Page 12 of The Last Key (Baker Girls #2)

CHAPTER TEN

KENNEDY

Friday

Today is a me day. It’s been way too long since I had one, and it feels so damn good. I started my day with breakfast at the inn. Now I’m headed to the local library.

Libraries are one of my favorite places to visit.

The one in Brighton isn’t massive, but it has a surprisingly large and eclectic selection.

It seems like the type of library that stocks what their residents ask for more than whatever is “typical.” That’s my kind of library because it means they’ll be more likely to get a book for me if I want it.

I can’t believe I’m even thinking that, but…

I’ve been growing more attached to Brighton.

I’m not sure what my next career steps are, but I’ve been thinking I’ll take a little extra time to decide that.

If Devon is up for having me, I’d love to stay here for the entire summer.

As I bring my small pile of books to the checkout desk, I see a sign that reads “Volunteers Needed.”

“Hi, there. All set?” A woman with graying dirty blonde hair tucked in a bun walks over to me. She looks to be about Gladys’s age.

“Yes. Hi, um, I believe Gladys called. I’m a friend from out of town and she was going to let me use her library card to feed my reading addiction.”

The woman nods. “Yes. I thought you looked familiar. Kennedy, right? Leann’s girl?”

I chuckle at that. “Yep. That’s me. Between being around town and helping out at the inn, it’s been a test of my memory—I remember some faces, but rarely names.”

She takes the pile of books and the library card from my hand and begins scanning them.

“Well, I’m Cindy. I run this little slice of heaven. Let me know if you need anything.”

I tap the sign. “Looks like you’re the ones who need help. What kind of volunteer help do you need?”

She smiles brightly as she slides the books back to me. “Oh, mostly shelving books, assisting people with finding books, and running book clubs. Any of that sound good to you?”

“All of it?” I smile too. “I love books. Always have. And I’m good at hooking people up with the right books.

If I don’t know about it, I know where to look to learn more.

I’m not sure I’ve ever been to a book club, but I’m up for helping however I can.

Do you have a romance one? I read most genres, but I read romance the most, especially indies. ”

Cindy clasps her hands together. “Yes. Actually, that’s our most popular one. It’s on Tuesdays. If you’re willing to come and maybe help guide the conversation about it, that’d be great. If you think you have time to read the book.”

“Which is it?”

She gives me the name of the book, and I laugh to myself. I read it a month or two ago with Hallie and Frannie. And guess who is on the cover and narrates the audiobook?

“I’ve actually read it already. Has Gladys ever come to the book club? ”

Cindy laughs. “Oh, no. She says reading is her solo activity and discussing the books makes her feel like she’s back in high school. Why do you ask?”

“Oh… I just know she’s read that book. Because we know the cover model slash narrator of it.”

“You know Justin Ayers?” another woman screeches. She appears from behind some shelves at the back of the desk. “Gladys knows him?” She smacks Cindy’s arm. “She’s been holding out on us!”

“You said the next book club is this Tuesday, right?”

“Yes,” Cindy says.

“How would you like to meet him? He’s in town right now,” I say.

The other woman screeches again.

I stifle a laugh and look at Cindy. “How come she’s not leading the book club?”

“Oh, I help, but I have a tendency to get a little passionate . I find it’s best if I’m not in charge. I’m Lily.”

“Lily, nice to meet you. I’m Kennedy. So, what do you think?”

Cindy is in a slight state of shock. “If you can convince him, we’d love to have him.”

“He’s one of my best friends. I’ll make it happen.”

“Oh my gosh! I’m so excited,” Lily squeals. “Gosh, he’s so hot. Like hot. There’s this campaign he did with another guy. They were both modeling underwear. It was years ago…”

I’m laughing now.

“Sorry. Uh, that other guy is my best friend, Devon. He runs the inn.”

Her eyes widen and her cheeks go pink. “Oh my god. Really? How did I not know this? And oh gosh, I’ve totally gushed about him to my husband and my husband probably knows him. I’m mortified.”

This girl is my kind of crazy. She reminds me a little of Frannie.

“Are you not from around here? ”

She shakes her head. “Grew up in San Diego. My husband is from San Francisco, but he got a job here at the local hospital.”

“Oh, cool.”

“I’m mostly a stay-at-home mom and avid reader, but now that both of my kids are in school full time, I work here part time during the day. And book club is my me time.”

“Well, I’ll try to make it worth your while this week,” I tell her.

“Thank you so much,” Cindy says.

I fish a card out of my bag that has my name and contact info on it.

