Six months later.
Valentina stood in front of her new bookstore, watching the sign go up. "Ross & Duke's Books & Coffee." Not the most creative name, but it was theirs.
"Looks good," Duke said, coming up behind her with two coffee cups from the café they'd built into the corner. "Grand opening next week. You nervous?"
"Terrified." She took the coffee. "What if nobody comes?"
"They'll come." Duke kissed her temple. "Half of Riverdale's already asking when you open."
The bookstore had been Valentina's idea—a way to give back to the town that had given them both so much. Duke had insisted on being a partner, putting club money behind it. Their first legitimate joint venture.
"How's the garage doing?" Valentina asked.
"Booked solid through next month." Duke sipped his coffee. "Axel's ta
