Free Nordic Heroes: In the Market and a Wholesale Arrangement by Day Leclaire

innocently, “Mata Hari?”
    He stared at her as though seeing her for the first time and wagged his finger in her direction. “You dare and I’ll turn you over my knee. How old are you, anyway?” he demanded suspiciously.
    She struggled to keep a straight face. “Twenty-four last week. Don’t you remember?”
    Cletus shook his head in dismay. “If your father were alive, he’d lock you up and throw away the key. You’re too pretty for your own good. No wonder that man’s come sniffing around here.”
    “Uncle Cletus!” Jordan exclaimed.
    An obstinate expression darkened his features. “In fact, I’ve changed my mind about this whole business. He’s too good-looking. And big, and strong, and . . . and blond! I’ll go with him. He can show me around the Thorsen markets, instead.” An idea occurred and he brightened. “On the other hand, maybe he isn’t after Cornucopia. Maybe it’s you he’s after.” The frown returned. “I’m not sure which is worse.”
    If only he were after her, the wistful thought popped into her head. If only Cornucopia didn’t stand between them. But since it did and since he wanted the store . . . She’d never be certain if he romanced her to get his hands on the market or just for her. After all, look what happened to Andrea when she’d gotten involved with a Thorsen. Jordan thrust the thought aside to consider and mull over when she had the time.
    “You’re reading too much into this, Uncle Cletus. I can guarantee it’s the store Rainer wants, not me. He thinks by showing me around Thorsen’s, he’ll change my mind and we’ll hand him the store on a silver platter. He’s wrong. He just doesn’t know it yet.”
    Cletus didn’t appear convinced. “He’s very good-looking.”
    “I haven’t noticed,” she lied without compunction. “My only concern is to get this man out of our lives. Permanently. I don’t think we should let this opportunity slip past. Why don’t I go with him?” Lord, she sounded sanctimonious. She couldn’t believe Uncle Cletus would fall for this.
    But she could see him wavering. “We need a plan to defeat them,” she said to drive home her point. “Getting the inside scoop could give us that plan.”
    “I guess.” He relented, giving her a hug. “But be careful. Don’t get hurt.”
    Those sounded like famous last words, she thought uneasily. Or rather, infamous last words. She remembered again the feel of Rainer’s finger on her cheek and shivered. How could she possibly protect Cornucopia when she couldn’t even protect herself? She groaned inwardly. For crying out loud. Was she defeated already? Where had her backbone gone? Her spunk? Hiding with her courage, no doubt.
    “Hey, Jordan,” Michelle’s voice interrupted. “The customers are banging on the door. It’s after nine. What should I do?”
    Jordan shut her eyes. How could she possibly leave this place alone for a whole day? It would be a heap of rubble before sunset. “Try opening the door,” she suggested in a gentle voice. “I’ve found that usually works best.”
    Michelle’s eyes widened. “Oops. I should have thought of that.”
    Jordan bit her tongue before the words dancing on the tip could escape. “Forget it, Michelle. I’ll be there in a minute. Key in the registers instead, okay?” Obediently the younger girl trotted off. Jordan glanced at her uncle, and the two of them, unable to resist, burst out laughing. “I can’t believe I’m standing around when I haven’t even done the sign changes,” she said ruefully.
    “No problem. I’ll do them,” Cletus volunteered. “You never let me help with the signs. And you know how much I like doing them.”
    “Are you sure?” She couldn’t keep the doubt from her voice. She’d had previous experience with Uncle Cletus’s “help,” and could live without a repeat performance.
    “Don’t you think I can?” Her uncle’s tone reflected his hurt.
    “Of course I do. It’s