“Easy.”
The single word was low and husky with a calmness to it that made Brice’s whole body go still.
Keena.
For one brief moment, Brice forgot about the wagon, the market and the snow. The box was currently held in place by the woman who had appeared out of nowhere and Keena’s arm was firm around her waist.
Even through the layers of her coat she could feel the heat radiating from the shifter and the controlled tension in her muscles.
“I had it,” Brice said. Her cheeks warmed at her clumsiness.
“Clearly.” Her lips were close enough that they almost brushed Brice’s ear.
Brice turned her head enough to see her. Thatwas a bad idea. Keena was close enough where she could see the tiny snowflakes that were melting against her eyelashes.
Her heart gave a little flutter of a dance.
“Are you always this smug when rescuing people from book-related disasters?” Brice asked.
Keena’s gaze dropped to Brice’s mouth before lifting again. “Only when the books are in danger.”
A laugh escaped her.
Had Keena just made a joke? Her eyes widened in disbelief. There on Keena’s lips was an almost smile. The briefest curve of her lips.
Keena released her slowly as if she had just realized she was still touching her. The loss of contact was immediate and Brice missed the feel of Keena’s body next to hers. She blinked and smoothed her hands along her jeans to keep from doing something as stupid as to reach for Keena and make her put her arm back around her waist.
“I can help you get these back to the shop,” Keena said.
“You don’t have to do that,” Brice shook her head.
Keena shrugged. “I know.”
“But aren’t you on duty?” Brice glanced around and saw there were very few vendors left. Sheglanced down at her wagon before looking back to Keena.
“Yes.”
“Does enforcing include helping haul books through the snow?”
“Apparently, tonight it does.” Another small smile ghosted Keena’s lips. Brice grew excited at the tiny almost smile. She decided that she wanted to collect those smiles like rare first edition books.
“Thank you,” Brice said softly.
“You’re welcome,” Keena said. She took the handle of the wagon before Brice could protest. The market continued to close around them as they secured the boxes properly and tucked a blanket over the top of them to keep the snow off. Brice grabbed the folded tablecloth, her cash box and the small sign for the booth.
Heart and Story was only two blocks away, but with the snow falling and most of the crowd had thinned out, the walk felt quieter than it should have.
They moved along Main Street side by side and the wagon wheels crunched softly over the light coating of snow. Above them, the strings of lights glowed brightly against the deep blue sky. The scent of the market lingered behind them and they passedshops whose window displays were lit up to showcase what they had to offer for the season.
For a while neither of them spoke, but Brice found she didn’t mind. Walking with Keena was peaceful. She stole little glances at the wolf shifter unsure of what to say. Keena’s silence felt different than it had at the bookstore. It seemed less like a wall that had been constructed between them.
“So,” Keena said at last.
Brice almost tripped over her feet in shock. She swallowed hard and glanced over at Keena. Was she about to try to strike up a conversation between them? Brice had to beat down her excitement and try to remain cool.
“So?” Brice repeated slowly.
“How are you liking Evergreen Hollow?”