“Give me a call or a text and let me know when you need volunteers the most. I’d love to help out with that as well. And I’ll talk to Justin tonight and get it all set up.”

“Thanks, dear. Glad to have you here.”

Lily grabs a piece of paper and scribbles something down before sliding it to me. “This is me shooting my shot. I haven’t made many friends here, but you seem nice, so if you want to grab coffee or anything, I’d love that.”

“That sounds great,” I say, slipping the number in my bag. “I’ll text you.”

She does a little happy dance. “Okay. Have a good day!”

“Thanks, you two as well. Take care.”

I wave as I turn and walk toward the door.

I got some great books, a fun volunteer gig, and a new friend out of this.

When was the last time I made a new friend randomly like that?

Hardy and Ackley were a package deal with Mark when Frannie started dating him.

But other than that, I can’t remember the last time I easily connected with people.

Of course, most people in Manhattan aren’t interested in a friendly chat and giving some random girl at the library their number so they can be friends. Maybe that’s why.

That’s it. Decision made. I’m staying all summer.

After the library, I went to Busta Brew and got a latte.

It was almost as good as the ones Devon makes, which is a high compliment.

Then I stopped back home and dropped off my books before going for a short hike on a nature trail.

Justin was nice enough to let me borrow his rental car today, since he was spending the day at the inn with Devon.

I topped off my day with a nice long shower—no singing this time, which is good because Devon and Justin got home halfway through.

Then I took time to put on lotion and blow dry my hair.

Feeling relaxed and a little sexy, I stroll downstairs.

“How much do you love me?” I ask Justin as I walk into the kitchen.

Justin’s eyebrows go up and he looks from me, then across the kitchen to Devon, and back again. “Who are you asking?”

The slightest bit of pink hits my cheeks, but I push the feeling away.

“You. I need a favor.”

Justin grins. “Hit me with it.”

“How would you feel about making an appearance at the library next week?”

His smile grows. “What kind of appearance?”

“A romance cover model slash narrator appearance at their romance book club. I mean. Don’t dress like a cover model. Leave your shirt on. Don’t give them horny eyes.”

Devon snickers from the corner. “Horny eyes?”

I turn toward him. “Yeah. Horny eyes. Have you never seen one of his covers? Where his eyes simultaneously scream I’m the guy who will worship you and I can’t stop thinking about how I want to fuck you tonight.”

Devon’s eyebrows go up and he turns to Justin, who is still grinning .

“That’s exactly it. I never put words to it before. It’s more of a feeling,” Justin says.

“So, will you do it? It’s on Tuesday.” I tell him which book they’re reading. “Maybe you could sign some books and do a little reading? Take some pictures?”

“Sure. Why not? Sounds fun.”

“What inspired this?” Devon asks, amused.

I explain about volunteering and how Cindy and Lily reacted to finding out I know Justin. For Lily’s sake, I leave out the part about her knowing who Devon is. Then I tell them how I offered Justin up as a sacrifice.

Justin chuckles. “Sounds like a fun night. Just tell those ladies not to get too handsy.” He winks at me.

“I will be sure they know that. Oh, and if you have any indie authors you’ve worked with who you think would be good to feature for future book clubs, let me know.”

“Will do,” he drawls. Then he smiles.

“What?”

“You seem happier here. It’s good to see.” Then he rises from his stool and walks past me out of the room, ruffling my hair as he goes.

Devon strolls over as I digest Justin’s comment.

He said happier , not happy. Happier. Implying I wasn’t as happy back in New York. Or anywhere else he’s seen me. Is that true? Am I happier here? I’m having fun. I feel free in a way I never have before. And then there’s the man standing in front of me.

“You do look happier here,” Devon rumbles.

My gaze snaps to his, to his deep green eyes. Eyes that now exude the same look I described a few minutes ago.

“I do?”

“Mhm.” He steps closer and wraps an arm around my waist. “It’s like you belong here.”

“Devon,” my voice cracks.

“Hm? ”

“I—I…” I what? What the hell am I even saying? His proximity has me so hot I can barely think. “You’re—why are you looking at me like that?”

“Like what?”

“Like you want to fuck me on the counter.” Oh god. Why did I say that? Of all the things I could have said, why that?

He smirks, leaning in closer. “Is that what you want?” My eyes widen and my heart flies to my throat.

I can’t answer. I don’t even make a noise.

All I hear is the sound of my own breathing.

His grip on my waist tightens, then he kisses my head and steps back, but not before whispering in my ear, “Because I do.”

Holy shit.