Saving Gracie by Kristen Ethridge Page B

both the positives and the negatives.
    The former location of the State Street Title Company didn’t boast fancy floors or custom fixtures. In fact, the trio’s footsteps echoed with each footfall on plain concrete. Overhead, white rectangular fixtures lined up in rows for simple, functional illumination.
    But the windows across the front and side of this corner location more than made up for the limited amenities. Natural light flowed across the room, making the featherings of dust in the air dance and sparkle.
    “I can see myself teaching in here. The open floor plan would suit a classroom layout well. And that little room in the back corner could work for an office.”
    The agent nodded agreeably. “I thought you might like this location. And as I mentioned on the drive over here, there’s a small efficiency apartment upstairs. The rest of the building has been converted to luxury lofts, but the previous owner kept a small residence for himself. He had a heart attack before he could finish renovating this space downstairs. His family hopes to lease this space and the living quarters together, even though the historic renovations aren’t as far along as those done on other properties in this area.”
    “Can we see the apartment?” Jake asked. He’d remained largely quiet while they’d toured the properties, letting Gracie ask the questions. She hadn’t expected his quiet presence to be comforting. He allowed her to be in control, but she knew if she needed his assistance, it would be there.
    “Absolutely.” Melissa threw a pageant-worthy smile at Jake. “Gracie, do you want to see anything else downstairs?”
    Gracie looked around the room one last time and almost breathed a sigh of relief. For the first time in days, it felt like a viable option lay in front of her.
    Or at least she hoped the option would prove legitimate. Earlier, Melissa gave Gracie a paper with details about the property, including the monthly rent. Although a slight increase above what Gracie currently paid to Jake’s company, with the grant money, she might be able to afford it.
    The key word, of course, was might. Which rhymed with tight. Which Gracie’s budget would undoubtedly be if she moved in here. Gracie tried doing some simple math in her head. She wanted to know if she could make this location a reality before pinning her hopes on it.
    She paused to think.
    “Oof.” Jake stumbled into the stationary Gracie.
    Reaching out to steady himself on the narrow stairs, Jake clutched Gracie’s waist. Facts and figures took flight from her head as her heart leaped in her chest. Instinct guided Jake’s movements more than anything, but Gracie’s own reflexes melted at his touch.
    “I’m sorry,” she said, not really meaning it.
    “Don’t be. I should have been more careful. I was just admiring the woodwork on this banister. This building survived the Great Storm of 1910. I’m always blown away by the craftsmanship in the historic homes and buildings here in Port Provident.” He slid his palm slowly back and forth across the dark mahogany, almost caressing the grain. Gracie wondered if she could possibly harbor jealousy toward an inanimate object.
    In fact, if she didn’t know better, she’d think she was developing a crush on Jake, the way these thoughts kept popping up in her mind. She’d do well to remember that crushes never worked out for her.
    “I like this building,” he said. “If the apartment suits you, it could be a good option.”
    Gracie nodded in agreement. “I’ve been trying to add up all the numbers in my head, but math never was my strongest subject. I need a calculator and a notepad.”
    His hand patted her shoulder blade solidly. “You’re in luck. I happen to love math. Maybe we could go to lunch after we’re finished here, then go back to your office and see what the numbers say.”
    If she said yes, she could bask in the light of his green eyes all afternoon. But although he’d brought the