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He palms the back of his head. “I tried to bribe my way into buying another from one of the nerdy kids, who’d not only kept their baby alive, but also dressed it in little outfits. Nobody felt sorry for me.”

“I wish my schooling had been that adventurous.”

He gives me a chin lift. “What goes into bein’ a librarian?”

Nobody ever asks me about my job. It’s not interesting for most people.

“Actually, I went to community college for two years, then I did my degree in library science after that. I’m one of the lucky ones who knew what she wanted to do in life early on.”

“You know, I never knew libraries could be that interesting, but when you think about it, books are pretty freakin’ cool. You get to live a thousand different lives and each adventure is different to the next.” His eyes sparkle and it’s not the first time I notice how pretty they are. Hazel doesn’t just cut it. They’re more like honey before the bees even know what to do with it.

Really, Ainsley?

I take a slow breath, trying to keep myself calm.

“The best part of my day? Finding new books for the kids like Oscar and Molly, they’re so adorable. I got Oscar into reading more. He was hesitant at first, but since we’ve been reading together every morning, he’s even gone up a grade.”

His grin widens. “You really are a modern day saint.”

I blush and refrain from pressing my hands to my cheeks to cool them. “Hardly. I just like helping out.”

He nudges me. “You sure Hank isn’t lookin’ for a girlfriend?”

I never thought about it that way. Plus, Hank is way older than me and he’s never been flirty or suggested anything of the sort. “No.” I shake my head. “It’s not like that. He’s just a decent dad trying to do the best for his kids. I admire that, and the kids are great.”

His smile softens. “I’m glad he appreciates it.” He starts to back away. “I gotta run, but this has been fun.”

I roll my eyes. “Now I know you’re poking fun at me.”

“Call me if you need a cup of sugar.”

“Why is it always a cup of sugar?” I throw back. “You know, sugar is really bad for you.”

“Fine.” He grins. “If you need an apple, celery stick or a potato, you know where I am.”

I can’t help the smile that splits across my face. I know I’m still a little pink in the cheeks, but I can’t help it. Cole is doing things to me, and now I’m making it really freaking obvious.

“Bye, Cole.”

“Bye,Shorty.”He glances over his shoulder then hollers, “Bye, Mrs. P, Emma!”

“Bye, Cole!” they yell back in unison.

I turn, and when my eyes meet Emma’s, she gives me a knowing smirk. “Uh, huh. You know you’re the color of a beet, right?” She whispers so my mom won’t hear.

I finally pat my cheeks. “It’s not my fault. I blush easily.”

“What was he saying to make you blush?”

I shake my head. “Nothing. We were just telling each other funny stories.”

“Uh, huh.”

My eyes bug wide. “It isn’t like that!”

She waggles her eyebrows. “I mean, why not? He’s single. Hot. He’s also good with his hands.” She waves her fingers at me. “You know what else he’d be good with?”

I slap them away. “Shhhh!” I glance over her shoulder, but Mom’s singing away to herself as she puts my plates away.