. This major life decision was no different.
"I first need to go do a walk-through and take inventory of the damage. I already called a guy named Liam, who owns a construction and restoration company. He's agreed to help me fix anything that needs to be repaired as well as upgrade the flooring, cabinets, and countertops. I planned to do the interior design myself to save some money, and I just want to ensure it turned out exactly how I envisioned it,” I let out a dramatic sigh. There was so much to do.
"Whoa. One step at a time, K. I would happily help once you get to the design and decorating. It's going to be amazing!"
The bell above the front door jingled as someone entered Hansons. Mia squeezed my shoulders again before rounding the bookshelf and heading towards the door.
"You again?" The snarky remark that fell from Mia's lips caught me off guard. She didn’t usually talk to anyone, let alone customers, that way. Curious about who drew out this side of her, I followed the way Mia had gone until I stopped a few feet behind her. She was currently having what looked to be a stand-off with a guy. If my memory was correct, that guy was Brock Landon. Man, those Landon boys grew up to be devastatingly handsome.
Brock was a little shorter than Brant, but only by a little. They both had the same broad shoulders and muscular form. They differed in their hair and skin tone. While Brant was more tan with dark brown hair, Brock had lighter skin with dirty blonde hair that looked like he'd gone a few months without a haircut. It gave him this surfer dude look that went well with his personality.
"Hey, Brown Eyes,” Brock's lips twitched as if he was fighting a smile.
"I told you not to call me that. I have a name,” Mia huffed, placing her hands on her hips.
"Hey, Karis. I heard you were back. It's been a while, how are you?" Brock turned his gaze to me.
Mia grumbled, something about me not getting a stupid nickname under her breath. Either Brock didn't hear her, or he chose to ignore her. My guess was the latter.
"Hi, Brock. Yeah, I'm back,” I smiled. "I'm doing good. How are you?"
If looks could kill, I'd be dead on the spot. Mia was not having any part in this exchange, and I couldn't wait to press her for information after Brock left.