“It fit.” I bobbed my head, understanding. “I reread the Harry Potter series every time a new movie hit theaters. There were times I’d barely finished and another movie was on the way.”
Violet licked my face and lowered her head to my lap, tail flopping.
“She loves people,” Davis said. “But it usually takes her a few introductions before she climbs into someone’s lap.”
“Clearly she has fabulous judgment. Plus, I have an effect on people. Keep running into me like this, and you’ll be next.”
Davis snorted, and my cheeks flamed.
“You know what I mean.”
He crossed his arms, a pleased smirk on his handsome face.
“‘Dogs are better than human beings because they know but do not tell,’” I said, lost in a sea of fluffy golden fur.
“Are you quoting Emily Dickinson?”
I guffawed. “You knew that?”
“I grew up in a bookstore. In Amherst,” he said. “Plus, our local school system is obsessed with her and Frost.”
I bit my lip, hating how much I liked knowing those things about him.
The lights inside the bookstore went out, and I sucked in a breath.
The door opened, and Grace stepped into view.
Violet jumped up to greet her.
Grace looked from me to Davis, then smiled. “Hello, young people.”
Davis bent to press a kiss to her cheek. “Hello, Auntie.”
Something fluttered in my chest at the sweet show of affection.
“Enjoying the night?” she asked.
“Yes,” we answered in near unison, and her smile grew.
“Well, don’t look so guilty about it. Life is supposed to be fun. I’m going to the farm to split a bottle of wine with Olivia and talk about the men in our pickleball league. Let me know if you ever want to join us, Emma. For pickleball or boy talk.” She rubbed Violet’s head, then winked.
“I will,” I said. “Thank you for the offer. Tell Olivia I’m fighting a bunny to keep her plants alive. I’m losing shamefully.”
Grace snickered as she headed for a yellow convertible Volkswagen at the corner. “We’ll have to come by sometime and take a look,” she said. “Olivia can fix it. I’ll bring the wine.”
“Deal.”
“Wait,” Davis called. “I thought you needed help with something in the store.”
She shrugged. “Nope. I’m all set. You kids have fun!” Grace dropped behind the steering wheel and drove away.
I creaked upright, dusting my clothes and backside, then collected my basket and bags. “Sounds like you got your night back.”
“Really?” he asked. “I was just played by a meddling old lady.”
I wanted to ask him for clarification but decided it was better I didn’t know. “I should head back to the manor.”
“Why don’t we walk you?” Davis offered. “I hear it’s unwise to be out alone after dark.”
