As much as I crave him, as much as he fulfills every twisted, secret fantasy I’ve ever had. I can’t build a life on shadows and secrets. The sex is unbelievable—God its everything I’ve ever dreamed of and more.
But I’m not built for friends-with-benefits type situations. I need more than stolen nights and anonymous fucking.
No matter how badly my body begs for him. No matter how desperate I am for his hands on me, my heart screams for more.
If he can’tbewith me, then I can’t keep doing this.
Even if it breaks me.
The little bell over the shop door jingles as a customer leaves, and I slump against the counter, tugging at the hem of my cardigan. I haven’t texted Flynn back since he texted me last time we were together.
Despite my silence, every morning I wake to a pumpkin spice latte and a pumpkin cream cheese muffin at my door.
Alex slides over, eyes full of nosy mischief. “So..” she drawls, folding her arms. “How are things with sexy masked man?”
Heat rushes to my cheeks. I glance around the bookstore—thankfully empty for the moment.
“… it has been incredible. Like the best sex of my life. And also…” my voice lowers to a whisper. “I can’t keep seeing him.”
Alex’s jaw drops. “What? You finally get some mind-blowing sex, and your first thought is to drop him?”
“I don’t know who he really is, Alex. I don’t even know how old he is. And yeah, the sex is amazing, but I can’t just settle… for a man with secrets.”
She rolls her eyes dramatically, grabbing a stack of books and thumping them onto the counter. “Listen anonymous sex is much better than no sex. And from the way you’re blushing? I’d say it was somegooooodsex.”
I cover my face with both hands, groaning. “That’s not the point.”
“It should be.” Alex smirks. “If I were you, I’d keep him around, at least until you find a replacement…”
Her eyes flick up. “Oh…and it looks like that replacement might be walking in right now.” She pats me on the butt and disappears down an aisle.
“What—”
The bell dings and I whip my head toward the door.
“Kellan. Hey.” I say with a shaky breath.
Tall, broad, Kellan. He’s in his work jacket and his usual attire. He flashes me a smile and lifts a hand in a little wave before heading straight to the romance aisle.
I watch him disappear down the row. When he returns, his big hand grips a familiar cover. My stomach flips.
Her Soul is Mine.
Kade Cross.
I force myself to breathe evenly as he sets the book on the counter. My fingers tremble slightly as I scan it, the soft beep sounding far too loud in the quiet shop.
“That’ll be $16.72,” I manage.
He slips a card from his wallet, sliding it across the counter. His gaze lingers on me.
As the receipt prints, I tilt my head. “Kellan, you shop here a lot… you should be enrolled in the rewards program.”
He blinks. “Oh… okay, let’s do it.” A blush creeps up his cheeks. “The rewards program I mean, sign me up.”
My lips curve as I slide the form across the counter. His big hand takes the pen, his fingers brushing mine for the briefest moment.
He finishes the form, sliding it back across the counter. “Thanks,” he says with a small smile before heading toward the door.
