Page 22 of The Dating Prohibition
An older gentleman in a suit strode toward them and introduced himself as Dean before handing them both dossiers about theproperty. He toured them around the two-story building, remarking on different fixtures and parts of the building that theyhoped to preserve along with ideas for how the building could be modernized for commercial use. A lot of the buildings inthe area had been used for industrial work in support of the US Navy. Nearby, there were metal sculptures depicting scenesof men and women working with tools in their hands. Given the staggering number of industrial workers, local speakeasies hadlined the outskirts of the Annex during Prohibition.
Ben carried his phone in his hand, having asked for permission to record a voice memo of the tour for his research. Kendra wandered away from the two men, taking in the layout of the space and letting her imagination run wild with how she could adjust it to suit her needs. There were obvious fixtures to keep, and she thought that there could even be a display of one of the uniforms along with some articles about the ways the firefighters of the house had impacted the local community.
The garage area had plenty of space to accommodate the bar and some table seating. There were storage rooms where she couldkeep some of her inventory. The bunk room was on the second floor along with a large kitchen and dining area. Kendra picturedan open-kitchen concept with a long table to accommodate family-style seating. There were a couple of offices and large unisexbathrooms on both levels.
As she joined the two downstairs, BJ gestured between Kendra and Dean. “Kenny, Dean was just telling me that they’ve got severaloffers on the place already, so if you are interested, you’d need to put in your offer and proposal now.”
“I can imagine.” She’d scanned through the dossier during her walk. She jutted her chin at BJ and he nodded encouragingly.“I can absolutely see the value in a property like this.”
Dean chuckled, his eyes darting between the pair. “Can you picture your business here?”
She smiled brightly. “I can! But I almost think this space is too big for my needs. Plus, I’m not quite ready to make an offer.I’m still securing my funding, so for right now, I’m simply window-shopping.”
“Ah, I understand. Well, please, do you have a card? I can let you know of some other properties that will be coming availablesoon.”
She nodded, handing him a clean business card that had her name, email address, and phone number.
“Hmm . . . Porter Prohibition has a nice ring to it,” Deansaid admiringly, holding up her card with approval. “I like that.”
“Thank you. I’ve had a lot of time to think about it.” She nodded proudly.
BJ offered Dean his hand. “Sir, it’s been a pleasure. We appreciate you giving us a tour.”
“The pleasure’s all mine. Your research sounds fascinating, young man. Do reach out if you or your girlfriend think of anyother questions.”
Kendra giggled nervously and waved as they exited, and BJ opened the door of the truck for her. “You know, I could get usedto this.” She grinned up at him. Her smile faded as she realized he was scowling at her, and every impulse within her propelledher into the passenger seat without another word.
He shut her door and walked around to get in, blowing out a heavy breath as he sat down. “Kenny...”
“What’s wrong?” She leaned her back against the door to take in the view of his profile. “Did I do something?”
“Not intentionally... You’re just being you.”
“I’m not sure what you mean or why that might be problematic.” She tilted her head, her mind racing through the possibilitiesof what he was implying.
“It’s about the other night.” His eyes bore into hers and her breath hitched.
Kendra’s stomach lurched.Fuck.“Listen, I really didn’t mean it. That was my fault. I misread the signals and thought you were about to kiss me—”
“Iwasabout to kiss you.” He squeezed his eyes shut and turned his body toward hers, one elbow resting on the steering wheel.
“Wait... huh? You were?” Kendra frowned in confusion. She looked at him, trying to piece together where things went wrong.“Was it my breath?”
“Kenny,” BJ laughed.
“Ben, I don’t understand. If you were going to kiss me, whydidn’tyou kiss me?”And will you now?Something inside her was pushing her toward him, and all she could think of were their talks and the way he understood her.The way he looked out for her and made her feel safe. The way he never let her question herself.
“Because it’s you.”
What fresh hell is this?!“Well, whatexactlydoes that mean?”
“Kenny... you’re you. You’re off-limits.”
Heat burned in her chest as her tone rose an octave, fury threatening to breach the surface. “Excuse me? Says who? Let mefind out that Logan is blocking... he’s gonna get way more than a wooden spoon when I get home. I’ll knock some sense into—”
BJ rested a hand on her arm, warmth spreading through the thin layer of her coat, searing her skin. “Kendra. Your brotherdidn’t set the boundary.”
“Well, who did? My dad?”
