Author: C.S. Lewis
Due Date: October 25
Specifications: Paperback books will not be accepted. Only hardbacks, preferably leather bound, but fabric will suffice. Also, older books in good condition are encouraged.
“I’m sure I can order something on Amazon.” Russ smiled tightly, removing his hand from Alice’s back and taking the sheet. A cool sensation, like chewing a mint, replaced the warmth of his fingers, and she shivered.
“No,” Lillian snapped, tapping her pen on the board.
Alice pressed her lips together to keep from laughing. When Lillian got an idea, it was her way or the highway.
“No?” Russ croaked.
“No. Classics should look like classics. You’ll need to pick out the book—in person.” She shout-whispered the last word, which was the loudest Alice had ever heard her speak. Seriously, she’d run into Lillian at Harold’s Harvest Market once and had to lean in just to pick up the conversation.
Lillian caught Alice’s gaze and jerked her head toward Russ, indicating that she could use a little help with this guy.
Alice put up her hands. “Don’t worry, Lillian. I’ll make sure he does this right.”
“Thank you, Alice.” She reached over the counter and retrieved another clipboard. “I know you don’t work here, but can you attend the festival’s final meeting for me? You’re the only one I trust to make sure the library is considered in the planning process and to gather volunteers to help at the fundraiser.”
Russ bristled. “Shouldn’t someone on the council go?”
Lillian swatted away his idea. “You all are too busy. Alice doesn’t have anything to do tomorrow night, do you, dear?”
Alice’s neck burned. “I just happen to be free.” She snatched the clipboard from Lillian’s hand, more than a little perturbed that she didn’t have plans and that Lillian had kindly pointed that out in front of Russ. “I’ll be happy to represent the library.” She was, after all, pursuing a degree in library science. The more time she spent associating herself with the library, the easier it would be for her to slide into a job here.
“Perfect.” Lillian checked off a box with a sweep of her pen. She bustled away. A moment later, she accosted Bill, owner of the Cornucopia Inn, and presented him with a book-finding assignment.
“Can she do this?” Russ lifted the sheet.
Alice laughed and nudged him toward the exit. “She just did.” They pushed through the glass doors. “I think it’s a great idea.”
Russ held open the passenger door to his Toyota for her to climb in. “Of course you do. I thought you were going to faint when you foundThe Three Musketeersat The Bottom Drawer Thrift Store—and the cover was barely hanging on.”
Alice slid into her seat, and Russ shut the door.
The Bottom Drawer was a thrift store on Main Street. Not only did it carry clothing and furniture, but Barry, the owner, worked to bring in other items he found on his quests. Like the volume ofThe Three Musketeersso old the pages crackled and smelled of ink and binder’s glue. It was also the price of her thickest textbook, and Alice had placed it back in the display case with a sense of loss.
Russ stowed the posters in the trunk and climbed behind the wheel.
“I did my sixth-grade book diorama onThe Three Musketeers. It was the first big book I ever read,” said Alice as they clicked their seat belts. “Did you know D’Artagnan was made a musketeer twice? Talk about plot holes.”
Russ reached into the back seat. “I didn’t know that, but I did know you did your diorama on the book. That’s why I bought it for you.” He placed a tired, well-loved book tied with a blue bow in her lap. “Happy birthday.”
Shocked beyond belief that he’d not only remembered it was her birthday but had bought the one thing that could make her heart beat faster than running a 5k, Alice squealed and threw her arms around Russ.
He hugged her close, and Alice breathed in the subtle scent of his cologne. Brisk, it reminded her of the awe-inspiring view from the top of White Top Mountains and the whipping winds of desire that pulsed through her veins when Russ was near.
Air was suddenly a hot commodity, as she had a difficult time getting enough of it into her body. Wanting to run her hands up his back and through his pirate-length hair, she became self-conscious and moved back, only to be stopped by his formidable arms still holding her close.
Meeting his intense gaze, she searched his soulful eyes for a spark of the heat burning inside of her. She became acutely aware that this was the first time she’d hugged Russ. Though they’d spent a lot of time together over the last year, they’d never had any type of physical connection—and here she was, her skin humming and feeling hot and cold and everything in between.
“You’re the best,” she said.
Russ glanced at her lips, and Alice dropped her eyes, the intensity of the moment overwhelming her control.
Chapter Three
