“Really?”Lilian smiled, but it was tense.She already knew the queen had vouched for her little shop, but that didn’t seem to change the opinions of the other royal men.
“Oh, yes,” she gushed.“This is so nice.I feel like I never have a chance to go to the bookstore these days.They are magical places, just like this faire.When people walk into them, they feel something.”
Oh.Her heart trembled a little at the words.In three years, this was the most she’d ever spoken with Janelle Carlisle, but she vowed then and there that she would help the woman bury a body if she asked.
“And you know…” Her voice dipped into a conspiratorial whisper as she gave a cursory look around.“When I was younger, people weren’t so open about… sex.These books really rocked my world, if you know what I mean.”
Lilian smashed her lips to smother a smile.“My mom said the same thing.”
“Did she, now?I’ve always believed romance novels give great insight into the fantasies of our society.And I am all for it.This is our fantasy world.”The queen waved a hand at the faire outside.“We can make it whatever we want it to be.”
“I love that,” Lilian said, handing the woman her purchase.She considered if it would be inappropriate to confide in the queen.A woman who owned the faire, who was technically her boss.Did she know about the Reject Woods?Did she know the king hated the shop?
The queen seemed like the sort who wouldn’t approve of any scheme to disenfranchise smaller vendors.Lilian opened her mouth, ready to ask when a familiar voice interrupted.
“Mom, what are you doing dressed like that?”
Hawk stepped in, dressed in another short-sleeved polo and tight khakis.His upper arms had a tan from all the days out at the faire.Ugh, another reason to hate those stupid polos.His trusty clipboard was nowhere to be seen, and a slight line of sweat dampened his forehead, mussing his usually well-kept hair.“Your ladies have been looking everywhere for you.”
The queen’s large eyes widened.“Busted by my own son.”
Hawk scrutinized the scene before him.His dark gaze narrowed on the book by the cash register.Instantly, the mood in the shop shifted.“Reading on the job, Ms.Bodice?”
“I wouldn’t be much of a bookseller if I didn’t read,” Lilian answered, crossing her arms over her chest.She didn’t miss the way his eyes dipped down to her cleavage, just for a second, before snapping back up.
A thrill sizzled through her.One she savagely pushed down.
The queen kept looking back and forth between them, obviously sensing the new tension in the air.“Well, it has been an absolute delight meeting you, dear.I could stay here all day, but I have to get back to my queenly duties.”She flashed a round cheek smile and patted her stack of books with glee.“I hope the rest of the faire goes well for you.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”Lilian gave a slight curtsy as the woman took her leave.“I hope you enjoy those books.”
“I’m sure I will.”
She left with a knowing look at her son, who did not follow.Lilian’s good mood quickly dissipated as she realized it was her and Hawk, alone in her shop.
Crap.That probably meant he wanted to talk to her.
Well, she wasn’t in the mood.
“I’m sure you’re busy, sir.Have a good day.”
“Ms.Bodice,” Hawk said, clearing his throat.
Her eyes narrowed on him, determined to hold her ground against whatever asinine rule he threw her way.
He hesitated for a second and tried again.This time softer.“I mean Ms.Brody.”
“Yes?”
“I want to apologize for Thursday.I was… rude.Again.”
“Yeah, you were.”But she had given it right back to him.Snapping and rising to anger every time he showed his arrogance.
“I shouldn’t have said anything about your business failing.As your boss, that was wrong of me.”
She blinked.Holy shit, was Hawk… apologizing?
Any biting remark died as her mind went horribly blank.He was still talking, and she realized she’d missed an entire part of his apology when he repeated, “Ms.Brody.”
