Was I really sitting here in front of the bookstore that held the future of my business behind its doors, contemplating getting busy with the sexy silver fox major next door?
“No, there’s nothing on your face other than a beautiful smile.”
I didn’t see that coming. Guess I knew what I’d be dreaming about later tonight.
“Jaci?”
“Yes?”
“Sophie’s waving at us from the front window. I think we need to get your things inside and set up.” Rafe released a sigh and, with a barely there grin, he pushed open his door. “You ready?”
“Um, oh, yes. But you don’t have to stay. She has a part-time employee who’s going to help me.” I scrambled out of the truck, but I was too slow. He already had an armful of my stuff and was striding toward a smiling Sophie, who held the door open for him.
“Hold up. Rafe, you don’t have to?—”
Rafe stopped shy of the door, turned on his heel and leveled his gaze at me. “Take the help, Jaci. I’m not going anywhere.” With that he spun around, greeted Sophie and for the next hour and a half, helped me unpack the boxes set up the display and stood off to the side off to the side as various customers came and went including the members of the Shelf Indulgence Book Club.
Sales were better than I could have hoped for, but that didn’t compare to how I felt every time I noticed the way Rafe was watching me. It was his eyes. They smoldered while the rest of his face remained impossibly…well, grumpish seemed to fit best. And when someone spoke to him, his eyes would clear, he’d nod politely but his gaze always returned to me.
I’m not sure how many times it happened. Me looking at him, him looking at me. It was enough to keep me on a low simmer even as I wondered why he was staying.
“You really scored tonight. And I don’t mean just in sales.” Sophie came over to the table, her impish smile contagious. She nodded toward Rafe, who was trying to extricate himself from an older lady who was pointing to a book in her hand.
“Oh, no. He’s my, I mean, my sister’s neighbor. When my car wouldn’t start, he offered to drive me here. But I told him he could leave after he helped bring my stuff inside. Not sure why he’s still here. Told him I'd call a rideshare. He’s just so stubborn.”
Sophie kept smiling. “Well, where would we be without stubborn men? They see what they want and don’t give up tillit’s won. I may not know the Major very well, but he’s come in a time or two. Picked up a military thriller and then a biography of a general. But I do know he’s never been serious. About anyone.”
“Oh, really?” I tried to play it cool. Yes, I was attracted to Rafe, and I was almost positive he was interested in me, but it couldn’t go beyond that. He’d be moving soon, but I couldn’t help the feelings he stirred in me. “He is handsome; you’d have to be dead not to find him attractive. But did you know he’s moving away after retirement?”
“I must have missed that news. Well, there are plenty of eligible bachelors on base. When you’re ready, let me know. I have a knack for matchmaking.”
Rafe appeared at my side just as Sophie made her offer. “Jaci, looks like your event was successful. I’ll take these boxes out to my truck and come back for the display table.” His words were gruff, his posture stiff, as he nodded at Sophie. “It was good seeing you again.”
We both watched him walk away. Sophie spoke first. “Well, seems someone didn’t like my offer to set you up. Too bad he won’t be here much longer.” The bookstore owner sighed, then gave me a quick hug and an offer of coffee the next time I was in town.
I picked up the remaining items I’d brought with me and the folding display table so he didn't have to come back inside, and then I left the shop. Why would Rafe care if Sophie was good at matchmaking? Or maybe his mood shift was because of something else. Did he regret staying?
I reached the truck just as he shut the door to the back seat. When he saw me with the table, he frowned. “I thought I told you I’d get that for you?”
“I’m not one of your airmen, Rafe. I’m perfectly capable of carrying it. And as grateful as I am for your help tonight, I’m not sure why you you’re suddenly mad?” My words seemed to addfuel to the fire. His lips thinned out, and we stood there staring at each other in awkward silence.
“Not mad at all. Just didn’t expect to see you doing it yourself, is all. Let’s go.” Rafe didn’t follow me as I got into the truck as he’d done before. And his movements were too controlled as he drove us home not to be miffed about something.
Now I was really confused, but I wouldn’t try to coax him out of his mood. I’d spent too many years doing that in my marriage, learning a hard lesson that trying to smooth things over just to keep the peace never solved the underlying issue. If he wanted to stew in silence, let him.
The short drive home went quickly, but not quick enough. I couldn’t shake the way he’d looked at me all evening, and it wasn’t easy taming my heartbeat sitting so close to him, especially in the cozy confines of his truck.
When he pulled into the driveway, he got out and gathered items from the backseat before I could stop him.
“I’ve got a space in the garage where I store everything. Give me a moment and I’ll open it.” I used the remote in my car and then rushed back to the truck to get the rest of my things before he did.
With everything stored on the shelves Becca had cleared off for me to use for my inventory, things became awkward between us again. He stood in front of me yet was looking everywhere except at me. “Tomorrow, give Tomas at Alvarez Auto Repair a call. He’s the best in town and will treat you fairly.”
“Uh, thanks for the recommendation. And thank you again for helping me out tonight. You really went above and beyond by staying for the whole thing. If you won’t let me pay you for gas, how about you pick out one of my jewelry designs? You could gift it to your mom or a…a friend.”
His features relaxed, and whatever had triggered his grumpy mood earlier disappeared. “Thank you. That’s nice of you. And I’m sorry for my abrupt behavior. I’m not sure what brought it on.”
“No, that’s okay. I guess it wasn’t as fun for you tonight as it was for me. So, uh, thank you again.” Ugh, I sounded lame. Then I said nothing else, and neither did Rafe. We simply stood there staring at each other like a couple of people at the end of an awkward first date wondering what now.
