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I’ve been trying to figure out how to tell Ryder all day.

At six, the library closes.

At six-oh-five, Lila picks up Rosie.

At six-ten, Ryder reappears at the circulation desk.

“Got plans tonight?”

“Maybe.”

He puts a twenty-dollar bill on the counter.

I stare at it. “What’s that?”

“Opening bid.”

I laugh. “You know the last Hale I bought cost twenty thousand dollars.”

“Yeah, but he gave you a hell of a return on investment.”

“Debatable.”

He comes around the desk. “You complaining, librarian?”

“Constantly.”

His hands settle at my waist.

Five years married and my body still reacts to that.

“What’s twenty bucks get me?”

“Coffee.”

“Bullshit.”

“Maybe dinner.”

“I’m bidding twenty-five.”

“Very competitive.”

He kisses me and I smile against his mouth.

Then I remember what’s in my purse. “Wait.”

“That phrase has never improved my evening.”

I reach behind the desk and pull out the test.

“Maybe this will.”

I hand it to him.

Ryder looks down.

Nothing.