She opened her mouth to protest, but what was the point when he knew the store better than she? Slowly, she brought the bit of paper around. “I’m trying to organize the shop and have been given these titles with which to start.”

He took the list and studied it. With his gray well-tailored three-piece suit, and his dark hair impeccably combed, he looked like a solicitor reading over an important case rather than a customer aiding a shop’s assistant with a tally of misplaced books.

What did he do for employment?

Grace pressed her lips together to keep from asking.

“I’ve found Wuthering Heights, Sense and Sensibility, A Tale of Two Cities and Frankenstein,” she said instead and came around beside him to point to the titles. He smelled clean, like shaving soap and something spicy she couldn’t name. It was an appealing scent.

“That’s a fine start.” He winked at her. “Let’s see what else we can locate.”

They scanned through the shelves together. While they did, she confessed her intent to go to Paternoster Row to see how best to help advertise Primrose Hill Books.

“Paternoster Row is a prestigious location for publishing.” His lashes lowered slightly as his gaze skimmed down the row of books before them. “There are printers and book binders and various publishing companies. Quite a few have a slant toward religion on account of its history.”

“What history is that?” she asked.

“St. Paul’s Cathedral is there.” His index finger ran along a series of multicolored spines. “It’s said that ages ago the clergymen would go on procession down the street while offering the Lord’s Prayer, hence the name.” He paused over a book with a maroon binding and gilt lettering along the top. “Sense and Sensibility. And if I may be so bold, an excellent story. A classic.”

“But also a love story?” Grace took the book in her hand and added it to the pathetically small pile she’d excavated.

He gave that rich, warm chuckle she found she liked a great deal. “You aren’t going to make this shop as pretentious as some of the others, are you?” He grimaced.

“I haven’t seen them yet.” Grace admitted. “But I don’t think that’s possible regardless. I would like to at least make this place appear more welcoming.”

“There’s an old world feel here I’ve always appreciated.” He lifted a shoulder. “It would be a shame to have it be like another Nesbitt’s Fine Reads, all crisp newness without any personality.”

“I’ll take it by your authority until I see for myself. I would like to do what I can to elevate Primrose Hill Books’ appeal. To bring in more customers.”

“It’s good of you to care so much.”