I entered the bookshop, and the scents of freshly brewed coffee and well-loved books enveloped me. The bustling café beside buzzed with activity, and remnants of Christmas still lingered. Dried oranges and lush greenery adorned the shelves, while paper snowflakes hung from the ceiling.
I unzipped my jacket and made my way to the back of the store, where the botanical section was. Walking down the narrow aisles, I trailed my fingers along the spines of books, inhaling as my lungs filled with my favourite smell. Throughout my life, bookshops have always been my sanctuary.
I sifted through the titles looking for the one Vail needed, and a low voice broke through the quiet hum of my thoughts. “Find what you’re looking for?”
I turned around to see Connor. His dimples and captivating hazel eyes were begging me to reach out to touch him.
So much for trying to avoid him.
“Maybe,” I replied with a hint of playfulness. “Are you stalking me?”
Connor grinned, taking a step closer until he was practically leaning over me. I found myself caught in his gaze. “You might be the one stalking me, considering this is where I work.”
“Oh, I didn’t know that.”
“You didn’t know that I had a job?” he chuckled. “Yeah, being a musician surprisingly doesn’t pay very well … or at all, really.” He ran his hand through his hair, and I caught a whiff of his musky scent as he lifted his arm. I tried not to make it obvious that I was breathing in his smell, but it was intoxicating. “What do you do for work?”
I hesitated, momentarily distracted by his presence and his scent. “I’m between jobs at the moment,” I replied truthfully. Though I didn’t mention that I’ve never actually had a real job. I got money the way most Vampires do after they eat. Stealing.
“I saw you the other night at my show,” Connor said, shifting his weight forward. I moved slightly, my back pressed against the bookshelf, feeling a jolt of electricity at his proximity.
“You saw me?”
“Yeah, I saw you,” his voice grew low and breathy. “I looked for you afterward, but I couldn’t find you.” He took a small step back, running his hands through his hair again.
“I left,” I admitted.
“Why?” he inquired, his eyes fixed on mine.
“You looked busy,” I held his gaze steadily.
Connor leaned in closer, his warm breath brushing against my face. “I don’t know what you saw, but I wasn’t as busy as you might think.”
“I doubt Amber would agree,” I teased, trying to keep things light.
“Well, Amber and I aren’t together anymore,” he revealed, and an unknown weight lifted from my chest. “Last night, I made it abundantly clear that she is no longer my girlfriend. I also didn’t even know that she was going to be there, let alone back in town.”
“And you’re not interested in her any longer?” I probed.
“No, it’s too complicated with us and I don’t want to play her games anymore. I’m the one who always ends up hurt.”
“Then who are you interested in?”
Connor shook his head, smiling, his dimples growing more prominent. Closing the distance between us, he bent down and whispered, “Someone else.”
My lips parted in anticipation, and my eyes closed, wishing him to kiss me.
“Do you work here?” A woman’s voice shattered the moment.
We drew apart.
“Yeah, how can I help you?” Connor said, then mouthed an apology to me, his hand brushing my waist as he turned to assist the customer.
I took a deep breath, composing myself for a few minutes. Damn, a near-death experience and a fight with your best friend really makes a girl horny.
I resumed my search for the book Vail needed. Despite my efforts to focus, my thoughts kept returning to the revelation that Connor was single once again.
After a while, I approached the front counter where Connor was finishing ringing up a customer. “Hey, Connor, do you have this book?” I gave him the paper Vail gave me with the title of the book.
