Secondhand Romance

By RoseAnn DeFranco

Annie O'Malley's dream of owning a secondhand bookstore in tight-knit Audubon Springs is coming true. Still reeling from her parents' sudden deaths, she believes that signs or messages can be found within the pages of books. She loves her job and has made plenty of friends but longs for the acceptance only love and a family can provide. Tony Iuliano is there to fix the wiring in her shop. He doesn't believe in fate, magic, or the power of a good book. All this combined with his sexy-as-sin presence and all-knowing attitude infuriates Annie. The quirky bookworm intrigues him enough to accept her bet to read a book from her shop. When he discovers a stack of fifty-year-old love letters in the book, he wants to leave the past alone, but seeing it as a sign, Annie challenges him to read the letters and search for the long-lost lovers or lose the bet. While shaking the dust off several ill-fated romances and fighting their attraction at every turn, the pair soon become the town gossip daily special. If they can stop arguing long enough, they may just discover this particular sign was meant for them all along.

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
• Release date: Apr 2, 2014
• ISBN: 9781628301748

Book preview

Inc.

Secondhand Romance

by

RoseAnn DeFranco

Brothers of Audubon Springs

Book Two

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

Secondhand Romance

COPYRIGHT © 2013 by RoseAnn DeFranco

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press, Inc. except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

Contact Information: [e-mail]

Cover Art by Debbie Taylor

The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

PO Box 708

Adams Basin, NY 14410-0708

Visit us at www.thewildrosepress.com

Publishing History

First Champagne Rose Edition, 2013

Print ISBN 978-1-62830-173-1

Digital ISBN 978-1-62830-174-8

Brothers of Audubon Springs, Book Two

Published in the United States of America

Dedication

To my husband Tom,

for introducing me to the Jersey Shore,

and to my beautiful daughter,

for reminding me to always believe in magic

~

Thank you to my beta reader, Lori,

who was a large part of the writing sprint

that resulted in this book

Chapter One

Morning sunshine streamed through the storefront window of Second Chance Books, casting a warm glow within. For Annie O’Malley, the sweet, musky aroma of the secondhand books mixed with the fresh, crisp tang of the new releases stood as her calm after a storm. She flipped the sign on the door to open. The magic of this simple act, performed every day for the past two years, inviting customers into her home away from home, still elicited a flutter of excitement in her chest.

She stepped out onto 3rd Avenue. The fresh springtime air filled her lungs with the promise of summer just around the corner. Something stronger than fate brought Annie to Audubon Springs two years ago. This small New Jersey shore town, the vacation spot of her childhood, had become the perfect place to rebuild her life.

At the corner of 3rd and Allaire, bus boys set up tables in the outside courtyard of the Family Diner. She waved to Mr. Davis across the street when he emerged pulling a rack of sweatshirts and jackets out onto the walk. Initially she wondered why he kept the surf shop open during the off season, but soon discovered there was more to this town than the draw of the ocean in summertime. The people of Audubon Springs kept the town alive all year round.

She had just dragged a finger over the thin film of dirt on the storefront window when a tap on her shoulder drew her attention.

Good morning! Mia Anselmo, the owner of the bakery next door, and Annie’s closest friend in Audubon Springs, handed her a pastry bag.

Hey, good morning. Annie hesitantly peeked inside the bag. Is this one of your new creations?

Try it. Mia’s big, brown eyes popped open in excitement. I think I’m on to something this time.

If you keep testing your creations on me, I’m going to need a new wardrobe by summer.

Hardly.

The book you ordered came in.

They walked inside, the bells above the door ringing merrily above their heads. Annie moved around to the back of the checkout counter and pulled out the book. You’re all dressed up today. I’m not used to seeing you out of your apron this early in the morning.

There’s a Chamber of Commerce meeting.

That’s right. I wish I could go. Annie cautiously opened the pastry bag. An unusual aroma wafted out. She rolled it shut. Probably best to try this when Mia wasn’t around. Most things at Anselmo’s Family Bakery were heaven, but Mia’s current run of experiments were not going to turn into top sellers.

If you hired some help for the store, you could go to the meetings, Mia answered in her typical no nonsense attitude.

I know. I’m just not ready yet. Besides, the electrical work is being done today.

Oh good, so Tony’s coming?

Yeah, even though I asked for Rafe or Vince.

Why? Tony’s the electrician in the family. Rafe’s a carpenter. Vince is a jack of all trades. He could maybe put a dent in it, but he’d just end up calling Tony anyway.

Lucky me then, Annie said sarcastically.

Mia’s shook her head. It’s beyond me why you two don’t get along. All my life, I’ve never known anyone, especially a woman, who didn’t love my cousin.

You want a list? He’s arrogant. He talks to me like I’m a child. And he laughs at me. Annie checked them off, one by one, on her fingers.

Maybe he thinks you’re funny.

"Trust me, he doesn’t. He laughs because, to him, I’m the joke."

