Page 38 of Stuck with my Mechanic Daddies

And that folder.

What kind of power did a man like that have over someone like Hank?

I didn’t know much about Medford, but I knew that Hank Lawson wasn’t justsome guy.He was the kind of man who spoke in threats disguised as business deals, who didn’t need to raise his voice to make you feel small.

And yet, tonight, hehadraised his voice.

Because of me.

Because of my uncle.

I pulled my jacket tighter around myself, my fingers curling into the fabric as Ethan led me away from the festival, toward the quieter side streets of town.

“Tell me what he said.”

Ethan’s voice was low, steady. Controlled in a way that told me he wasn’t.

I glanced up at him. His jaw was tight, his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his jacket, his shoulders tense like he was ready for a fight that hadn't come.

I let out a slow breath.

“I don’t know,” I admitted. “It didn’t make any sense.”

Ethan’s eyes flicked to me. “Try me.”

I hesitated, my mind still spinning. But I had to say it out loud, didn’t I? Maybe it would sound as ridiculous as it felt.

“He said George wrecked his business and life,” I started, keeping my voice low, as if saying it too loud might make it real. “That people in town helped him. And that I will never be able to own Page Turners.”

Ethan stopped walking. I barely had time to react before he turned to face me fully, his eyes sharp, his jaw ticking.

“He said what?”

I swallowed. “That it can’t be mine.”

Ethan exhaled through his nose, running a hand through his hair. “That's bullshit.”

I crossed my arms. “Yeah? Because the way he was talking, he seemed pretty damn sure about it.”

“He's trying to scare you.”

“Well, it’s working,” I snapped before I could stop myself.

The words hung between us for a moment. I hadn't meant to sound so raw, sovulnerable.

But I was.

This was supposed to be simple. Come to town, fix up the bookstore, sell it, and go back to my life.

No one said anything about town feuds. Or shady business deals. Or a man like Hank Lawson shouting threats in my face while the smell of caramel apples and grilled steak filled the air.

I exhaled, pressing my fingers to my temples. “I don’t know what's happening.”

Ethan was quiet for a moment. Then, softer than I expected, he said, “We'll figure it out.”

I looked at him.

He hadn't saidyou'llfigure it out. He’d saidwe.

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