“He said he’d lock up when he went to run a quick errand, so I thought I’d be able to grab a new book without being seen.”
This got his attention. “You do not wish to be seen?”
“I do not wish to have my presence here questioned.” She dropped her gaze and knit her brow. “My uncle has been good to me. It would pain me if I were to damage his reputation.”
Intrigued, Anthony approached the counter and placed Soldier of Fortune upon it. Thumbing through the first pages, he casually asked, “How would you do that?”
“Surely you can imagine.” When he said nothing, she explained, “Many believe books can threaten the vulnerable mind of any woman. Especially when the woman in question is able to read what she wishes without a father or husband to guide her. As is my case.”
“I don’t subscribe to that notion.”
“Then you are more progressive than most.” Shifting her weight on the stool, she pulled her hand away and studied the handkerchief. “Am I still bleeding?”
“No. It appears the bleeding has stopped.”
“Then I should return this to you. My apologies for having ruined it.” She folded the handkerchief and held it toward him.
Anthony took it and tried to figure out how to continue their conversation. For some peculiar reason, he was reluctant to leave. There was still time to spare before his meeting and besides, he’d yet to purchase his book. Ah yes! “Frankenstein and The Vampyre have not tempted me either. I came in here hoping to purchase Rob Roy.”
“An enjoyable read which I’m sure you’ll like. I’ll fetch it for you.”
She slid off the stool, rounded the counter, and hurried past Anthony, disappearing between two bookcases. When she returned, she carried three books of which only one had been bound. She gave him a hesitant look before placing them on the counter and pushing the leather-bound book toward him.
“If you’re eager to start reading today, you can purchase this copy of volume one now and have volume two delivered later this evening. If you desire a different color leather, however, I’m afraid you’ll have to wait until tomorrow.”
Anthony considered his options. Although he looked forward to relaxing with a new book, he also enjoyed chatting with this intriguing young woman. He wanted to see her again, he realized, and picking up books would serve as a subtle excuse.
“Blue would be my preferred choice,” he murmured, finding her gaze and succeeding to hold it for one long second. Until color rose to her cheeks and she lowered her chin.
She swallowed and started arranging the books in a neat pile on top of the counter. “I’ll…um…yes. We have a few shades to choose from, though I really should let my uncle handle your order.”
“I won’t tell a soul you helped me,” Anthony promised.
Uncertainty knit her brow and pushed her lips into a flat line. She hesitated, then nibbled her lower lip. Eventually, she huffed a breath. “Very well.”
Victory was his. He could have hooted with joy but limited himself to rocking back on his heels. How perfectly silly of him to be thrilled by winning this woman’s agreement. He scratched the nape of his neck while she brought the samples of blue leather for him to consider. It took him only a moment to locate the right one, after which she collected a notepad and started to write.
“Name?” she inquired.
Sensing his title might make things awkward, he made a split-second decision. “Gibbs. And you are?”
“Miss Quinn,” she informed him stiffly while scribbling away with frantic movements. “I’ll need your address for the delivery, Mr. Gibbs.”
“No need.” When she stilled, he told her, “I’ll stop by personally to pick up my order tomorrow afternoon at the hour best suited to you.”
“Oh…I…um…”
“What’s your favorite novel, Miss Quinn?”
Her lips parted. “What?”
Congratulating himself for having directed her attention away from what his comment suggested, he smiled in response to her obvious confusion. It wouldn’t do for her to get all worked up and nervous over him wanting to see her again. For although she was quite adorable in her current state of being, he feared she’d go back into hiding if he made her too self-aware.
“You’ve clearly read a lot. More than I or anyone of my acquaintance, I’ll wager. So tell me, if you knew you’d be stranded on a desert island with no other company than one novel, which would you choose?”
“Pride and Prejudice.”
Her answer was instantaneous.
