Page 111 of Cocky Brutal Sinner

“You can’t be serious,” she says, shaking her head. “It’s too much.”

“No, it’s not. The Copper Cup is yours. The walls should be, too.”

“But I can’t afford it,” she sputters. “Our profits are good, but not buy a building good.”

“You don’t have to. It’s yours, no strings. You know I can afford it. You can put the money you were spending into your romance bookstore revamp.”

“At least let me pay you what I would pay in rent until the building is covered. I can’t just take a whole building.”

“Yes, you can.” I kiss her temple. “It’s yours, because I love you. Now go to sleep. We can fight about rent tomorrow if you want, but trust me, it’s a fight you’re going to lose.”

“Beau.”

“Don’t be too mad. You win almost every other fight.”

Brinley cups my face in her hand. “Thank you.”

I brush my lips against hers. “You’re welcome.”

40

BRINLEY

“You’d really change the Copper Cup’s name?” Eden asks, aghast. We’re sitting on the couch, sharing a bottle of wine and a big bowl of M&Ms.

I shrug. “If I’m going to pivot to an all-romance store, I might as well commit to it. A new name, a new shop.”

“Do you have a name in mind?”

“I was thinking maybe the Peppermint Press? Or is that too crazy.”

Eden shakes her head. “It’s perfect. Your fans will love it, and it’ll get press to cover your opening.”

I cringe. “I don’t have fans.”

“Fine. Admirers of your work, if you insist. They know you because of Peppermint, so honestly, it’s just smart branding.”

“Did I show you the sketches from the interior designer yet?” I ask.

Eden perks up. “No! Show me immediately.”

I pull up the email and we both crowd around the phone while I point out the new features. “That’s where she wants to put the recommendation wall. And she wants to replace the wooden chairs with armchairs and couches, so people can curl up with a book.”

“I love the burgundy color for the café,” Eden says. “Wait—is that a picture of Fabio?”

I chuckle. “If by picture, you mean life-sized cardboard cut out, then yes. Fabio’s just an example, though. The idea is that we have a book boyfriend of the month, and people can come and pose for photos with him. We can also create special pop-ups for author signing events.”

“This is amazing, Brin. I can’t believe you got it all together so quickly. You went from idea to execution like that.” She snaps her fingers.

“Well, I’m still in the planning stage, but I think I’m close to finally making it happen.”

With Beau and Eden’s help, I was able to hit the ground running with my idea to transform the Copper Cup from a café that sells books to a destination for romance readers, built around community and women who refuse to hide what they love. Beau’s already talking about expanding and multiple locations. He’s getting way ahead of himself, but it feels good to have all his support.

“I hope I’ll be around long enough to help you open shop.” Eden sighs.

“Not if you stick to your original deadline.” It’s almost fall, and even though Eden was able to help out with a few events at the Whitmer, she still hasn’t found a permanent gig. “I’m all for you extending it, by the way. I love having you here, and you’re welcome to stay as long as you like.”

“As much as I appreciate the offer, I can’t sleep at your place forever,” she says. “Eventually you’re going to move in with Beau, or he’ll move in here. Either way, you don’t need me around cramping your style.”