“If you want, I can make you an official Vulvarine.” She winks, so I know it’s probably not an entrepreneurial think tank.
“What’s a Vulvarine?”
“Our unofficial women’s support group for stuff like this.” She smiles. “We got the idea from a Brooke Braham book. My mom, Cassidy, Lucy—we started it, but the female fellowship extends to anyone who needs it.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” I can’t imagine forming a vulva-themed group with my mother.
“Cute top, by the way.”
“Thanks.” I’ve taken to wearing loose, flowy clothing since I’m starting to show. Lucky for me, that’s in style now. “It’s a Pietro Brunelli.”
“Well it looks great on you.” Zoe shifts back to librarian mode. “Okay then—lay it on me. Tell me what you’re looking for in a sex book.”
God, this is mortifying. “Well, um . . . I guess I’ve been feeling sorta . . .”
“Curious?”
“Yes.” That’s only part of it. “Also really, um…well…”
“Horny?”
Heat floods my cheeks, but I nod. “Yes.”
“Don’t be embarrassed, hon.”
“I’m not.” I totally am. But it’s also the truth that pregnancy hormones have spiked my libido. I’ve read that can happen, and I’d like to learn more.
And I’d really like to stop fantasizing about Luke.
“You’ve come to the right place.” Her open-hearted smile sets me at ease. “Seriously, I’ve got you, girl.”
“Thanks.”
She turns to the section with books on sexual health. “For starters, I highly recommend this one, this one, and this one.” She taps a few spines, and I take note of the titles. “I can give you more insights on each of them or just let you browse privately on your own.”
That sounds like a good place to start. “How about I ask if I have any questions.”
“Perfect. I’m here until four.” Beaming, she rubs her hands together. “How about fiction?”
“Fiction?”
Zoe’s sweet smile takes on a saucy quality. “Many women find that reading erotic romance can be a great way to channel sexual energy. And the solo-play sex toys on the market now—whooo!” She feigns like she’s fanning herself, but she’s not even blushing. “Hayley sells one at Mischievous Mermaid called Lip Service—it’ll blow your mind, girl. No joke. When Cal’s working long hours at the pub, I grab that and a one-handed read from one of my favorite erotic romance authors. It’s a great way to spend a lonely night at home, you know?”
I’m blushing so deeply I probably blend right in with the crimson-hued carpet. But also?—
“Maybe I’ll look into toys.” I can’t believe I’m considering it. “And I suppose erotic romance might be nice to read on vacation.”
“That’s right,” she exclaims. “Erika said you’re going to Croatia to visit your mom?”
“Just for a week.” I’m still a bit stunned to be doing it. “I haven’t seen her for a year, and it’s probably my last chance for a while.”
“Oh yeah?” She’s leading me toward the fiction section of the library. “How come?”
Crap. “She’s super busy. It’s tough to find time to fly out there, you know?”
“I hear ya.” Zoe chuckles. “Sometimes I wish my mom lived overseas instead of three blocks away.”
“Your mom is great.” I don’t know Ruby Brooks well, but I doubt she left her daughters to learn about sex at the library. “Okay, who are some of your favorite erotic romance authors?”
