"I've got to run," he says, checking his watch. "The meeting got moved up, and I need to change at the hotel."
"Of course." I adjust my robe. "Will I see you later?"
He crosses to me and tilts my chin up for a kiss that quickly deepens and leaves me breathless. "Count on it." Another quick kiss. "I'll call you after the meeting."
Then he's gone, the apartment suddenly quiet in his absence. I stand motionless, fingers pressed to my lips, the scent of his cologne lingering in the air.
This is happening too fast. Isn't it?
* * *
I move through my morning routine on autopilot, and my mind replays Brian's words. Trust me when I say this feels right.
Does it? Could someone really change their entire lifestyle after one snowstorm and two nights together? I put away the folding chairs and restore bookish order to the space as I ponder the cyclone of my life at the moment.
The bell above the door chimes at precisely 10:15, and I look up to see my sister entering, carrying a tray with two coffee cups.
"I come bearing caffeine," Carol announces, setting the tray on the counter. "Figured you'd need it after the big event last night."
"The signing was amazing," I agree, accepting the cup gratefully.
Carol studies me over the rim of her coffee. "You look different."
"I'm wearing the same outfit I always do."
"Not your clothes." She narrows her eyes. "Your face. You're... glowing."
I busy myself straightening a stack of bookmarks. "Good skincare routine."
"Bullshit." Carol perches on a stool behind the counter. "You got laid. Finally."
The heat that floods my cheeks confirms her suspicion before I can deny it.
"I knew it!" she crows. "Who is he? Please tell me it's not that weird guy with the cats who always buys the maritime histories."
"It's not," I assure her.
"So? Details. Now."
I hesitate, then decide there's no point hiding it. "Remember that guy I mentioned? From the snowstorm?"
Her eyes widen. "The silver fox who bought the Noah Hot Wylie book? He came back?"
"He's in town for business." I fiddle with my coffee lid. "We ran into each other at Emma Stag's signing."
"And immediately jumped into bed," Carol supplies. "Good for you. God knows it's been long enough."
"It's not just sex," I admit reluctantly. "He's... talking about moving to Pittsburgh. Opening an office here."
Carol's eyebrows shoot up. "After how many dates? Two?"
"Kind of."
"Wow." She takes a sip of coffee. "Either this guy is seriously impulsive, or he's fallen hard."
"Or both," I mutter.
"And how do you feel about it?"
