Page 68 of Spellbound & Speechless
He seems to consider, but he shakes his head rather than agreeing. “I’m thankful to never be in that situation. Not that I have a problem with the men. It’s the smelly part that’s throwing me off.”
“You would be smelly too, in that scenario.”
“Fair point.”
I don’t know what to expect, but where he takes me is a tad lackluster. I tilt my chin, peering at the old, rundown… wait, what was this shop before? I don’t quite remember.
“Your information is outdated.” I smirk. “This place hasn’t been open in years.”
“That’s the point.” Mac leans against the brick wall, and a sliver of sun shines into his bright eyes. “What do you think of it?”
“I think… oh! It used to be a candy shop! Am I right?”
He chuckles. “No clue. That’s not the point. We’re here to talk about what itcouldbe. It can be anything you want, right?”
I glance into the dark shop, frowning thoughtfully. “Like…”
“Like somewhere for you to sell your designs.”
A smile dances on my lips. “Like a boutique?”
“Exactly what I had in mind, yeah.”
“Thatwouldbe nice.” I bite the inside of my cheek. “I probably can’t afford it.”
“You could get a loan.”
“But a boutique may not make any money. People in this town don’t care about fashion.”
“Or it might make a shit ton of money and awaken a new group of fashionistas.” He wiggles his eyebrows. “You never know.”
It’s something for me to consider. I want to stay in the fashion industry, but I can’t go back to working for a company I don’t believe in. I need somewhere else to make my clothes, and maybe… maybe I can even sell them. Mac may be right.
“Oh, but I’m just one person,” I say. “I can’t do it all.”
“No one is asking you to do everything. You’re not alone, Aspen.” He takes my hand and pulls me closer, his expression softening. “You have me, and you have your sisters. Besides… think about how many great fashion empires started withjustone person.”
Even though I’ve spent weeks with my sisters, and even though I’m a part of the family again, it’s hard to wrap my head around having their support. I was alone for so long, and it wasmychoice. Now, I choose to be with the people I care about, but I’m still not brave enough to accept their help.
“Well, in that case…” I bite my lower lip. “I’ll have to track down the owner and see if we can get a tour. If I’m opening a shop, the energy must be perfect.”
“Nah. No need to bother anyone with that.” Mac tugs my hand to lead me around the back.
“Oh? Did you already get a key?”
“Something like that.” He presses his lips together as he blocks the door with his massive frame. For several moments, he says nothing.
I glare at his back. “Mac! Youcan’tbreak into my future boutique.”
The door opens with a click. “I can, actually, and it’s way too easy. We’ll need to up security once we buy it.”
We. He makes it sound like we’re doing everything together, even though our relationship is so new. In some circumstances, it would scare me.Moving too fast in a relationship is rarely a good thing. It’s usually a major red flag, but…
There’s something about doing it with Mac that feels right. Everything about being with him is right. Falling for someone comes with adrenaline, a pause, some kind of consideration or fear. With him, it’s as easy as breathing.
If I didn’t know better, I would think he put a spell onme. No one has ever made me so infatuated.
I’m so obsessed that I let him guide me into the shop, ignoring the risk of getting into trouble. Oh, that would be terrible. People always talk around Starbrook; the last thing I need is them talking about us breaking the law.
