“Thanks,” I say, taking the drinks. The store isn’t the only thing that’s changed in the last three months. It feels like a lifetime ago that Mabel was mixing up our drink orders. Back when Josie thought my name was Brian.

When I bring Josie her coffee, she isn’t alone. Georgia’s there, leaning on her bedazzled cane with both hands. Her head perks up as Josie’s falls. From our conversations, I know Josie’s been dreading this introduction as much as I’ve been looking forward to it.

“Georgia,” I say, extending my hand. “It’s nice to officially meet you.”

“He really is shockingly tall,” Georgia says, as if I’m not standing right there.

Her mouth curves into an open smile that lights up her face, reminding me of Josie—except it took me weeks to coax that kind of smile out of her sister.

“Nice, firm handshake,” she says, making eyes at Josie. “So tell me, Ryan-slash-RJ, what are your intentions with my sister?”

I choke on my frappe.

“Okay, I’m out,” Josie says. “Georgia, take it easy on him, please?”

“Yes, dear sister,” Georgia says, smiling sweetly.

But as soon as Josie disappears into the back room, Georgia turns back to me, her expression dead serious. “Listen,” she says, “I’ve never seen my sister this happy with anyone in her life.”

I give a tentative smile. “Thanks, that’s really—”

“It’s not a compliment, it’s a warning,” she says, and I shut my mouth. “Josie has spent her life sacrificing her own wants and needs for other people—especially me, and I can never repay her.” Her voice cracks, and she clears her throat. “She’s busted her ass to get where she is, and I’d hate to see her get screwed over by some guy who’s riding on the coattails of her brilliance and hard work.”

All the blood drains from my face. It’s like she’s speaking my fear aloud: that Josie doesn’t need my help to run this bookstore. Georgia’s right. Josie has worked her way up to her position against all odds, while I lucked into mine. Most of the time, I can barely keep my own staff in line.

“I would never do that to her,” I say. “I adore your sister, Georgia. She’s the most—”

“I know,” Georgia cuts in. “And she deserves someone who will put her first, for once. Do you understand?”

“Of course,” I say, nodding for emphasis.

“You better mean that,” she says, narrowing her eyes. “My sister deserves to have every single thing she wants. And apparently, right now, that includes you.”

I blow out a breath, grateful that Josie’s sister—the person who knows her better than anyone else—sees it, too. “I won’t let either of you down,” I promise.

—