Page 76 of Falling for Keeps

Juliet

So pink and so perfect!

Emma

I have a feeling we’ll see a lot of pink stickers walking around the festival

Juliet

Everyone’s gonna want one. I’ll come by soon for mine.

She sends a picture of herself beside a scarecrow for the photo op on Main Street, her long brown hair back in a braid and a slightly manic expression. There’s a piece of straw in her hair, too, so I’m guessing she was wrestling with the scarecrow a minute ago. I’m so glad my sister has someone like Juliet on her side.

Emma

Only five more days and then you’re off the hook! You’ve got this!

There’s a slight tapping on my desk, so I put the phone down. Carson absently taps the counter next to his stack of books. “See you tomorrow, man,” he says.

James lifts his hand in a wave to both of us, and I wave back.

“Ready to check out?” I ask. “I’ll just need your card.”

He slides it over, and I scan it before putting in each of the books Penny chose. She’s engrossed in the one she’s currently reading, so I pull out the scanner and reach over the desk to beep the barcode on the back.

Penny looks up, laughter dancing in her eyes. “It’s too good to put down.”

“A girl after my own heart.”

This makes her beam even more before her attention drops back to her book.

Carson leans against the counter. “It looks like things are going well with Mr. Librarian.”

“They’re going,” I say noncommittally.

“Don’t let him step in and tile your bathroom, okay? That’s my job.”

The ownership and territorial nature of his statement vibrates through me. I’m not sure I’ve heard a more attractive thing in my entire life. I swallow, my mouth dry. “You have to pay your debts.”

“Exactly.” He taps the counter lightly with his fist, his green eyes boring into me. “I need to get back to my practice. See you later.”

“Bye, Emma!” Penny says, skipping toward the door.

Carson smiles with admiration, then follows her, carrying her stack of books.

Has a man ever looked better?

Carson

After I put Penny to bed, I sit at the table while Mom eats reheated lasagna. “How was work?” I ask, drained from all the responsibilities I’m constantly thinking about.

“School,” Mom corrects. “I’m getting closer to that PA license, and I’m ready to be finished with all this extra stuff. If I had known you were coming, I would have waited.”

“I’m glad you didn’t.” I pull out the chair next to her and lean back. “Are you coming to Kiss the Pig tomorrow? I think Sadie or James might take it.”

“Emma told me the money looks really close.”

“When did you see her?” I actively refrain from sitting up, yet my mom still catches the shift in my attention.