Page 156 of Safe With You

“I need to sit... differently.”

I laughed as she curled up in the reading nook with a pillow tucked behind her back.

“That’s probably the funniest thing she’s said all day.”

Ellis smiled.

“She’s reached the point where she’s fighting sleep with every ounce of her being.”

“I heard that.”

“I know you did, Bug.”

The bell over the front door chimed one last time.

A young woman stepped inside, brows knit together as she scanned the shelves.

“I’m so sorry,” she said. “Are y’all still open?”

“For another fifteen minutes,” I told her.

“Oh, good.”

She disappeared toward the romance section, leaving the bookstore quiet once more.

Naomi slipped out of the office, keys twirling around her finger.

“I’m heading out.”

I looked up from the register.

“Already?”

“You say that like I haven’t been here since this morning.”

“I know, but...”

I glanced around the store.

My eyes drifted toward the cart Ellis started organizing earlier. There were still a few books left to shelve, boxes that needed to be broken down, and a register waiting to be counted. Naomi followed my gaze.

“You’ll be fine.”

“I know.”

She smiled knowingly.

“And you’ve got help.”

Before I could answer, she pointed a finger at Ellis.

“Don’t let her stay here all night.”

“I make no promises.”

“I heard that,” I said.

“I wanted you to.”