“Thank you.” Her tone was haughty.
“Why can you never take orders,” he demanded.
“Becauseyouare giving them.”
This time his teeth snapped together.
“Why did you need to get up there to that book? It was about snail farming, and while your reading tastes can be odd, surely you are not thinking of getting into that?”
“I have always wanted to know what books are up there. Now I do,” Mary said, moving away from the ladder, which hopefully meant Zach followed.
Could they just pretend that kiss hadn’t happened? Had it simply been momentary madness? It certainly seemed that way if the annoyed look on his face was any indication.
“My reading preferences have nothing to do with you.”
“Mary—”
“Did you find anything up there?” A voice reached them from the floor below.
“No, Nathan!” Zach yelled without taking his gaze from Mary.
“What are you looking for?” Mary asked.
“A book for Ella. It’s her birthday,” Zach said.
He was studying her, and she felt the flush of color making its way to her cheeks. That would never do. This man never unsettled her. Well, not noticeably anyway. She never gave him the upper hand and was not starting now, even considering he’d given Mary her first kiss.
Checking the ties on her reticule were closed securely, she then stomped around him.
“Where are you going?” He followed.
She walked to a shelf closer to the stairs and studied the books. Pulling one free, she slapped it into his chest with a loud and satisfying thump.
“She’ll like this.”
The sound of footsteps had them both looking to the top of the stairs. Nathan Deville appeared seconds later.
“Hello, Mary. I didn’t know you were up here with Zach. There was no yelling.” He smiled.
“Good day to you, Nathan. If you’ll excuse me, I have an appointment.” She dropped into a curtsey, ignored Zach, and left.
“What did you say to her this time?” she heard Nathan ask Zach.
“Nothing. The woman is just constantly angry,” Zach answered.
“No. Only with you, little brother.”
Mary hurried the last few steps and tripped, landing on her hands and knees with a thud and yet another shriek.
“Mary, did you just fall?”
Zach’s roar had her regaining her feet.
“Miss Mary?” Aggie appeared before her. “Are you all right?”
“I am. Come, Aggie, it is time to leave.” Ignoring her now-raw knees, Mary passed the counter, saying goodbye to Mrs. Lolly and heading out the door.
CHAPTERTEN
