He looks at me for a second before smirking arrogantly. “You can tell us apart?”
Nodding, I shrug. “Was there something you needed? New soap? Shampoo?”
As he looks around the shop, I notice Rena is still staring at him. Even though she’s fifty-three years old and happily married, this Banks man has mesmerized her.
Rome walks over and extends his hand. “Rome Banks. I thought I’d come and check out your shop and meet you for myself.”
After shaking his hand, I point to the merchandise throughout the store and smile. “Nice to meet you. Please, have a look around and let me know if you have any questions.”
“Thanks.” He makes a show of browsing for several minutes and grabs a few bottles of men’s shampoo and shaving cream. As he’s wandering through the store, I get a text from Jodie.
Your sleazy books are here. I’ll run them over in a few.
Freaking Sally caught me in a moment of weakness and convinced me to order a few of the books on Mrs. Darling’s list of reads. Shaking my head, I text back a thumbs up and pray reading the books takes my mind off this whole situation.
Rena somehow pulls herself together and shows Rome around the store. I’m trying to ignore them when the bell rings over the door.
“Hey, girl, here’s your word porn.” Jodie breezes in and comes to a stop. Her mouth falls open as her eyes become saucers. “Oops. I didn’t realize you had customers.”
Her pale face turns bright red before the cocky Banks twin walks over and extends his palm. “Rome Banks.” When Jodie holds out her hand, he brings it to his lips and places a kiss across her knuckles, causing Rena to sigh and me to gag.
“Jodie Weller,” she squeaks. “I own The Book Nook.”
I roll my eyes as he dials up the Banks charm. Jodie doesn’t stand a chance. Poor sucker. After a while, I’ve had enough of the nauseating display and ask, “Jodie, who’s watching the store?”
“Oof. I have to go.” She rushes to the door and looks back at Rome. “It was nice meeting you.”
He appears dazed as he smiles. “You, as well. I’m sure we’ll see each other again soon.”
After Jodie leaves, Rome pays for his items and heads out. Before he walks out the door, he turns and calls to me, “I hope to see you often in the future.”
I smile and wave at him, wishing I could agree.
Chapter Eight
Roan
“What the hell?” I yell, and my mother’s eyes flash.
All five feet of her rushes up to glare at me. “Don’t swear at me. I went through twenty-three hours of labor for you two boys.” Shit. She’s pulling out the guilt trip.
“Mother, I can handle my relationship myself. You need to stay out of it.” As Rome snorts behind her, I glance over her head and glare at my brother. We may look exactly the same, but our personalities are completely different. “I’ll find a way to get her back.”
“I hate to state the obvious, but it’s been weeks and you’re still moping around here.” My mother shrugs.
“She has you there,” Rome puts his two cents in, causing me to lose it.
“Look, I fucked up, but I’ll to find a way to make it right. Myself.” My twin rolls his eyes while my mother shakes her head. This family loves to stick their noses into each other’s business. After convincing the two of them to allow me to brood in peace, I stare out the window and contemplate my next course of action.
The sun has set when there’s a knock at my door. Rome sticks his head in and mumbles, “Just wanted to let you know, I went to see your girl.”
Rage pours through me, and I jump from my chair. After careening across the marble floor, it slams into the window and overturns. Rome’s eyes widen, and he holds his hands up. “I was trying to help. I’m tired of watching you mope around like a big baby.”
“I told you to stay out of my business.” I slam my hand down on the desk.
My brother ambles in and drops onto the sofa. “When was the last time I actually listened to you?”
Fucker. After picking up my chair, I sit behind my desk and groan, “I can’t fuck this up. She’s everything to me.”
Rome looks at me and rubs the back of his neck. “Funny story. While I was trying to get you another chance, my soulmate walked into the shop.”
I stare at my brother. “What?” He raises an eyebrow and sighs. The fucker is telling the truth. There must be something in the water in this fucking town.
“Well, isn’t that great. Who’s going to run Banks Properties in New York?” I wonder out loud, and Rome shrugs.
“I don’t really care right now.” He walks out and leaves me staring at the door. Our family is going to experience several changes in the coming months, but no matter what, I won’t let anything keep me from my girl.
As I stand on the abandoned sidewalk outside Soap Addiction, I take a deep breath and tell myself this is my last shot. I need to convince my love to give me another chance. When I push the door open, both Addie and the salesclerk look over at me. There are a few customers roaming the store, but I ignore everyone else and head for my girl.
“Roan, what are you doing here?” Addie isn’t ordering me to leave, so I take that as a positive sign.
I point at the back room and ask, “Could you spare a minute? I’d like to talk to you.”
Indecision flashes through her emerald green eyes before she smiles weakly and turns, looking over her shoulder. “Please, follow me.”
I close my eyes and take a relieved breath.
She spins and places her hands on her hips once I shut the door behind us. “I can’t leave Rena alone for long, so we need to make this brief.”
“I want to apologize for my family. I’m sorry they’ve been coming in here and annoying you.”
She blinks rapidly and states, “Uh, they’re very nice. There’s nothing to apologize for.”
“And, I want to beg your forgiveness for my behavior.” Her bottom lip trembles, but I rush on. “The first time I saw you, I knew you were important to me. I should have told you the truth right away, but instead, I kept thinking it would be better if I made you fall for me first.”
Addie drops down into one of the chairs and stares at me wordlessly. When she doesn’t kick me out, I go all in. “You’re the first woman to ever make me feel this way. I need you, and I’m so sorry I lied. I’ve fallen in love with you and Chestnut Landing.” A single tear slides down her face, and I reach over to wipe it away. “I want to stay in this town with you.”
Addie’s eyes drop down to the wooden table in front of her before she draws in a deep breath. “I need to think about it, and I need time. If we’re going to start a relationship, we’ll have to start over from scratch.” As she looks up at me, hope blasts through my soul. “I know we’d only been on one date, but it was a disaster.”
“I’m going to make it up to you. I swear.” Ideas form in my mind. I won’t blow my second chance with her.