Page 7 of The Autumn Leaf Bookshop (Everly Hollow #1)

An Enchanted Bookshop

Raene

T here is a tree in the bookshop.

I repeat. There is a real, live tree bursting with fall leaves in the middle of the bookshop.

I’m not sure if I need to rub the sleep from my eyes to wake myself up from this dream or pick my jaw up off the floor. Maybe I’ll slap myself?

Maybe the first two. Maybe I should circle all three.

I know Grandma said the town is enchanted, but this ? First, honeybuns that felt like a mouth orgasm, then a latte that somehow stayed warm through an entire heart-to-heart, and now this .

Towering shelves stretch to the vaulted ceilings, packed with a variety of books. There are rolling ladders inviting anyone brave enough to climb to reach a hidden gem. Smaller bookshelves and display tables are scattered about, forming cozy bookish labyrinths.

A gorgeous wrought iron staircase spirals around the trunk of the tree, branches extending towards the dozens of skylights. Sunlight pours through and dances on the shimmering leaves that tremble slightly in a breeze that…shouldn't exist indoors.

Where does it come from? No clue. But the leaves respond as if the tree itself is breathing.

An enchanted bookshop.

The shop is fairly busy. Townsfolk are cozy in nooks, reading or browsing shelves with mugs in hand.

Making my way to the fiction section, I zero in on the romance like a smut-seeking missile.

I see my most recent release on display with a few others. It makes me proud and excited to see it in a small-town bookstore.

Why didn’t Grandma Vera tell anyone who I really was? I enjoy writing? I let out a small laugh, tracing my hand on the cover of my book before scooping up a few other summery romance novels—promising sunshine, beaches, and love. Let me hold onto summer a little longer.

A small chirp catches my attention, something small and winged darts out of the canopy of branches above to a coffee bar next to the front counter. Is that…a dragon?

I hide behind a shelf, peeking around the edge like I’m a spy staying hidden. It’s a freaking dragon! The small flame-throwing lizard looks to be a little under two feet tall and can’t weigh more than twenty-five pounds.

Regardless, he or she is stunning. Sleek scales shimmer in deep autumnal hues of burnished copper, rich gold, glowing amber, and flickers of pumpkin orange.

It’s like someone bottled up fall, poured it into a cauldron, dipped a dragon in it, and set it loose in this fairy tale bookstore.

Is it a mascot? Employee? Tiny overlord?

His wings stretch wide, translucent and delicate, veined in gold and soft amber at the tips. They catch the light from the skylights above like stained glass.

He lets out another soft chirp, a little puff of smoke curling from his snout, and turns his head toward the counter, and that’s when I see him.

How the hell did I miss him ?

He’s tall. Deep tanned skin, with a clean-shaven face, dusted with light freckles. Red auburn hair with a light curl flows past his strong jawline and stops at the collar of the dark green sweater, rolled up just enough to showcase his strong, yet sexy forearms.

The dragon and the man are locked in an unspoken showdown. Green dragon eyes. Gold eyes. Neither one blinks. He reaches up, pulls a pencil from behind his ear, and ties his deep red hair back in a bun at the base of his neck, revealing pointed ears.

Pointed. Ears.

Oh.

He places his hands on his hips, still glaring at the dragon, who trills again, and then?

They both turn to look at me.

I jump like I’ve been caught doing scandalous things and completely drop all of my books.

They thud on the wood floor. My pride, hitting the ground right along with them.

That’s not just a man .

That’s a male fae.

The air shifts as he walks over here. I may not like the fall, but he’s yummy to look at.

I crouch, mentally cursing myself for dropping books like I’m a walking disaster in front of him. I see his boots on the polished wood floors before he drops down beside me.

“You okay?” His voice is soft, a little husky but warm as it fills me like that lavender honey latte. Damn.

My eyes meet his. It’s a dangerous mistake. His eyes are a light gold. The freckles on his cheek are as if someone dipped a pastry brush in cinnamon and flicked it towards his nose and the tops of his cheeks. And his scent?

Parchment, cedar, and…citrus?

My eyes drop down to his mouth. Kill me now. Make it a quick death.

Full lips. Soft, and way too kissable for a man I’ve known all of sixty seconds.

Nope. Absolutely not.

Get it together, Raene Juliette Hart.

I nod quickly and clear my throat before gathering the last book he puts onto my stack, our fingers brushing lightly.

“I’m okay, thanks.” I tuck a few braids behind my ear and adjust my crossbody bag. “I was…umm…distracted by the dragon,” I nod towards the dragon, who is watching us with far too much amus ement for someone without eyebrows. “and that.” I tilt my chin in the direction of the large tree.

