“That’s perfect. Could we book two days twice a week for the next couple of weeks, starting in two weeks’ time?” I questioned, and the studio manager nodded, his eyes bright with excitement.
“Absolutely. I’d be honored to work with you fellas again. How do Tuesdays and Thursdays sound?”
The guys and I exchanged a look, and they nodded. “Works for us.”
Harper
“Earth to Harper—are you okay?” Ellery called out, clapping her hands beside me. I jumped, nearly dropping the paperback I’d been holding and staring blankly at for the past five minutes.
“Crap, yes. I spaced.” I sighed, placing the paperback on the shelf. I’d been in the local author section, adding Janessa Wentworth’s latest release to our growing collection. In truth, it was taking me a lot longer than usual to get through this normally quick task, and there was no point in denying it.
I was deeply distracted.
“Iknow, I’ve been trying to talk to you for the last five minutes. Everything okay?” The teasing lilt to Ellery’s tone held a note of concern.
“Yeah, everything’s fine,” I replied—my voice an octave higher than usual. I grabbed another book from the cart. I could feel her studying me, and my cheeks heated even more beneath her scrutiny.
Ducking from her inspection, I continued picking up books and setting them on the shelf, working at top speed now to empty the cart.
“One extreme or the other with you today, huh?” She clicked her tongue, shaking her head.
“I just need to finish this one thing. Cal’s going to be here soon,” I replied. “I’ve barely gotten half of my to-do list done, and I feel like—a space cadet.” My shoulders sagged.
“You know, you haven’t taken a holiday in forever. Like, literally—you’venevertaken a holiday. And I don’t count sick days as holidays, Harp, so don’t even open your mouth.” Ellery scolded, and I clamped my mouth shut. “Youneedsome time off to figure this thing out.”
“I can’t. There’s too much to do here. The shipment for the schools just arrived, and we’ve got the signing event with Janessa Wentworth Friday.”
Ellery cupped her chin and tapped her lips thoughtfully. Her nails were always filed down and clean, but she never wore nail polish. She baked too much for it. Her eyes brightened with an idea. “So take the books into the schools while you’re off the next two days, come in on Friday for the signing event. I can help Shelly with the storefront if she needs it, but I think she’s got it. We’ll be fine.”
I huffed and crossed my arms over my chest, my fingers tapping against my elbow in consideration. It wasn’t a half-bad idea.
“I suppose you’re right,” I lamented. I knew they were more than capable of it, and I could use a couple of days off to regroup and organize myself. I needed to be on my A-game for Janessa’s signing event.
“You know I’m right. A bunch of sweaty sex with the rock star isexactlywhat the doctor ordered.”
“You aren’t a doctor.”
“Janessa’s newest hero is,” she winked. Something caught her attention over my shoulder, and she straightened, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Speak of the devil.”
I spun around, breath catching in my chest as Calum strolled purposely through the doors and into the bookstore.
When those stormy blues locked on mine, a slow smile graced his lips, making me feel hot all over. It transported me to the night before, to how good it felt to give into it. To the kiss this morning, how lost I was when his lips pressed to mine with worship.
He watched me, his gaze heated and purposeful, his smile a touch devious—like he, too, was having similar thoughts.
“Hi, Calum. We haven’t formally met. I’m Ellery.” My friend said, thrusting her hand out to shake his, forcing his attention away from me. I drew in a breath, trying to pull it together.
Cal’s lips twitched with amusement. “Nice to meet you. Great shop you guys have,” he said, his eyes surveying the shelves and tables, and the café beyond. “It’s cozy.”
“Exactly the look we were going for!” Ellery crooned with delight, reining in her excitement when I sent her a look. “Anyway, I’m sure there’s something I need to be doing somewhere else.” She smirked, dancing off to the café side.
“You’re a little early. The bus doesn’t drop the kids off for another half hour.” I remarked, placing a hand on the cart absently. It was the cart or his chest, and I wasn’t ready for the kind of attention a public display with Cal would bring—the kiss my colleagues witnessed had been enough, for now—but it sure would be easy to forget and fall into old habits. When we were younger, we hadn’t wasted a second moment without touching each other in some way.
“I know, sorry. Stuff with the guys wrapped up early, and I didn’t feel like driving back to Lunenburg.” He shrugged, lips twitching, eyes growing a little darker, a little cloudier. He didn’t have to say a thing—I recognized that look. I knew he’d been staying at his parents for the last week, and that transition probably wasn’t any easier or comfortable for him. It wasn’t uncommon for him to bump heads with his father, for Cal’s dad to say or do something to piss him off and make him react.
They goaded each other, fed off each other’s anger. It was one thing about Calum that had always made my heart ache. No father should treat his son with such carelessness.
Yet he was the polar opposite with Connor. His blatant favouritism had always made me hurt for him.
