As he entered town he pushed the thoughts from his mind. He needed to focus on his task today. He was looking forward to the work almost as much as he anticipated catching a glimpse of Shelby Thatcher and her beautiful doe-brown eyes.
In the Young Adult section Shelby set up a table featuring books by Jenny Han, an author she’d discovered her freshman year. She enjoyed spreading the word about her favorite books and authors.
The phone pealed up front and Gram called out from the office. “Shelby, honey, can you get that?”
“Sure thing, Gram.” Shelby bustled to the phone and took the call, someone inquiring about their hours. After disconnecting she made herway to the New Fiction bookcase to freshen the shelves—or so she told herself. It was possible she was mainly drawn there by the view along the way.
Gray had been working outside all morning, shirtless since about ten. Not that she was keeping track. He was currently putting down a weed barrier along the sidewalk, but that wasn’t what drew her attention now.
Brendan was out on the street with his friends Devon and Drew. Devon appeared to be talking to Gray as he worked.
Shelby didn’t like the sneer on Devon’s face. She’d once seen him shove a freshman boy into a locker for seemingly no reason. She wasn’t sure what Brendan saw in the guy. But she couldn’t imagine him standing by while Devon was cruel to anyone, even Grayson Briggs. Even so, she rushed down the stairs and stepped outside.
At the sight of her, Brendan’s face broke into a smile. He was handsome with bronzed skin, crystal-blue eyes, and sandy-blond hair that dipped over his forehead in an adorable way. He headed up the sidewalk, carrying two Styrofoam drink cups from the Dairy Bar. “Hey, gorgeous. Brought your favorite—extra-thick chocolate malt with chocolate chips.” He handed it to her.
Her heart warmed at the thoughtful gesture. “Thank you. That’s awfully nice. I took an early lunch, so this’ll hit the spot.” She peeked around him as she drew the thick shake up the straw. Drew and Devon seemed to be engaged in conversation on the sidewalk, ignoring Gray altogether. Maybe Shelby had misread the situation.
Of course she had. Brendan would never be a party to bullying. They’d only been going out five weeks, but she’d known him for years. He had a solid reputation, was well liked, and had never been anything but kind to her. Besides, Brendan’s father would never tolerate that kind of behavior. Barry was difficult to please, but that didn’t stop Brendan from trying.
“We’re on our way to Drew’s house to ride the Jet Skis. His dad just bought a third one, so now we can all ride together.”
“Sounds fun.” She was surprised he didn’t have a summer job yet. He’d mentioned holding out for a lifeguard position, but it seemed a little late in the season to score that job.
“Come on, Brendan,” Drew called. “The day’s wasting.”
Brendan offered a charming grin. “Better run.” He kissed her on the cheek.
“Thanks again for the shake.”
“You’re welcome. Have a good day.”
“Have fun.”
He took off down the sidewalk, meeting up with his buddies. Shelby gave them a wave just before they disappeared around the corner.
Her gaze returned to Gray, who hadn’t so much as glanced up. He looked formidable, those muscles rippling across his back as he pulled the weed barrier tight and secured it. If he knew she was still standing there, he gave no indication. But somehow she knew he knew. She could feel it in her bones.
She couldn’t get the image of Devon’s sneer from her mind. And it gave her the courage to speak. “Doing all right out here?”
“Fine.”
“Sure is a scorcher. Need anything? We have drinks in the mini fridge.”
“No thanks. I’ve got water.” He swiped his face with his forearm and went right back to work.
Shelby stood there for a few seconds trying to think of something else to say, but nothing came to mind. Why was she so drawn to Gray? Maybe because he was such an enigma. He was a loner at school, always eating by himself, walking the halls alone. He never spoke up in the classroom and slumped in his seat like he was just waiting for the bell to ring. And yet she’d caught a glimpse of his graded expository essay before he could shove it in his book bag. A 98 percent—three points higher than her own grade.
Then there was that time at the class garbage can when he’d held her mesmerized for a helpless second.
Gray sat back on his haunches and frowned at her.
She’d been staring. Her face warmed. And still she couldn’t think of a thing to say. Why did he always make her so tongue-tied?
“There something else?”
His droll tone had her backing up a step. “Um, nope. I’ll let you get back to it.” She slipped back inside with her melting shake.
The next day Shelby exited the bookshop and nearly balked at the sweltering late-June heat. She had just enough time to run to the Savory Spoon Café for a big slice of their pie of the month: Dutch apple. Maybe she should text Brendan and see if he wanted to meet up.
