“You still want to go to the bookstore?”
“Yes. Lead the way, Sam.”
Yep. Best day ever, indeed.
The bell atop the door of Page Turner Book Store chimed, and I immediately made eye contact with Maggie, whose mouth dropped slightly when she saw who I’d entered with.
I know, I mouthed to her from behind Lukas.
“Good afternoon, Sam. And you must be Lukas.”
Lukas dipped his chin. “Indeed, I am.”
“Well, I’m Maggie, the store owner. Have a look around, and let me know if there’s anything I can help with.”
He moved about the space with grace, like a barely there breeze. How was he so quiet, precise, lovely?
“Are you gonna stare at him or pretend to be looking for some books?” Maggie whispered to me, and Lukas’s gaze met mine briefly.Did he hear her? Oh my Lord, did he know I was ogling him?
“Yes!” I whisper-yelled at Maggie and moved to the paranormal section.
I wasn’t sure how long we’d been there by the time Lukas found me. He had five books in hand.
“What did you find?” I smiled at his collection. He showed me the titles. “I see. Two books about prolific serial killers, the horrors of war, and two real-crime dramas.” I lifted my eyes to his. “Aren’t you just a little ray of darkness?”
He lifted one shoulder. “I like what I like. What about you?”
I held up the unicorn shifter book. “Been wanting to read this.”
“You’re judging me, and you’re reading about unicorns?”
“I am judging you, yes.”
He rolled his eyes and maneuvered toward the register. Maggie cashed us out and once more, we were outside.
“So, did you um, want to come up to my apartment?” It felt like an idiotic question.
“Your apartment?”
I nodded and pointed above the bookstore. “I live up there.”
“I see.”
Was that a no, a yes? “I can make tea or coffee or cocoa or?—”
He held up his hand. “I appreciate the offer, but the hour is getting late. I must return home.”
So proper. “Okay, did you want me to walk you back to the docks?”
Again, with the semi-smile. It was a victorious feeling. “That’s not necessary, Sam…thank you.”
“You’re welcome. So I’ll see you later?”
“I’m sure you will, and so you know, I found the slip of paper with your phone number on it.”
I was curious about that. “Great, if you ever need anything, feel free to use it.”
“Have a good evening, Sam.”
