He grimaced. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was doing that.”
She closed her notebook. “No big deal. It’s not like I’m secretly vying for your heart. Why don’t I go grab that T-shirt for you?”
“Wait.” He reached out as if to touch her but then withdrew his hand. “What is your passion?”
Out of all the questions he could have asked her to bring a smile to her heart, it was that one. “That’s easy. The pursuit of happiness. The one thing the death of my parents taught me is that life is short. Take chances. Pursue the impossible. Embrace life—messiness and all.”
He nodded as if sayinggood one. But he said nothing, so she hopped up.
“Let me go change, and we can get our day started.”
Fifteen minutes later, she emerged from the bedroom. She wore an orange T-shirt that saidChapter One. “This one’s for you,” she said, tossing him his.
He glanced at it and laughed before slipping into the bedroom to change, not even bothering to argue.
“I like it when you do my bidding so easily,” she called out.
“Don’t get used to it,” he hollered back. “I don’t have a gooey middle. I’m steel through and through.”
And therein lay the problem. As she’d mentioned in one of their conversations. Men could be molded into perfect book boyfriend material, but they had to want to change. Unfortunately, those made of steel seldom did. “That’s really too bad,” she whispered to the closed door. He wouldn’t need to change much. He’d just need to be willing to risk loving someone.
Chapter 19
The soft chime of the bell above the door greeted Stone and Sophie as they stepped into Graham’s Corner, located in Tribeca. Stone immediately glanced around for all viable exits. He found two. He positioned himself so that his back was not to either of them.
Then he surveyed the warmly lit bookstore, taking in the cozy reading nooks scattered between the shelves. The charming, homey atmosphere felt oddly out of place in the upscale neighborhood—a stark contrast to the location of their first book boyfriend quest.
A man with tousled brown hair and warm, inviting eyes looked up from behind the counter. “I’m Oliver,” he introduced himself, shaking their hands with a warmth that matched his smile. “Jenna sent you, right? She mentioned something about a book-boyfriend project. I’m flattered to be considered.”
Sophie’s face lit up. “Yes, that’s right. Jenna thinks you’re a perfect fit for what we call a Cinnamon Roll Hero—kind, empathetic, and community-focused. Anyway, I’m getting ahead of myself. I’m Sophie, and this is my boyfriend, Stone.”
For some strange reason, Stone found himself puffing out his chest like a proud peacock when Sophie introduced him as her boyfriend. Then he reminded himself he wasn’t and that Oliver Graham, with a well-groomed beard and a friendly smile, wearing a soft cardigan that seemed designed to reinforce his image as the quintessential Cinnamon Roll Hero, could be under the right circumstances.
“It is so nice to meet both of you. Care for a tour of my pride and joy?”
Oliver led them through the two-story bookstore, sharing stories about his community projects and his late wife’s legacy. The air was filled with the musty, comforting scent of old books and a faint trace of a burning vanilla candle.
Stone couldn’t help but notice how Sophie hung onto Oliver’s every word, like she was listening to a captivating storyteller weaving a spellbinding tale. Everything about her body language displayed genuine interest, admiration, and awe. And why not awe? This was the man of her fantasies. Oliver was not just fulfilling the role of Sophie’s preferred hero trope—he appeared to be setting a new standard for all who followed.
A twinge of something Stone couldn’t quite place zapped him like a high-powered taser. The zap caused a puzzle piece to click into place in his mind, one that crowded up against his self-esteem, rubbing it the wrong way.
Oliver Graham was the type of man worthy of Sophie E. Clark. The guy was genuine, caring, rooted in the community, and clearly still receptive to finding new happiness despite his past loss. And more than anything, he appeared to be an open book. A guy with no big secrets hidden in the basement just waiting to blow up Sophie’s life.
Stone should encourage Sophie not to feature Oliver but pursue him instead. That would be good for her and goodfor Stone. He couldn’t accidentally fall in love with a woman mooning over another right under his nose night after night.
After their tour of the bookstore, Oliver led them to his office, a small but inviting space filled with personal touches: photographs of his wife, a shelf of first editions, and a large window that looked out over the bustling street. He gestured for Sophie and Stone to take a seat across from his desk, which was neatly organized except for a stack of children’s books slated for the next community reading hour.
Sophie opened her notebook, her professional demeanor slipping into place as she prepared to go through her list of questions. The same ones she’d asked Stone this morning.
“Oliver, I have a set of questions I will ask everyone I feature in the column. They will help readers to get a better sense of who you really are beyond just what I observe.”
Oliver nodded, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “I’m unreserved. Ask away.”
Sophie pulled a pen from her purse. “First question: What does a perfect day look like for you?”
Oliver leaned back, his gaze thoughtful. “A perfect day starts with opening the shop early, maybe finding a moment to read a chapter or two of whatever book I’m into at the moment. Then, I’d spend the day interacting with customers, helping them find books they’ll love. In the evening, I’d close and head to one of the local community centers where I volunteer, maybe help with an art class, or organize a book donation. Finally, I’d end the day at home, cooking a nice meal and unwinding with some jazz music.”
Sophie sighed appreciatively. “That sounds wonderful. Next question: What do you value most in a relationship?”
