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“I’m sure it was. I should have been looking where I was going. If you want, I can take you to the emergency room, just to make sure there’s no lasting damage?”
She shakes her head, her smile widening. “No. Honestly. It’s not necessary.”
I glance down, taking in her skin-tight jeans and the blouse that fits her like a glove, the buttons gaping just slightly when she breathes in, letting it out slowly as she licks her lips.
Man, that’s hot.
“My name’s Tanner,” I say, moving a little closer. “And if you won’t let me take you to the hospital, can I at least see you home?”
She shakes her head. “There’s no need. I only live just down the street here.”
She points over my shoulder and I flip my head around. “You live in Maple Street?”
“Yes.”
“Why have I never seen you before?”
She frowns. “Do you live here too, then?” she asks, and I glance up at the bookstore.
“I’ve lived here all my life,” I say, but before I can explain any further, she tilts her head, a smile touching at her lips as she gazes into my eyes, and I find I can’t speak. I can barely breathe, and I just stare at her, my heart lost.
“I only moved here a couple of weeks ago,” she says, after a very long moment. “I was supposed to be unpacking, but I thought I’d come out for a walk instead.”
“Little realizing you’d be taking your life in your hands,” I say, finding my voice again. Her smile becomes a giggle, tiny sparks igniting through my entire body.
How does she do that?
“I’ve been admiring this window display,” she says, nodding to the storefront, and I turn, studying my own handiwork. Well… mine and Katie’s. I have to say, it looks good. We put a desk in the window and sitting at it is a schoolteacher, made out of books. It was a monumental task, which I think we both regretted several times, but now it’s done, it looks amazing.
“Was that what you were doing when I barged into you?” I ask, and she turns around, looking up at me again.
“Yes.”
“In that case, I’m doubly sorry.”
“You really don’t need to keep apologizing. I’m absolutely fine… and I should be getting home. Like I said, I’ve got a lot of unpacking to do.”
She steps away. “Maybe I’ll see you around?” I say and she nods her head.
“I hope so.” She smiles again, and those sparks become flames, igniting a long-forgotten, burning need, which is only dampened by her turning away.
She makes her way along the sidewalk toward Maple Street, but I don’t take my eyes from her… not even for a second, willing her to turn back. Please, just for a second. I’m about to give up when she flips her head around, then turns, walking backwards, and gives me a wave.
I raise my hand, waving back, a smile forming on my lips, even if my feet refuse to move an inch.
Is this what love at first sight does to you?
I guess so…
Chapter Three
Zara
My hands won’t stop shaking.
Is that normal when you’ve had the shock of your life?
I guess it might be.
