Catriona dressed to impress in a conservative pantsuit that nipped in at the waist and flared at the hips. She paired it with black boots that would have Lara Croft weep with envy and a silk scarf in the colors of the northern lights, giving her green eyes an otherworldly cast.

Nerves skittered under the surface, but only those who really knew her would be able to notice. Hopefully Hank Dawson wouldn’t. She needed this deal. The two-story clapboard house across from Pulse Bistro Café would be perfect for her shop. The location couldn’t be beat as it resided right on the Main Artery where everyone drove by coming in and out of town.

She entered Dawson Realty and Development to find Hank walking up to her with a huge smile on his face.

“Catriona, I can’t wait to get started on this project of yours. I have a few properties to show you. One, that I think is perfect.”

“Actually, I already have my heart set on the Mood Property.”

His expression fell. “I’m sorry, Cat, that’s tied up. I don’t know when it will be free to lease. It could be years. Family drama, you see.”

“But don’t you own it?”

He flushed. “Technically, with my ex-wife, and that’s where the drama comes in. I don’t see anything being resolved any time soon with that property. My ex could give a bull moose lessons on how to stand his ground.”

Catriona almost asked which ex-wife before biting back the words. Her disappointment must have shown on her face, for Hank laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Now, don’t give up hope. I think I’ve found you a property better than that old place.”

The oldness was one of the things that appealed to her. She loved the character of the historic homes that had been built around the turn of the nineteenth century when gold had been king in Heartbreak.

Hank shrugged into his sheep-lined coat and grabbed a leather satchel. “Shall we take my truck?”

“That would be great.” Before she knew it, Hank had bundled her into his 4x4 crew cab Sierra. It seemed every man in Alaska drove some kind of pickup. Sportscars were for men in the lower forty-eight who were either compensating for something or had something to prove. Alaskan men didn’t fall into either category. Not when living here challenged them every day and if they couldn’t make it, they ended back “Outside” or dead.

“Pickings are slim right now for commercial properties,” Hank said, turning off the Main Artery and onto Pulmonary Lane. He parked in front of a run-down shack. The definition of shack was being generous. “This one would require some vision and a lot of work on your part. But with your family, you have the vision and skillset to turn this into something—well, if not beautiful, at least functionary.”

Catriona’s spirits fell. He had to be kidding. This property called for a match and a can of gasoline to put it out of its misery. Hank named the amount of the lease, and she almost choked. “Are you joking?”

“Sorry, Cat, I know that isn’t what you want to hear, but summer is coming and the tourists are still flocking in for the upcoming Ice Festival. Commercial property is in high demand right now. Don’t lose heart. I have a few more buildings to show you.”

They didn’t get any better.

One was too far off the beaten path. Customers wouldn’t be able to find her without a GPS locator. The other sat next to a tire shop and no amount of incense would mask the rubber smell that permeated the air.

“I have one more to show you. I’ve been saving it as I believe it will be perfect.”

“It can’t be as bad as the one on Heartbreak Ridge.”

“True. Just keep an open mind.” He pulled onto Coronary Corner and drove down until the street ended.

“This is the Pump House,” Cat said.

“Not here. There.” Hank pointed across the street to the cute, two-story clapboard with Victorian gingerbread trim and Second Chance Books scrawled on a sign hanging above the door. A “Going out of Business” banner hung in the window.

“Jill Knudsen is wanting to move somewhere tropical since the winters are taking a toll on her arthritis. The place just came on the market. When I told her of your plans, she mentioned that she’d be willing to make you a deal on her remaining inventory of books, candles, and trinkets if you purchase the place. I held it until last as she isn’t looking for a lease option, but a full buyout. I didn’t know if that was something you would be interested in.” He named the amount and she had to ask him to repeat it.

The price was reasonable, but could she swing it?

“I don’t know if I have enough credit for the bank to carry a loan for that much.”

“Well, that’s the beauty of this deal. She might, and I caution might, carry the loan for you.”

