Dare to Succeed (The Dare 2)

Monroe turned toward her.

“But you’re doing well, selling on eBay?” he asked.

“I’m doing very well there.”

“Then you should consider opening up a small storefront. You can do custom orders and then random sales on eBay still.”

“I’ve thought about it.”

“You go to the new construction site on the edge of town a lot. You considering renting one of the storefronts there?” Max asked her and she saw Monroe’s eyes light up.

“I don’t think so. I mean, maybe. I don’t know, why?” she asked and then turned to sit up, feeling the effects of the ointment kick in.

“This is amazing work. You’re very talented,” Max told her then walked out of the room to the bathroom to wash his hands she assumed as she heard the water start a few seconds after he disappeared.

“Is that what you were doing? You were checking out the construction site?” Monroe asked her.

“I like going there and see it improve every day. It’s going to be a prime location,” she said as she placed her hands on her lap.

“I heard that they sold six out of the twelve storefronts already. If you’re considering it, let Caldwell and me know. We’re friends with the guy building them.”

“Oh, well like I said, I’m not sure I’m ready for that. I mean I would love to. Don’t get me wrong, but I don’t know if I want to take the financial risk. It’s a lot to consider.”

“Hey, your stuff is great. If you don’t want to take it all on yourself, you could find a partner, or someone who supports your work that’s willing to back you financially.”

“And if it fails, then what? I owe that person my life?”

“No, there are ways to protect both parties. If you’re interested, talk to Caldwell or myself. We know people,” he told her and she nodded her head as she took in the sight of Monroe. He wore dress pants, a pair of cowboy boots peeked out from the hem on his ankles, and he wore a blue button-down shirt, no tie. He looked good. He looked classy.

She heard him clear his throat and then cross his arms in front of his chest.

“The place looks good. You’re a neat freak huh?” he asked.

“I wouldn’t say that. You haven’t been in her bathroom,” Max said and then winked at Monroe.

“What’s wrong with my bathroom?” she asked and tried to stand up as she thought about how she might have left it this morning. She was a bit of a neat freak. She was always cleaning. In fact, she cleaned the bathroom this morning.

Then she remembered how she washed out some bras and thong panties to hang on the line she made in the bathroom shower. Oh God. He saw them. The sheriff saw her panties hanging in there.

Alicia felt her cheeks warm and she cleared her throat.

“So, thanks again for the help.”

She grunted as she got up and Max reached for her to help her.

“I’m fine.”

He held her gaze. His dark brown eyes bore into hers.

“You’re more than fine, Alicia. You’re perfect.”

She didn’t know why he said that and she didn’t want to ask, but didn’t get the chance. He excused himself and said he needed to get back to work.

“Now you be sure to cover that up and reapply the ointment. I’ll check in on you later.”

“That won’t be necessary. I have work to do.”

“I’ll text you.”