“Business is a game, sweetheart,” Xander says. “And you just lost. As for you”—he moves his gaze toward me—“I suppose that makes you…‘the winner’ seems like a stretch, but here we are. Congratulations, Lawson, you’re the new manager.”

Josie won’t look at me, but I can’t tear my eyes away from her—this complicated, beautiful, smart, passionate woman. Even at my best, I know I’m not good enough for her or this store. And I intend to keep the promise I made her sister: to put her first.

Fueled by fury and justice and yes, love, I stand and look down at Xander. A glimmer of fear crosses his face, and for once, I’m grateful for my size.

“I don’t care if your dick is small, or your mother never loved you, or whatever wound you’re trying to heal,” I say, “there is no excuse for this bullshit.”

I keep my eyes trained on Xander, who’s scowling. If I look at Josie, I might break. And I can’t—because it’s about damn time someone stood up for her. She’s going to get her dream, even if it means I have to lose mine.

“If I didn’t care so much about this fucking bookstore, I’d say we should both walk out and leave you scrambling. But this store, our staff, our customers, our community—they matter more than anyone’s ego, yours or mine. And there’s only one person who should be running this place.”

Xander’s face is beet red; he looks like the devil he is. But I’m not done yet.

“In case it’s not clear, I quit. The job should be Josie’s.” I risk a glance down to see her looking up at me with a dazed expression I can’t read. “The job should be yours.”

And with that, I walk out the front door with my heart broken but my head held high.

29

Josie

I’m rooted to my chair, trying to grasp what just happened. I’ve never seen Ryan so furious. And now…he’s gone?

“That was intense,” Xander says, and I whirl to face him. He’s flustered, smoothing the nonexistent hair on his shiny head. “I guess you’re the manager, Josie. Congrats.”

“Huh?” I gape at him.

“Let’s talk next steps.” He launches into an explanation, but I’m too dazed to pay attention. All I can think about is finding Ryan to make sure he’s okay.

“I’ve carved out Monday mornings from nine thirty to nine forty-five for us to check in,” Xander is saying, “so save nonurgent items until then. It’ll streamline things for me, having one manager to deal with. Let’s gather the staff and let them know.”

“Wait, I don’t—”

But he’s already standing, clapping his hands. “Everyone! I have an announcement.”