“You’re kidding me, right?”

“With a good word from a few of us, I think she’ll jump at it. Besides, she thinks highly of your family. She was friends with your mother. Want to take a look inside?”

“Yes, please.”

She climbed down from the truck, slid on the ice in her rush to join Hank, and corrected herself with her arms wind-milling. She looked like an idiot, but it kept her from planting her butt in the snow.

“Now, don’t get so excited that you hurt yourself,” Hank cautioned with a grin, holding the door for her.

Her first order of business would be to change out the door with solid glass, something maybe etched with mystical fairies. The door opened into a large room with bookcases already built into one wall. They were still stocked with used books and she couldn’t wait to sift through for hidden gems if she bought the place. A large, plate-glass window flanked the front and she could already see crystals and dream catchers hanging there catching the light and spilling their prismatic colors into the room.

Hank took her through the house which consisted of three rooms on the main floor with a small bathroom and galley-size kitchenette. Up the stairs there were three other rooms.

“Are any of these walls load bearing?” she asked, taking in the space, loving the pitch of the roof and the dormer windows.

“I’d have your dad check to make sure, but with the roof line, I don’t believe so.”

“Would Jill be open to serious renovations?”

“You settle on a price and the place would be yours to do with as you see fit. What are you thinking?”

“Well, if I could open these two bedrooms up by taking down this wall, it would be the perfect place to hold yoga classes.” That would leave the other bedroom and bathroom for her to use, saving on rent and finally giving her a place of her own to live.

She followed Hank back outside.

“Take the keys so you can show the place to your dad or your brothers to see if the remodeling can be done.” Hank handed them over to her.

“Are you sure?” she asked, reaching out for the keys.

“You’re in love with the place. I can tell. So, yes, I’m sure.”

“It’s perfect.” Cat sighed, looking back over the quaint two-story. Then she turned and saw Avery marching toward them from the Pump House.

Well, it was almost perfect.

“What’s going on here?” Avery demanded. He hadn’t taken time to put on a coat, bustling over in a short-sleeve, black, form-fitted t-shirt and worn jeans. His breath escaped in white plumes.

“Catriona is looking to buy Jill’s place. She’s opening her own business. The Mystic Heart,” Hank said, as though he was proud of her.

“Not here she isn’t.” Avery planted his hands on his hips.

“That’s really none of your concern,” Cat said, the hair on the nape of her neck rising.

“The hell it isn’t.” He pointed to the Pump House. “I have my own business to think about and I don’t want some—” he turned to Hank— “what did you call it?”

“The Mystic Heart,” Cat supplied before Hank could.

“Right, whatever. A business like that will impact my customers.”

“How? You don’t even know what kind of business it is.” She stood nose-to-nose with Avery now, hating that he smelled so good. A mix of pine needles and cedar. Hank stepped back to watch the fireworks, a silly grin splitting his weathered face.

“What hell kind of business is it then?” Avery growled out.

Did she tell him? What if he treated her ideas like Todd had? She had no problem taking that negative crap from Todd, but Avery…

When it came to him, she didn’t know if she could take the disappointment.

“You’ll have to wait and see, neighbor,” she said instead.

He opened his mouth, closed it, and opened it again. “You can’t just open any kind of business. It has to be approved by the city council.”

“Not a problem there,” Hank piped up. “Catriona’s paperwork is all in order and the town council is pleased with what she will be adding to the town.”

“Adding what?” he asked again through tight lips.

“Like I said, you’ll have to wait and see.” She turned to get into Hank’s truck. “Oh, and I’ll need you to keep your customers on your side of the street and not impact mine.” She gave him a Cheshire-cat grin and shut the door on his expletive. He stomped back across the street to the Pump House, opening and slamming the door behind him.

“You enjoyed that,” Hank said, sharing an amused look with her.

“That I did, and if I’m not mistaken, so did you.”

Hank laughed, the sound filling the interior of the cab. “I do believe my boy has met his match.”