He chuckles, a low, warm sound. “Nim is harmless, but he does tend to be a bit dramatic.”

Nim. Cute.

“Welcome to The Autumn Leaf Bookshop,” he says, clearing his throat, subtly adjusting the sleeves of his sweater. He pulls them down and pushes them up again before tucking his hands into his jeans pockets. His cheeks flush just the slightest bit, but it’s there. I noticed.

“I’m Sylas Ashvale, the owner.”

He tilts his head to the side in the direction of the counter, and I follow his graceful steps.

“You’re Raene Hart,” he says before I can introduce myself. As if he’s been holding it in his back pocket for a while.

I blink. “I am. Nice to meet you.”

He flashes a wide smile with perfect white teeth and just the hint of fangs before shaking his head sheepishly. “Sorry. I just wasn’t expecting you today. Or…ever actually. But it’s great you’re here. Helping Vera. She’s a town treasure.”

“You know my grandma?”

“Of course, we all do. She’s a friend of everyone, small-town vibes you know, everyone knows everyone. She mentioned her granddaughter was coming to help after her surgery, and I put two and two together. Plus...you look like her.”

I place my stack of books on the counter, unsure of what to say next .

“I just didn’t realize you were that granddaughter and I...” He pauses, rubbing the back of his neck, his eyes darting down before meeting mine again. “I’ve read all of your books. Twice.”

Oh.

Wait…what?

My eyes widen in disbelief because I wasn’t expecting that. At all. He’s read all of my books. My books. Twice? This gorgeous male fae with golden eyes and arms that look as if he can lift bookcases for fun…enjoys my summer romances?

He doesn’t look like the type of guy who would read spicy romance books, especially books that are suffocating you in summer love. Everything about Sylas screams fall. His clothes, this place, his dragon, and just him .

I smile shyly, my stomach fluttering in ways I can’t explain under his gaze. My brain is trying to reboot.

The small dragon, Nim, chuffs. A soft puff of steam curls into the air. I can feel the small bit of warmth on my skin before it dissipates in the air.

“Is it okay if I...?” I raise my hand on instinct, drawn to the shimmer of his autumn-colored scales, but then I hesitate and let it fall to my side. I want to pet him, but now I’m questioning it. He’s not your average pet. I don’t even know if it’s normal to go around and pet dragons.

Sylas sets a tote bag on the counter. “This is your grandmother’s book order.”

He looks over at Nim, who looks at the tea kettle before looking back at Sylas .

“If you’re nice,” Sylas says dryly, giving him a look, “which I know you can be, then I’ll make you another tea.”

I blink between them. My head is on a swivel, trying to track this entire conversation between a male fae and a miniature fire-breathing dragon.

“Yes, double whipped cream,” Sylas mutters, his voice tinged with mirth as a chuckle escapes him.

Of course, he has dimples.

Also, can he talk to him?

“Can you talk to him?” I ask, eyebrows raised.

Sylas looks at me, his golden eyes glistening when they catch the light. “Sorry, yes, I can. We are bonded, so I can hear him in my mind. He can also hear my thoughts, which isn’t nice because it’s not reciprocal, but yes. We talk often.”

“Nim, can she?”

I wait patiently, chewing on my inner cheek, my heart fluttering. A dragon. An actual dragon.

Sylas groans. “If you do that, I will never give you treats or tea again. I swear.”

“Do…do what?” I whisper nervously.

Is he going to roast me like a marshmallow at a fire pit? Bite me? Eat me? Can small dragons widen their mouths like a snake to eat their prey? I take a half-step back, eyeing Nim with caution.

“He’s bluffing,” Sylas says with a soft laugh. “Go ahead. He won’t hurt you.”

“Are you sure?” I ask again, looking at Sylas. His expression softens as he gently nods his head .

“I promise. You will be fine. He’s just a mischievous brat with wings.”

Well, that’s only slightly terrifying.

I take a few slow steps towards Nim. I don’t want to scare him, and I don’t think I will. Nim tilts his head, eyes bright and curious, as if I’m the peculiar creature here. Not him.

Approaching the coffee bar, I slowly reach out, my hands trembling slightly. It’s going to be okay. I won’t get burned, bitten, or eaten.

I gently rub the back of my pointer finger against the golden scales of his underbelly. I’m not sure what to expect, but it feels smooth like silk, yet firm and warm. He’s beautiful.

“You’re so beautiful,” I whisper without thinking. Sylas clears his throat behind me, causing me to jump. “He said, uhhh…he said thank you.”

I whip my head around, my eyes wide. “He said that?” Sylas nods, lips twitching with amusement. “Yes. He said he’s very proud of his colors,” I give a slight nod, “and that they shimmer best in natural light.”

“Well, he’s not wrong.”