As she watched Jasmine greet her first readers, Isla clutched the signed book to her chest and let herself believe—just for a moment—that somewhere out there, her own love story was waiting to unfold.
Thirty minutes later, the afternoon crowd had thinned, and Harper was still handling Jasmine’s book signing, leaving Isla free to wander through the familiar maze of bookshelves that formed the heart of Fairy Tales & Tea. She moved with practiced grace between the narrow aisles, her fingers trailing along worn spines as she searched for books that had shifted during the day’s browsing. The scent of vanilla and old paper wrapped around her like a favorite sweater, grounding her in the rhythm of these small adjustments that kept her world orderly.
Near the contemporary romance section, she spotted a copy ofThe Duke’s Forbidden Desirewedged sideways between twothicker volumes on the top shelf. Standing on her tiptoes, she stretched toward the rebellious book, her green dress riding up slightly as she reached.
“Excuse me, dear.”
TWO
ISLA
Isla’s fingers had just grasped the errant novel when the voice cut through her concentration. She turned, book in hand, to find a petite woman studying her with startling intensity. The stranger couldn’t have been more than five feet tall, but she radiated the kind of presence that filled rooms twice her size. Her snow-white bob was styled to perfection, and her purple pantsuit looked like it belonged in a boardroom rather than a Cape Cod bookstore.
“How can I help you?” Isla smoothed her dress and offered her warmest smile, though something about the woman’s bright blue eyes made her feel oddly exposed.
“I was hoping you might recommend something good to read.” The woman’s smile held secrets, and when she moved, Isla caught a whiff of vanilla and citrus with an underlying note she couldn’t quite place—like the air before a thunderstorm.
“What kind of books do you usually enjoy?” Isla asked, falling easily into her favorite role. Reading people’s literary tastes was like solving a puzzle, and this woman presented an intriguing challenge.
“Oh, I’m a complete sucker for romance.” The admission came with a conspiratorial wink. “The messier and more complicated, the better.”
Warmth bloomed in Isla’s chest. “Well, you’re in luck. Romance is my specialty.” She gestured toward the shelves surrounding them, her enthusiasm bubbling over. “These are some of my favorite authors—Julia Quincy for wit and banter, Lisa Kleats for emotional depth, and if you want something contemporary with real heat, try Christina Lauren.”
The woman’s eyes seemed to shift color in the afternoon light, taking on an almost golden gleam.
“I have to ask, are you here for Jasmine Skye’s book signing?” Isla continued, curiosity overriding professionalism.
“Oh yes, Jasmine was actually a client of mine. I popped over to say hello while she was in town.” The woman’s casual tone suggested something more than a typical business relationship.
Isla blinked. “What kind of client, if you don’t mind me asking?” The words tumbled out before she could stop them, but something about this stranger invited confidence.
“I’m the sole matchmaker for the Paranormal Dating Agency.” The woman extended a manicured hand. “Gerri Wilder. Jasmine came to me looking for her perfect match.”
“Did you find her one?” Isla shook the offered hand, surprised by its warmth and the subtle tingle that seemed to settle in her hand.
Gerri’s smile turned triumphant. “I always find my clients their perfect match. One hundred percent success rate, dear.”
Maybe I should ask for her help.
The thought struck Isla like lightning. After Chad’s betrayal and her string of disappointing dates, professional assistance might be exactly what she needed. Her heart hammered against her ribs as she worked up the courage to voice the request.
“Actually, I have a rather unique opportunity if you’re interested.” Gerri’s expression turned serious.
Isla’s prepared question died on her lips. “What kind of opportunity?”
“I have a friend opening a bookstore in a small town in Hawaii called Everflame Isle. She could really use someone with your eye and expertise to help her get started.” Gerri’s tone remained casual, but her gaze sharpened with unmistakable intent.
Hawaii. The word sent a thrill through Isla’s system, followed immediately by practical concerns. “I’m not sure... I’d have to check with my business partner first. I couldn’t leave Harper to manage everything alone.”
But even as she voiced her hesitation, excitement was already building in her chest. Sunshine, ocean breezes, and the chance to help another dreamer build something beautiful from nothing—it sounded like exactly the kind of adventure her restless soul had been craving.
“But I wouldn’t mind getting some sunshine,” Isla admitted, “and I’d love to help someone else start their dream. We know how challenging it can be to open an independent bookstore.”
“Harper!” Isla called across the store, her voice carrying over the gentle murmur of remaining customers. “Could you come here for a minute?”
Harper appeared from behind the signing table, her expression immediately suspicious. She moved with the efficient grace of someone perpetually prepared for crisis management.
“This is Gerri,” Isla began, gesturing between them. “She was asking if I might be interested in going to Hawaii to help her friend open a bookstore.”
