Hot SEAL, April's Fool by Becca Jameson (smart books to read .txt) 📗

that Jacob had a single clue. “You gonna move out of my way? Or you want me to cause a scene? I don’t care either way. Won’t bother me a bit if you force me to manhandle you to get into the office.”

Jacob growled at him. “You think just because you’re bigger than me you can boss me around?”

“Yes.”

Jacob glanced around. Two of the guys who worked at the shop were standing nearby watching the show. Cole waved at them. He had no beef with the four men who were employees of his father. They were probably nervous as hell about losing their jobs now that his dad was gone. Cole would have been.

Bart was the oldest member of the crew. He’d been there longer than Cole could remember. Cole figured he was about sixty now, though he didn’t look much different than he had when Cole was a kid. He wiped his hands on a towel as he approached.

Cole had always liked Bart, but he wasn’t sure what to expect from the man after a decade of loyalty to his father.

Interestingly enough, Bart nodded at Cole and then shifted his gaze to Jacob. “What’s wrong with you, son? You know your dad kept everything at this shop on the up and up. Let your brother help out.”

Cole was a little surprised but relieved. Bart didn’t know anything about the threat as far as Cole knew. But he did know that the entire business would hang precariously in the balance with the owner dead and his twenty-two-year-old son left to run it.

“It ain’t his place,” Jacob argued.

“It’s as much his as it is yours. You’d be wise to accept his help so you don’t end up losing the shop.” Bart lifted a brow in a challenge to Jacob.

Finally, Jacob turned around and stormed into the shop.

Bart shifted his gaze to Cole and sighed. “I’ve been helping your dad with the books for years, son. I can show you where everything is so you can get caught up.”

“Thank you, Bart. I appreciate it.”

Cole followed Bart into the office, relieved to know that he wasn’t going to encounter the same animosity from the employees as he had from Jacob.

The office itself was a bit of a mess, but when Bart sat down at the desk and pulled out several binders, Cole breathed a sigh of relief. He took a seat across from Bart and accepted the first book as Bart turned it around to face him. “Like I said, you won’t find discrepancies here.”

“Good.” Cole scanned through several pages, easily noting how much the shop was bringing in each month and the expenses.

“Your dad loved you, you know.”

Bart’s soft words made Cole jerk his gaze up. He said nothing.

Bart nodded. “He did. I know he did a terrible job of showing you when you were growing up, but he was proud of you. In recent years, he spoke of you often. He paid attention to your service in the Navy and bragged about it. I suspect part of the reason your brother is so bitter is because of your accomplishments.”

The breath caught in Cole’s lungs. His dad was proud of him? When? He couldn’t remember a kind word or even a glance since before his mom died.

Bart ran a hand down his face. “I knew your dad for many years. He was a different man when your mom was alive. I think he was lost when she died and turned to Amanda, hoping to replace your mom.” Bart glanced at the closed office door and leaned forward, lowering his voice. “Never liked that woman. She thinks she’s too good for her britches. Never lifts a finger to help out. Spends money like it grows on trees. And your brother… Well, let’s just say we’re all concerned. He doesn’t know enough to run this business, Cole. Not by half. He’s been lazy and hasn’t even tried. The rest of the guys and I think Jacob will run this into the ground. We’re worried. We all need our jobs. Hell, I was hoping my son would follow in my footsteps as a lifetime employee here. Even his kid shows interest.” Bart shook his head in dismay.

Cole swallowed. Bart’s words shocked him. When he finally found his voice, he asked, “How much do you know about my dad’s debt?”

Bart sighed. “I figured he was in trouble. He started betting a few years ago. I’ve seen men coming and going lately. Big men who look like they work for the mob. Figured he owed them money. He never spoke about it though.”

Cole set his elbows on the desk. “A lot of money, Bart. I think they took advantage of Dad to get him into deeper debt so they could force him to turn over the shop to pay it off.”

“Fuck. Does this have anything to do with the new development?”

“Yes.”

Bart growled. “No wonder.”

“So, while I agree with you about your concerns about Jacob running the place, I loathe the idea of being bullied into selling it so it can be torn down and become a strip mall.”

“Can’t argue with you there. What you plannin’ to do?”

“No idea yet, but I’m not going to let the shop close.”

Bart’s smile grew. “You movin’ back?”

Cole shook his head. “No. I can’t do that. I’m married to the Navy.”

“I saw you with that young lady you used to date in high school, April McKay, yesterday. You two looked chummy.”

Cole chuckled. “Yeah. Not sure how I let that one go. I must have been dumber than a rock back then. Between you and me, I’m hoping I can win her back.”

Bart smiled again. “I hope so. She’s a sweet girl. Always did like her.” He sobered. “So, if you aren’t planning to stay, and we both know Jacob isn’t capable of running the shop, what are you plannin’ to do to keep it running?”

“I’ll come up with a plan. It’s the best shop in town. Always has been. People would be