Just then Annie caught sight of movement outside the window. A tall, dark man, sexy as sin, climbed out of a van marked Iuliano and Sons then gazed up at the store. Annie narrowed her eyes at the sight of Tony Iuliano, the oldest and, in her opinion, most obnoxious of the Iuliano brothers.

Mia followed Annie’s line of vision. Seriously, Annie, make nice. He’s the best electrician in town.

The bells above the door jingled a moment later. Tony walked in wearing the same condescending smirk he always wore in her presence. When they first met they were inexplicably drawn to one another, like charged particles, striking sparks off each other. He had a sarcastic comment for her at nearly every social event, usually about whatever book she’d been holding in her hand or bag at the time. Sometimes it was just a sigh or a quiet chuckle when she contributed to a conversation. Of course, she had to retaliate. She’d bested him on several occasions. Perhaps he did this because he was the oldest in his family and used to assuming authority over his brothers. Regardless, he didn't have the right to treat her like a perpetually misbehaved child.

Good morning. Tony’s deep baritone voice echoed in the store and vibrated up and down her spine. As much as she hated to admit it, her initial reaction upon seeing him was always the same—her body, and every female instinct she possessed, woke up and responded with a sexual tug. She prayed to God he never noticed. His ego needed no stroking.

Hey, hey, cousin, what’s up? He playfully hooked one arm around Mia’s neck.

Nothing much, just hanging out with my girl for a few minutes. She nudged him in the ribs.

Annie’s your girl, huh? He nodded toward Annie and winked.

The meaningless gesture caused a slight flutter low in her belly. Annie gripped the counter and looked away. At twenty-eight she wasn’t interested in being with a man right now. Her focus centered on establishing roots of a different kind with her store and the community. When she was ready to step back out into the dating pool, it would be to find a man with whom she could build a home and life. A confirmed bachelor and ladies’ man like Tony didn’t fit the bill. Even so, her traitorous body wasn’t immune to the view.

Just play nice, Tony! Mia shoved him, probably a little bit harder than she intended. Taken by surprise, Tony stepped back and tripped over a box of books. He broke his fall by stomping on the box before landing on it.

Oh geez, be careful! Annie moved to push him off the box. Those are very old books. I haven’t even had a chance to go through them.

Hey, sorry…and don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. Relax, they’re just a bunch of old books. He pulled himself to his feet.

To you, maybe, but to me they represent possibilities. These books came into my shop just last night. Tom Bailey brought them in before heading to Ireland. They have been in his family for generations. Who knows their previous history, but now it’s my job to preserve them until their new owners come along. Then they’ll continue their journey.

Are we talking about books, or a litter of puppies? Tony threw his hands up in the air.

Books. Obviously. Annie crossed her arms over her chest.

And Tom Bailey brought these in? Mr. Bailey, the former tenth grade science teacher from Audubon Springs High?

Yes.

And he’s what, using you and this shop to sell his family heirlooms for money? He gets a cut, right?

Not exactly… Annie shifted her footing slightly from side to side. She could see the direction of his thoughts and didn’t like them one bit.

Annie, Mr. Bailey was the meanest teacher in school. These books represent one thing and one thing alone to him—money in his pocket.

Tom realizes these books represent history, magic, and adventures. In fact, he’s on an adventure right now in Ireland.

How is it he’s going on an adventure and not just a trip? He asked, one eyebrow raised, arms crossing over his massive chest.

Annie took a slight step closer, irked by his patronizing tone. Tom is not just going to check out the landscape. He’s heading to Ireland with a mission. He has unfinished business there.

How do I get into these conversations with you? He rubbed his forehead and turned his attention toward Mia. Is this some new dialect of woman-speak I need to learn?

Tony, don’t act like an ass. Mia smacked him on the shoulder. I’ve gotta go. Make sure Annie is all squared away. Any more smoldering fires in this shop, I’m holding you personally responsible.

Annie watched Mia’s retreating back with a sense of dread. She’d never actually been alone with Tony before. She rather liked having Mia around as a buffer, or at least as a witness to his obnoxious behavior.

She turned her attention to Tony. Her eyebrows rose when his intense, judgmental gaze landed on her. Despite his scowl, a powerful wave of unwanted attraction washed over her. His thick, dark, wavy hair, worn a bit on the longer side, added to his raw and reckless sex appeal. It invited her touch. Those dark eyes, currently focused on her, made it hard to breathe. Damn him.

So, in the world of Annie, what does Mr. Bailey think he’s going to find in Ireland?

Just because you have no sense of adventure doesn’t mean Tom doesn’t understand what might await him in Ireland.

What have you done to Mr. Bailey? He pressed one hand on the counter and leaned across it. The muscles in his arm flexed and her focus wandered. Everything about him radiated masculine heat with muscles that weren’t manufactured in a gym, but rather earned by hard work and play. Why did her attraction to him have to be so high and her dislike of him so great?

"What do you mean, what have I done to him? He’s sweet, and he’s my friend."

Fine. What adventure of doom have you’ve sent your sweet friend on?

She shrugged her shoulders in response and smiled, cocking her head to the side. She loved keeping information from Tony. Nothing infuriated him more.

