Holy Hearts by Amanda Richardson

Author:Amanda Richardson [Richardson, Amanda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2025-02-18T00:00:00+00:00

An hour later, Stella and I are waving goodbye to an annoyed Jake, who is late for his next meeting, and I’m clutching the folio to my chest. He still has to run a background and credit check, as well as verify the funding, but he made it seem like the place was mine if I wanted it.

Even better, he agreed to lower the rent. Despite initially trying to dismiss the idea of a romance bookstore, Stella had won him over eventually with her charm. By the end, he seemed almost impressed with us.

I’m so glad I asked her to accompany me today.

“Hunnry,” Beatrix says, pointing at her mouth.

“We’re having dinner with Daddy soon, darling,” Stella coos. She reaches into her backpack and hands Beatrix a bag of what looks like Cheerios before strapping her into a fancy-looking pram. “I’m very proud of you,” she tells me, smiling when she’s finished. “You kept your cool, and you’re about to be the owner of—what were you planning on naming the bookshop, anyway?”

My cheeks heat. “I filed the business paperback under Ashford Publishing. I still don’t have a name in mind yet, but I figured I could use this name for other things, too.”

Stella’s eyes brighten as she gestures toward downtown. “I want to hear all about those other things. But first… I have a quick meeting with the admissions advisor at Saint Helena Academy. I’ve got to get this child of mine on a goddamn wait list for preschool two years early,” she adds, shaking her head with an exasperated chuckle. “I mean, it’s just a formality, of course. Maybe you want to join me on the walk, and you can say hello to Malakai?”

I open and close my mouth. It’s late afternoon on a Friday—I’m sure he’s swamped.

And yet… I can’t help but want to see him.

Julian had told me what happened two nights ago, and then I’d asked him to tell me what happened again in greater detail in bed, because it turned me on to think he’d kissed another man.

Turns out, I enjoy the idea of him with another guy. Oh, how the tables have turned.

I’ve always known Julian was bisexual—he was very up-front about it when we met. And truth be told, I love the idea of him getting to explore that side of himself. I have no doubt that he loves me and always will.

“Sure. I’d love to join you,” I tell her. “Let me just pop my folio into my car.”

A minute later, we’re enjoying the warm afternoon sunshine as we walk through downtown Crestwood.

“So…” she says, taking a sip from her water bottle. “What’s up with you and Kai?”

I stumble over my feet at her question. I didn’t expect her to come right out with it. We’re closer now, sure, but her question catches me off guard.

“What do you mean? We’re friends.”

Stella laughs. “Just friends?”

I scoff. “I’m a married woman. Of course we’re just friends.”

She smirks as she glances sidelong at me. “Okay, then perhaps I should ask, what’s going on with Julian and Kai?”

My mouth drops open.

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