Page 13 of The Autumn Leaf Bookshop (Everly Hollow #1)

I sneak a glance across the auditorium at Sylas.

He’s talking with the minotaur, Viktor, I think, and Dominik and Garruk.

His head shifts, like he senses me looking.

There’s a small smile tugging at his lips.

One of those soft, grateful ones. Like he’s genuinely relieved I’m helping him. But I didn’t sign up for this.

The room breaks into polite applause, while I’m internally screaming.

Next to me, Jas leans in and whispers, “Do you need another latte? Or want me to find a sedative?”

I take a long, long sip of my drink and place my phone face down on my lap.

The Fall Festival. With Sylas Ashvale , when he looks like that ? I’m going to need both.

The meeting ends, and a few people stand to leave. Others turn in their seats to talk to their friends and neighbors, while others flock to the tables of food in the back of the room.

I follow the drift of the crowd that is more food-motivated, eventually finding myself near the refreshment table.

Someone hands me a plate of what they proudly call Iced Cinderberry Cake, topped with fresh berries of dark reds and purples.

I fork a small piece and take a bite, and nearly melt on the spot.

“Raene?” I turn to the hearty voice of a short, broad-shouldered troll. Her skin is pale gray with a light lilac undertone, her tusks shimmering in a bronze polish, and her thick silver-streaked hair is tied in a low bun .

“Flora,” she says in a soothing voice, offering me a warm, calloused hand. “I’m a friend of your grandmother’s and the owner of Oak & Moss Apothecary.”

“Oh! Yes, hi! She always talks about you, so I feel like I’ve known you for a while.” I laugh gently, shaking her hand. “The cream you made is amazing . She says she’s feeling way better already. She’ll be heading back to physical therapy soon.”

Flora beams. “Glad to hear it. I’m popping by to see her tomorrow in person. You should stop by sometime, too. We’ve got a calming tonic that helps when you’re surrounded by chaos…or men.” She lets out a hearty laugh.

My eyes flick across the room to Sylas. Surrounded by his friends, hands tucked into pockets. Speak of the fae himself.

“Definitely,” I say quickly, before Flora gives me a cheeky wave and turns to claim a thick slice of what can only be described as chocolate decadence.

It’s got layers of rich cake, creamy frosting, a pile of fresh berries on top, and it’s dusted with powdered sugar. I look down at my own plate, wondering if it would look too odd to top the half-eaten slice with another slice of another dessert.

Before I can spiral deeper into my dessert-topped thoughts, Sylas steps into my peripheral.

“Raene,” he says.

My name on his lips, in that voice of his, is both grounding and…dangerous. I turn slowly.

“I just wanted to say thank you for stepping in for your grandmother. That was incredibly kind. ”

I stare at him, blinking. Don’t think of the bathroom. “There’s no need to thank me.”

I lean on my left leg, popping my hip out. “It was a setup. A fall scented trap— very Scooby-Doo—also, I’m not sure I’m doing it.” I fork another bite and pop it into my mouth, his eyes watching the movement as it slides between my lips.

His lips part, showing his fangs. He quickly licks his lips, and his brows raise in amusement. “You sound so sure.”

Shaking my head, my eyes hit the ground before they met his. “I don’t do autumn, Sylas.” The corner of his mouth curled up just the faintest.

“Besides, I’m going to talk with my grandmother,” I say matter-of-factly, like a child needing to ask for permission.

He steps closer. Too close.

My God, he smells good. All the notes of his scent mixed with something deeply male that I want to bottle it up and name it Terrible Decisions, No Regrets. I wrap both hands tighter around my plate, so I don’t do something impulsive like tuck his hair behind his pointed ear.

What is wrong with me?

He smiles, the kind that makes his eyes crinkle slightly. “I’m sure if Vera didn’t want you to do this, she wouldn’t have told Eldon you graciously volunteered.”

I roll my eyes at him. “There’s that word, graciously. ”

He shrugs, rocking back on his heels. “I’m just saying, if you don’t want to let the town down…or your grandmother…maybe sleep on it. ”

His fingers rake through his thick, loose red hair, letting them fall over his shoulders in waves. Then he holds out his hand. “Your phone?”

I cock my head, looking him over. “Why?”

“So you can text me. Just in case. If you do decide to help, you’ll need my number. You know, for planning purposes . ”

Right. Planning. I pull my phone from my back pocket, placing it into his waiting hand. My fingers brush the palm of his hand, and it’s totally fine. I’m fine. It wasn’t distracting at all.

He taps quickly, then looks back up. His golden eyes sparkle as if they cast a glow. “If you do this, I’d really appreciate it. I’d love to hear new ideas.”

Across the room, Nim’s tail sways lazily like an annoyed cat from his shadowed alcove.

Sylas glances up, nose wrinkling slightly as he glares at the dragon. I have no idea what just passed between them, but I cover my mouth to hide the grin that tries to break free.

“Anyway, text me, either way,” he says, handing the phone back, and I slide it in my back pocket, “and we’ll schedule our first meeting if you’re up for it.”

Then, with absolutely zero shame, he reaches out and takes a piece of my cake, pops it into his mouth, and sucks the frosting off the tip of his thumb.

My breath hitches. Did that just happen?

He gives me a small smile, turning to leave, but not before saying, “See you later, Raene. ”

I stand there, needing a moment as my racing heart files a noise complaint.

Yeah, I’m going to need Flora’s calming tonic.