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Holding up the book over my shoulders, I give them a gentle shake. “Anyway, I have some reading to do. So, if you don’t mind, I’ll be over here in these comfy chairs reading my books.”

My coffee cup sits on the small table between the chairs as I plop myself down. After adjusting myself and propping my feet up on the footrest, I glance up to find Aspen still standing exactly where I left her with her mouth hanging open. Chuckling, I say, “You good over there?”

That seems to snap her out of it. She spins around, grabs her coffee, and heads to the back stock area. I chuckle to myself because I believe I won this round. Shifting until I find themost comfortable spot, I hold up both book choices, debating between which one I should start with. The second chance one is really calling to me. Maybe Gail was on to something with this suggestion.

Cracking the book open, I am already hooked on the first page. Of course, the guy is a football star, and she is the nerd nobody saw dating him. Letting out a snort, I know exactly why Gail wanted me to read this one.Could it be any more obvious?

It doesn’t take long for me to immerse myself in the story. I don’t even realize the time flying by until there is a soft clearing of a throat. I blink my eyes a few times before I look up. Standing in front of me is Aspen, with a humored look on her face.

“How’s the book going?” she asks.

Stuffing the receipt from coffee this morning into the book so I don’t lose my place, I say, “You know, all these years I’ve wondered what has kept you so invested in these stories and, I have to say, I get it now.”

“Really, one book changed your mind?” she asks with a note of curiosity.

Standing up from the chair, I gather all my stuff and wrap my jacket around me again. “Yeah, it only took one chance to see that it’s worth it.” I wink before I head out the door. Time to head out to grab those supplies before the storm. Since I know she will be here all day, it won’t be hard to get into her cabin to put them there. Smirking, I head down the sidewalk to the convenient store.

Chapter 11

Aspen

He isn’t here this morning like I thought he would be. I didn’t think it would be that easy to get rid of him. I mean, sure, I thought it would piss him off to see me with Chase, but not enough to stop coming. I don’t expect many visitors today since most people are staying in because of the storm coming in. The mini remote clicks when I tell it to turn on the music.

Rolling my metal cart to the back, I fill it with all the books that I need to stock the front of the store with. There are a few tables that will need the most attention, especially my table thatis specifically for monster romance.The ladies of Jasper sure do love that table.

I’m busy setting out some of the new books that I got in when a chime rings out. A quick glance over my shoulder brings a smile to my face that I try to hide. He showed up.I love coffee and all, but doesn’t he have work he should be doing?

“Good morning, Warrick. Didn’t think you were coming when you didn’t show up before I opened the door this morning,” I say with humor in my voice.

He doesn’t even say anything, just walks over to me with his eyes locked on mine. Eyes unblinking and with the determination of a hunter tracking his prey. He leans in close to me, our chests are only a breath apart, and if I leaned just a little more forward, our lips would caress. Those full lips that are smirking at me like he knows what I’m thinking about. There is a soft plop of the coffee cup being set on the table beside me before I feel his finger trailing up my arm. My skin prickles with goosebumps and the urge to shudder is right there.

I let out a soft gasp when he leans over and whispers in my ear, “You can’t get rid of me that easily. Even when you are trying to make me jealous.” His nose runs down my neck with a deep inhale. Before I can even think of something to say or even react to what he is doing, he pulls back with a wink and walks to the lounge chairs.

My mouth is hanging open as he shakes some books over his shoulder.“Anyway, I have some reading to do. So, if you don’t mind, I’ll be over here in these comfy chairs reading my books.”

What in the world is happening? First, he has been showing up each day with coffee. But now, he isn’t just here with coffee but he has books to read?I don’t think in all the years thatI’ve known him that I’ve ever even seen him crack a book open besides the required ones in school.

“You good over there?” he says with a chuckle.

This man!I clearly am dreaming, because there is no way that Warrick is sitting in my bookstore reading books on his own. Grabbing my coffee, I decide that clearly I need to work in my back area today. Maybe some time with the inventory and stock will clear my mind of what I’m feeling.

A few hours later, I walk out to grab my lunch from behind the counter. I’m shocked to find him still sitting in the lounge chair with a book in his hand and a serious look on his face. Grabbing my lunch box, I’m about to walk away when he lets out a full belly laugh. A glimpse at the cover of the book in his hand, and wouldn’t you know it, it’s the one that I recommended to Gail. The second chance romance. Now,thatI didn’t see coming. Although, knowing Gail, it doesn’t shock me that she gave it to him. What is shocking is him actuallyreadingit.

He is so invested in the story that he doesn’t even look up when I snap a photo or when I laugh at his facial expressions. Leaving him to it, I go back to what I was doing. I did tell him that as long as he stayed quiet, he could stay here.

Shaking my head, I open the group chat with the girls. They have to see this.

Nova might be right about him making changes, but I still don’t understand why he is doing all of this now. We have had almost five years to claim each other, and he never has shown a lick of interest in it. Now, here he is not only showing up every day, but he is reading a book. Surely, he doesn't think that just reading a book will win me over.

Hours later, I come back up front to find that he is halfway through the book and, outside of adjusting his positioning, I don’t think that he has really moved at all today. My head shakes from side to side as I walk up to him. I make it right in front of him, and he still hasn’t even stopped reading or acknowledged me.

When I clear my throat, his eyes snap up to mine finally. “Hey… you know that it’s closing time?”

His eyes are full of wonder when he asks, “Are all books this amazing?”

Laughing softly, I tell him, “Wait until you meet a fae prince that is coming to save you from certain doom. Then you will really be amazed.”

Looking at me, he says, “Is that what you want? Someone to save you from certain doom?”