You’ve set the old grouch up for disaster, haven’t you?

Why do you automatically think it will end in disaster? There is nothing wrong with spontaneity. Not that you’d know. She never saw Tony do anything impulsive. For the most part he held his emotions carefully in check. Tony was an observer. Annie knew this because she was an observer as well.

What does he think he’s looking for over there? Buried treasure, or maybe a lost love like something you’d read about in a book?

Annie bit her lower lip and glanced away.

Ah, ha! I knew it! He backed away from the counter and pointed a finger.

It’s not as simple as that.

Yes, it is. Trust me he’s gonna come back mad at you.

Tom is a nice man!

If you went to Audubon Springs High, you’d be singing a different song.

I’m glad I didn’t, if it meant I’d turn into an unimaginative grump like you! It was not in her nature to get angry or to call names. In fact, Annie worked very hard to stay in a perpetually good mood. She needed as many sunny days as possible. They helped to counteract the days where grief consumed her to the point where she could barely get out of bed.

Something about Tony Iuliano, the way he laughed at her, along with his rigid ways and know-it-all attitude, set her off.

Tony regarded her for a moment then shook his head. I should just focus on your loose wires.

Excuse me?

Did you, or did you not fail inspection following a smoldering fire in your shop?

I did. Frustration brewed that she needed him when she’d rather throw him out.

Okay, then, lead the way to the electrical panel. I don’t want people like Mia, or your buddy Mr. Bailey, on my bad side if you have a fire in this place. According to Bill Tucker at the Fire Department, you’re lucky it hasn’t already gone up in flames.

What would I do without men like you and Bill Tucker? Jaw clenched, she started for the basement door, lest she say something she’d come to regret.

Well, let’s hope you never have to find out. But, you know, you could always find the answers somewhere. Maybe in a book, or in Ireland.

Annie ripped open the basement door and smiled when it hit Tony in the shoulder. Sorry, I didn’t realize you were so close.

Tony raised his eyebrows and held her gaze. I can take it from here. He stepped past her and headed down the stairs.

****

The sound of a finger snapping above her head yanked Annie out of the captivating world of unrequited love in the eighteenth century. She laid the book down on top of the checkout counter and bid the characters adieu before facing the disturbance. Tony Iuliano stood on the other side of the counter with a frown on his otherwise gorgeous face.

Is there something I can help you with? She meant to ask sweetly, but the tone of her voice betrayed her.

I called your name three times. Where have you been?

Right here.

No, physically you were here. Where was your mind? He tapped a finger on her book.

What on earth had she done to tick him off now? She stood, tipped her head back several inches, and met his gaze. And?

Annie, you’re a business owner—a single, female business owner. You make yourself a prime target for theft every time you go off into never-never land the way you do.

I have owned and operated this shop for nearly two years without one single theft.

I’d call that dumb luck.

What?

Your pie in the sky attitude can only protect you for so long. What security do you have in this place?

I have an alarm system that I put on every night.

I saw it. It’s not on. When was the last time it was checked? He rested the tips of his fingers on the counter and leaned forward.

That is between me and the police department.

He made a show of touching his ear, and motioned for her to continue. And during the day? Why is it off?

The bells above the door alert me when someone comes in. Her voice and chin rose.

I opened and shut that door, said your name, and you still didn’t respond, he said, pointing to the door.

Whether he knew it or not, Tony was treading on very dangerous territory. Not only did he interrupt a pivotal moment in a novel with this ridiculous conversation, but he also questioned her ability to run this store, something she would not tolerate. This single, female business owner has done just fine. She stepped around the counter and stood toe-to-toe with him, placing her hands on her hips. Maybe I’m purposefully trying to tune you out? In fact, she’d started reading the book in an attempt to distract from his potent presence.

He glanced at the book she left on the counter and picked it up, weighing it in his big hand as if it were a foreign object. I don’t get it. What is it about a book that so completely captures your attention?

Annie’s eyes widened. A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. Hmmm, no, I don’t think so.

What does that mean?

It means I’m not going to try to explain this to a non-reader.

A dark expression flashed across his face. I read.

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition and Playboy do not count.

I said I can read.

"Calm down there, big guy. I’m sure you can read, but I own the only bookstore in town, and I’ve never seen you in here to buy a book. To my way of thinking, that puts you in the category of a non-reader, as in someone who does not read for pleasure."

Maybe I go to the library.

Really?

Really.

Let me see it. She held out her hand.

See what? He took a small step back.

Your library card. She giggled.

I must have left it at home.

Interesting, you didn’t even need to check. Annie took the opportunity to look around at his backside where his wallet was tucked into the back pocket of his jeans…jeans worn in all the right places. She almost groaned.

Okay, fine. You’ve got me. Humor me. What is it about a book that completely grabs your attention, leaving your store vulnerable to theft and you to bodily harm?

Annie regarded him through narrowed eyes, not entirely sure if he was serious or seriously trying to provoke an argument. She found both options interesting. Up until now,