Naomi gave me a scrutinizing look. “You know, karma’s going to get you for that one. For all you know, the next time that door opens it could be the future Mr. Holiday Bradbury waltzing in, and you’d miss out.”
My eyebrows lifted toward my hairline. “The future Mr. Holiday Bradbury?”
She lifted a single shoulder in a shrug. “I’m progressive like that.”
I let out a laugh at my friend’s ridiculousness. “Whatever. I can assure you that the future Mr. anything won’t be walking through my door. And I’m fine with that.”
I wasn’t sure if she’d called on karma personally, but at that very moment, the door swung open, setting off the bells, and the most gorgeous man I’d ever seen—in real life and in pictures—came walking into my shop.
“Holy shit,” Naomi whispered, her eyes nearly bulging out of her skull. “I love when I’m right.”
Chapter Five
Tanner
The first thing I noticed when I walked into One More Chapter was that the store was downright cozy. With the welcoming colors and comfy seating scattered throughout, it didn’t feel like a place where you simply came in to buy books, but where you were welcome to stay, to curl up and read, for as long as you wanted.
The second thing I noticed washer.
She was impossible to miss, standing in the middle of the space with all her golden blonde hair hanging down around her shoulders. It was like the sun was shining down on her, spotlighting her beauty.
“Holy shit. I love when I’m right,” another woman whispered, drawing my attention to her for the first time. I hadn’t noticed her sitting in the chair closest to the woman who’d snagged my attention the moment I walked in.
My lips stretched into a smile as the door closed behind me, my focus stolen once more by the ray of sunshine. “Hi.”
Her cheeks flushed and her caramel brown eyes widened. “Uh... h-hello.” She gaped for a second, her mouth opening and closing like she was struggling to find the right words. The woman in the chair reached up, smacking Sunshine in the stomach lightly like she was trying to snap her out of some sort of daze. Sunshine blinked before clearing her throat and pasting on a tiny, nervous smile. “Welcome to One More Chapter.”
“Thanks.” I moved closer, taking in the shelves and shelves of books. Then I remembered the coffee cup and pastry bag I was holding from Muffin Top. “Sorry. I’m not sure if you allow outside food?—”
She lifted her hand and waved off my concern. Her smile grew a bit wider and brighter, lighting her whole face up and nearly knocking the breath out of my lungs. “Oh, don’t worry about it. Muffin Top will always be the exception to any rule.”
I let out a low chuckle. “Something I’ve just learned.” I took another sip of the best damn coffee I’d ever hard.
“But if you need to free up your hands, I’m happy to keep your stuff behind the front counter while you shop.” She lifted her hands, palms facing outward. “I give you my word it won’t be tampered with.”
Christ, she was cute. “I trust you.” That was something I normally would have to be careful about. I’d learned the hard way there were opportunists around every corner. However, I’d also learned to trust my gut over the years, and my gut was telling me I didn’t have anything to worry about where this woman was concerned.
I extended my arms, handing over my coffee and muffin, and watched as she carefully tucked them safely away near the register.
“Thanks, I appreciate it.”
“No problem.” She seemed more comfortable now that she was focusing on professionalism. “If there’s anything else I can help you with, let me know.”
She started to turn away from me, but for some reason, the idea of losing those light brown eyes made my stomach drop. I’d dated plenty in my life, probably more than plenty, but I’d never had a reaction like this to a woman before, one where I wanted to keep a complete stranger’s attention for as long as possible.
“Actually,” I started before she could fully turn away, “would you mind showing me where you keep your thrillers and murder mysteries?”
“Oh. Yeah, of course.”
“Thanks.” I gave her a practiced smile that had worked on women in the past and extended my hand to her. “I’m Tanner, by the way.”
The apples of her cheeks turned a deep pink and her eyelashes kissed the tops of her cheekbones when she glanced down almost bashfully. And damn if that look didn’t do something to me. “Um, yeah. Not to sound creepy or anything, but I know who you are.”
I figured by the way she’d looked at me when I first walked in. “You’re a hockey fan?”
“Oh, no. Nothing like that.” Her eyes flared wide like she was afraid she’d just insulted me. “I mean, I don’tnotlike it. I’ve never really watched it.” I raised my brows quizzically, and she lifted her shoulder in a shrug before explaining, “It’s a small town, and you were kind of an exciting topic for people last time you were here. Also, I was at the wedding you attended with my friend Ivy.”
“Ah. Well, I’m at a massive disadvantage,” One corner of my mouth kicked up in a smirk. “You know about me, but I don’t know anything about you.”
