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I nod. “Yes.” I continue staring at her, studying the way the sunlight plays in her hair, creating a halo around her head. She really is breathtaking in the morning.
“What are you thinking about?”
“I’m thinking I owe you a date.” I feel awful about not being able to take her on the picnic I promised her, but I have somewhere even better in mind. “Get dressed,” I tell her as I bound out of bed, the anxiety no longer threatening to split me in two.
After we’re both dressed and grab a quick bite to eat, we pile into my SUV and head out.
“I can’t believe you’re not even going to give me a hint about where we’re going.”
“Can’t do that.”
She folds her arms across her chest as I continue driving. Before long, I take the highway exit that leads out of Saint Pierce and into the small town of Magnolia Ridge.
“We’re going to Magnolia Ridge?” she asks.
“Don’t worry. We’re not going to see our parents.”
Greer and I both grew up in the small town of Magnolia Ridge, and my parents, and her father still live there.
She visibly relaxes. “Okay, thank you.”
I know Greer wants to visit her father on her time. And I don’t want to see my parents right now, even though they want me to visit more than anything. Maybe one day I will.
But for now, I want tonight to be special for Greer.
We drive forty-five minutes to Magnolia Ridge, and I make my way past downtown, and turn down Cherry Lane, off the beaten path. I pull into the parking lot of Book, Spine, and Sinker. I find a spot right up front as Greer gasps from the front seat.
“How did you find this place?” She looks over at me, and I can see the complete wonder on her face.
“I have my ways,” I say as I shut off the engine.
I’ll never tell her the real way I found this place. Late night scrolling online. I clicked on a book post I thought Greer would like, and next thing I know, all my ads are for little bookshops.
Worked out for me. Now I get to share in Greer’s love for bookstores. She’s been enamored with them since we were kids. Honestly, I find it sexy that she likes to read. And I find her intelligence even sexier.
“This place is beautiful.” She grabs her phone and snaps a photo of the unique storefront. The building’s upper half boasts deep-red brick while the lower portion is a bulky, clunky forest-green wood with the shop’s name. A paned-glass window gives a glimpse into the store filled with shelves of books and so much more.
A small bell rings as we enter through the green wooden door. Greer walks in like she’s entering a secret fairyland.
“Oh, Roman,” she says before heading toward the back of the store.
“Hi, can I help you find anything?” a blonde woman says. “I’m Millie Mason, the owner. Is this your first time here?”
I nod. “Yes, it is. This is a lovely shop.”
Greer rushes up to me with two books in her hands. “Will you hold these?” She spins toward Millie. “Hi, I’m Greer, and this is my boyfriend Roman.”
A surge of pride rushes through my veins at the sound of being called Greer’s boyfriend. I wave the hand with the two books and smile. “Yes, I’m the boyfriend,” I say, loving the title. I want to keep using it. Keep shouting it from the rooftops.
“Well, it’s nice meeting you two. If you need anything, just let me know.”
“Thank you,” Greer says, and then she’s off again, grabbing a book from another shelf and rushing back. She hands it to me and I give Millie a playful smirk, rolling my eyes as if to say Oh, here we go again.
“You’re so kind to hold her books for her.”
I smile. “I’d hold the whole bookstore for her if she wanted me to.”
“She’s lucky to have you. One day, I hope to find a man willing to do that for me.” Millie smiles and walks over to Greer to help her find more books.
