Free A Fresh Start for Two by Keira Montclair

in a hurry. “Officer, is there some problem?”
    “No, the ladies and I are taking a class involving retail space,” he said, giving her that charming grin. “Do you mind if we take a closer look at how you display your goods? The way you’ve arranged your space is especially inviting.”
    A look of relief passed over the clerk’s face. “No, no, not at all. Take your time. If you need anything, let me know.” She returned to assist another customer.
    Julia whispered, “How did you know we would be here?”
    “I didn’t. Bill and I were just cruising by and I saw you two strolling along, so parked the car to see what you were doing. I know you mentioned you wanted to check out a store layout. Keep going. I’d like to listen.”
    Lucia pointed to the side and said, “Julia, we don’t have anything planned for this spot yet. What do you think?”
    All three stared at the sketch pad.
    “A couple of chairs,” Jake said.
    “For what? There are already some chairs in the try-on areas.”
    “For the guys to sit in while their wives shop.”
    Lucia looked at Julia, “I think it’s a good idea. What do you think?”
    “What would guys do while their wives shopped?” Julia asked Jake.
    “I don’t know. Check their phones? Watch sports on a tablet?”
    “Eat?” Lucia said. “If they’re anything like my brothers, they’d eat while they were waiting.”
    He laughed and shrugged. “Guilty as charged. Guys can always eat. That’s a great idea.”
    “Maybe we should have a small counter, like in the old diners, but for ice cream or milk shakes? What do you think?” Julia stared into his eyes, amazed at how intently he was watching her.
    He thought for a moment before responding. “I think it’s a great idea. Tourists are always looking for ice cream. Or coffee in the winter. Or maybe iced coffee, smoothies. But we might want to move that up front.”
    Lucia said, “No. If it’s in the back, they’ll pass all these things they might be tempted to buy.”
    Jake shrugged. “I don’t know. You ladies decide. Women are the shopping experts.”
    His radio went off, so he said, “Gotta run. See you in class.”
    He hurried down the street and Julia followed him with her gaze, wanting to drink in everything about him. She noticed his cruiser parked not far down the street, and Bill leaning up against it. Jake had such a nice body, even in uniform. What she wouldn’t give to…
    Lucia poked her, forcing her attention back to her. “Julia, you need to break up with Vincent. I know we just met him, but I think you and Jake were meant for each other.”
    Julia stared after him, lost in thought. Lucia’s phone went off, so she waved to Julia and headed outside to answer it. She sighed, something she often did when Jake Ramsay was around. He made her heart flutter and her body heat up in an instant, but—and she knew this for the contradiction it was—she felt an aura of peace whenever he was near. It felt like a safety net, yeah, something like that. She would give anything to have the chance to find out more about him, to spend time with him, to be wrapped in his arms once more. Jake inspired her to want to become more connected with life, and what a wonderful feeling that was.
    But was she really willing to give up everything? Including her relationship with her mother and sister?
    Yes, she would, she decided. They had made their allegiance—or lack thereof—clear to her. Her mind was made up. She would even risk getting beaten just to break free from him. She just had to make the timing right so the damage would be minimal.
    The door opened and she cringed. Vincent stalked straight toward her. Lucia was trailing directly behind him, her eyes wide.
    “Julia, we need to talk.” He stood next to her, not openly threatening her, but much too close, using his presence to intimidate her.
    “What is it? I thought we were finished for today.” She crossed her arms and stepped back, always aware of how close