Chapter Ten
T he next morning, Keira grabbed her purse from the passenger seat, made sure the car was locked, and then walked toward the building.
“Hey.”
Keira bit back a scream and twirled around. Her hand fluttered over her chest before pressing against her racing heart. “God, Scott, you scared me.”
Scott stepped forward out of the row of bushes. “I’m sorry.”
For some reason, she didn’t think he was sorry. “What are you doing behind the shop, Scott?”
“I wanted to talk to you.”
“About what? And why couldn’t you have come into the shop to talk?”
“Do you still have a boyfriend?”
“Yes.”
“Who is it?”
“I’m not going to tell you, Scott. I’m sorry, but I need to get to work,” she said and took a few steps toward the back door.
“It’s Daniel, isn’t it?”
Shock made her body jerk. If he knew, why did he ask? Why the hell was he here? Keira took a few more steps toward the door. “I have to get to work, Scott.”
Scott watched her with a look that made a chilling fear skitter down her back. The back door to the shop was opened before she reached for it, startling Keira again.
Layla laughed, then yanked her sister into the back room.
“Jeeze, Lay, you scared me.”
Layla bit her lip, holding back a laugh. “Sorry.”
Keira snorted. “No, you’re not.”
Layla giggled. “So, how did it go yesterday, and who were you just talking to?”
Keira shook her head. “No one,” she said as she turned to put her purse away, hoping her sister wouldn’t question her further. She didn’t want her sister to worry about anything. “Yesterday went very well, I thought. Many people came in and kept us steady the whole day.”
“Wow, Sundays aren’t usually busy like that. I’m sorry I wasn’t here to help.”
Keira turned. “Don’t even think about it. You were married the day before, and we did just fine.”
Keira followed Layla into the front room and watched as she got the cash register ready for the day. They both turned as Vicki came out of the back.
“I’m shocked you’re out of bed, Layla,” Vicki said, then grinned.
“It was hard, I’m telling you. I can’t wait until we leave for our honeymoon. Three weeks alone with Logan. Mmmm.” Layla rolled her eyes and hummed. “Let me tell you...”
Keira covered her ears. “Please don’t. That’s just gross, Lay. I don’t want to hear about your sex life.”
Layla grinned and rolled her eyes. “All right. It’s time to open anyway, and people are waiting.”
The morning sped by fast. Mondays were usually pretty busy, and that day was no exception.
“Keira, would you mind getting us some lunch down the block at Frankie’s Diner while Vicki and I hold down the fort?”
Keira came out from behind the counter. “I don’t mind at all, just give me your orders.” They both asked for cheeseburgers with fries and recommended Keira try one.
“Did you get in touch with the moving company?” Layla asked.
“Yes, that was the message I was listening to. Thankfully, they are on time. I left the front door unlocked for them, so I didn’t need to worry about leaving work to open it. I was just told they’d be here with the truck in the next hour, so I should have my things when I get home from work.”
“I’m glad that’s going okay. Ask if you need help unpacking.”
“I’m sure I’ll be just fine.” Her head jerked toward the back room as a loud buzzer went off. “What...?”
Lyla grinned. “That’s the UPS man. Can you sign for the packages on your way out?”
“Got it. I’ll be right back.”
Keira unlocked then pushed open the back door and let the man in.
He set down the packages, turned, and smiled. “You must be Layla’s sister I’ve heard so much about.”
Keira liked his smile and friendliness. She held out her hand. “Yes, I’m Keira.”
“I’m Adam, your friendly neighborhood UPS man,” he said, then winked.
Keira laughed.
Adam handed her the clipboard and indicated where to sign. “So, what do you think of our town so far?”
Keira signed the paper and held it out. “I really like it.”
“So, are you thinking of staying?”
“Oh, yeah, I’m definitely planning on it. I’m going to buy half the shop and co-own it with my sister. We’ve been away from each other too much in the last several years. I’ve missed her a lot.”
“That’s great. Hey, maybe we can go get a beer or something sometime?”
He was so sweet and extremely handsome. “I’m not sure. I’m actually kind of seeing someone.”
“Already? They didn’t give me a chance, did they?’ he asked and laughed.
“I’m sorry,” Keira said.
Adam shrugged. “No problem. I’ll just have to be faster and craftier next time.”
Keira shook her head and laughed. “It was nice meeting you, though.”
Adam turned at the back door and smiled. “You, too. You usually get a lot of packages, so you’ll be seeing me often.”
“Thanks, Adam.” Keira watched him go before grabbing her purse and following him out.
Before she knew it, the day had passed, and it was time to close up. The three of them made short work of the chores and walked out together.
The sisters waved Vicki off. “So, are you seeing Daniel tonight?”
Keira looked up as she was digging her keys out of her purse. “Yes.”
“And?”
“And what?”
“What do you think?”
Keira leaned against her car. “I think he’s wonderful.”
Layla clapped her hands. “I’m so glad you guys hit it off. I knew you would be perfect together.”
“We’ll see how it works out. We still have a lot to learn about each other.”
Layla pulled Keira into a hug. “I’m positive it will work.” She pulled back but kept her hands on Keira’s shoulders. “But you’ve got to give it a chance to work out between you two and let him in. You’ve never let anyone besides me close to you, and I don’t want you to keep pushing people away.”
Keira stiffened but nodded. “I know. I get the feeling he’s the type of guy I can depend on, and I really think I’ll be able to open myself up to him eventually.”
“I hope so. Don’t ruin a good thing by being afraid. You’ll end up regretting it.”
Keira gave her sister a quick squeeze. “I know, I know. Now, isn’t it time to go home to your new husband?”
“Hell, yeah. Have fun tonight, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Sounds good. Drive safe.”
“You, too.”