Fool's Gold by Jenna Byrnes

set a plate on the counter in front of him, and she realised it was the one from her newly-discovered attic collection.
    “Mel brought this in yesterday, and I’ve been going crazy trying to track it down. I finally did. It’s fairly rare and produced by a fine, French company.”
    “Really?” Addie blinked in surprise. “That’s nice. I guess it’ll make the inn look good, then. I’m going to bring the boxes down and start washing everything before we use it.”
    Ryan smiled at her. “I don’t think you understand. This is rare, old, French china. It’s not the most expensive stuff I’ve ever seen, but it’s up there. I don’t think you’ll want to use it at the inn.”
    She glanced from him to Mel and back. Both of them wore huge grins. His words were just sinking in when Mel said, “Don’t you get it? Ryan can sell this for big bucks. You can buy practical dishes, something that can go in the dishwasher. Something you won’t mind getting broken.”
    “Ah. That makes sense.” She didn’t plan on spending her time hand-washing dishes every day. She looked at the plate then back at Ryan. “How much do you think they’re worth?”
    “Therein lies the problem. What they’re worth, and what I can get for them, are two different things. I’m sure they’re worth thousands, but there’s not much call for fine china in rural Wyoming. If I took my time and found a buyer, I could probably get a better price for you, less a modest commission, of course.”
    Addie’s heart sank. “Time and money, two things I’m short on, Mr. Bronwyn. Could you give me anything for the china?”
    Mel touched her arm. “I had a better idea. Ryan has a warehouse full of furniture. I’ll let him tell you.”
    He nodded. “I acquire all kinds of stuff at auctions and flea markets. Sometimes it comes in lots, and I get more than what I really wanted. I only put the antiques in here. I store the other stuff until I can barter it off sometime.”
    Addie’s interest was piqued. “What kind of stuff?”
    “Beds, dressers, night stands, everything except mattresses. I probably have six or eight of each.”
    She smiled. “I only need six.”

    Squeezing her arm, Mel agreed. “That’s what I thought!”
    Ryan raised a hand. “I’ll tell you up front, they won’t match. But they’re in good condition. I don’t have room to store junk. I toss it. I also have some sofas and living room furniture.”
    “Any dining room chairs?” Addie crossed her fingers hopefully.
    “Yeah, a bunch. I can’t promise they’ll match, either, but I might have several groups of four that do.”
    “Her dining room tables seat four,” Mel said excitedly and looked at Addie. “You could have similar chairs at each table. The whole room doesn’t have to match.”
    Addie shrugged. “Eclectic isn’t bad.”
    “Eclectic is in, right now.” Ryan patted the counter. “If you’re interested, I’ll give you whatever furniture you want from my warehouse in exchange for the china. “We’ll go over there together some evening after I’ve closed, and you can take your pick. We’ll mark it, and I’ll have it delivered.”
    “Oh my god!” Addie couldn’t believe what he offered. “That’s incredible! Thank you so much.” She hugged Mel, laughing, then reached across the counter and hugged Ryan.
    “Thank you,” she murmured in his ear.
    He returned the hug affably, and they parted. “It’s a great deal for me, too. I’ll be glad to free up some storage space.”
    Mel touched her shoulder. “I need to get back to work. Why don’t you take my car and pick me up later?”
    “I can walk. It’s a beautiful day. Not sure my feet will touch the ground the whole way home.”
    With a grin and a quick kiss on the cheek, Mel returned to work.
    Ryan rewrapped the plate and set it aside. “I understand Jason is redoing your floors.
    Why don’t you call me when they’re done, and we’ll get together then? I know you want the stuff as