Page 22 of Designing Love
Mia shoots a look at Claire. “Don’t mind her, she likes to romanticize everything that happens in this town. Ethan is known for being a bit extravagant.”
“You afraid I’ll steal you or Oliver’s place as resident authors?” Claire shoots back without hesitation.
I watch the banter between these two friends, not quite sure what to make of it and of Claire’s relationship with Ethan.
“Need any tips to survive said tall goof?” Claire asks, suddenly turning to face me.
“Sure,” I reply hesitantly, caught off guard.
“Coffee first, optimism second, headlamp third — that house must have the world’s worst wiring.” She flashes a grin, then nods toward Mia. “Caffeine emergency solved?”
Mia produces a to-go cup. “Here you go.”
Claire accepts it triumphantly. “You’re a lifesaver. Nice meeting you, Sophia. And welcome to the circus. I’m sure we’ll be good friends. I have a sixth sense about these things.” With a friendly salute she’s gone, the bell chiming in her wake.
I watch her disappear, a flutter of something — nerves? — twisting in my stomach.
Mia sighs, shaking her head. “Sorry about that. The life of a bookstore owner!”
I smile. “You seem to enjoy it.”
“Love it!” Mia chuckles softly. “So, back to Ethan — sorry, your ‘professional arrangement.’”
Mia must notice my nervousness, because she nudges the cappuccino toward me. “Don’t overthink it. Claire teases everyone, especially people Ethan actually likes.”
Heat creeps up my cheeks. “He hardly knows me.”
“True,” Mia says, eyes kind.
“There’s nothing between them?”
“There were rumors about them for years. But they’re more like siblings. They’d rather tease each other to death than date.”
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “Ah.”
Mia glances up, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “Why do I get the feeling I’ve just confirmed that you were totally off-base on a theory?”
I laugh, flustered. “Busted.”
She winks, then returns to her stack of books. “Well, if there’s more to the story now, I don’t think anyone in town would mind a new, ‘purely professional’ chapter.”
“Exactly,” I murmur weakly, unable to meet her teasing eyes. “Purely professional.”
“Sure,” Mia replies, lips curling upward. “Well, whatever it is, I’m glad you’re here. Ethan deserves someone good in his life, personally or professionally.”
I bite my lip, gaze dropping again to the book’s open pages. A beautifully restored living room catches my eye, sunlight spilling across polished hardwood floors and furniture perfectly placed. It’s precisely what I envisioned, and my pulse quickens with excitement.
Mia notices my expression softening and smiles gently. “Looks like you’re already falling in love.”
I snap my gaze upward sharply. “With the house. Definitely the house.”
“Of course.” Mia’s eyes twinkle knowingly. “Just the house.”
I close the book decisively with a little flourish and I stand, clutching it to my chest like a shield. “I think I should go do some research — alone. Preferably without any more romantic conspiracy theories.”
Mia grins unapologetically. “In that case, I’d avoid Main Street entirely. Too many romantics with excellent eyesight.”
I let out a mock groan. “Noted. Any quiet corners you recommend for research?”
