“Good afternoon to you, sir,” he said with good cheer. “Something catch your interest?”
Anthony chuckled. “Possibly. I was considering Rob Roy.”
“An excellent choice. I dare say you won’t find it cheaper anywhere else.” He patted the parcel under his arm. “This shop delivers quality goods, excellent service, and very competitive pricing. If you’ve the time to spare, I recommend taking a closer look.”
“Thank you. I just might do so.”
The man responded with a satisfied nod and took his leave. Anthony watched him go before returning his gaze to the shop window. He laughed softly beneath his breath. What a curious encounter. If what the man had said was true though, the shop did warrant a closer look.
With his mind made up, Anthony pulled open the door and entered. A small bell above the entrance made a delightful tinkling sound to announce his presence. An understated smell of dust and paper greeted him, inviting him into a cozy interior. Several bookcases stood to Anthony’s left and right filling the space, while a small wooden counter stood directly across from the entrance.
There were no other customers present, but the sharp sound of a gasp informed him he wasn’t alone.
“Good afternoon?” He stepped forward and caught a glimpse of movement out of the corner of his eye. “I’d like to purchase a book.”
A rustling sound followed but still no one appeared. Baffled, he rounded the first bookcase and tilted his head when he spotted what looked like a woman’s body partially concealed behind the books on the next set of shelves. The top of her head was clearly visible, however. As were her shoes.
Anthony smiled and removed a book, creating a gap that allowed him to stare back into the clearest pair of blue eyes he’d ever beheld.
2
Heat rushed to Ada’s cheeks. She squeezed her eyes shut and prayed for immediate invisibility.
“I can see you,” a gentle voice rumbled. “Closing your eyes won’t change that.”
Ada cautiously peeked at the man staring back at her from the opposite side of the bookcase.
His eyes were a warm shade of gray, a remarkable color she’d not seen before. Fringed by thick, sooty lashes, they told a story of fun and mischief while also containing a vast degree of sadness around the edges.
They enchanted her, inspired her imagination, left her breathless and…
“Oompf!”
“Good lord.” The stranger rounded the bookcase. “Are you all right?”
“No,” Ada squeaked. Getting hit in the head with a book hurt like blazes.
Dropping her gaze, she stared at the offending tome which had toppled from the top shelf. She’d been trying to grab it, had almost managed to pull it free with the tips of her fingers, when the bell had chimed and she’d yanked her hand back while sucking in a sharp breath.
No one was meant to be here. Her uncle had told her he’d lock the door and put the ‘Be Back Soon’ sign in the window when he’d gone to deliver a special order to one of their oldest clients.
A movement immediately beyond the brick-sized book she’d been struck by drew her attention to a pair of gentlemen’s boots. Black and polished to a high sheen, they informed her the wearer was someone of means.
Her gaze slid higher, over the top edge of the boots and up along muscular thighs wrapped in snug fawn-colored breeches. Ada’s heart raced. Next came a pair of hands dressed in brown leather gloves, followed by a trim waist and firm chest encased in a deep shade of sapphire blue wool. A black silk waistcoat was worn underneath the jacket, along with a snowy white shirt.
Ada swallowed as she observed the wide shoulders and the beautifully styled cravat adorning the neck. The heat in her cheeks increased when she noted the angular jaw, the sensuous mouth set in a serious line, a straight nose, and those incredible eyes.
They were studying her from beneath dipped brows. Creases marred the man’s forehead, but that did not deter from his dashing appearance. He was exceedingly handsome. Precisely as she imagined Mr. Darcy to look if he stepped from the pages of her favorite novel.
She sighed. Her knees grew weak and she sagged a little.
Strong hands caught her upper arms and then she was being maneuvered, turned about and steered toward a stool her uncle kept on the opposite side of the counter.
“Please sit,” the stranger instructed, his low voice encouraging Ada to dutifully do so without any protest. Not that she’d any intention to. “I never considered a book shop a hazardous place, but my position on that has certainly changed. That was quite the blow you received and it shows. You’re bleeding.”
“Am I?” She raised her hand, prepared to feel for the wound, but he halted her movement.
“Allow me.” He pulled his gloves off with his teeth, tossed them on the counter, and retrieved a handkerchief from his pocket.
