“Needing a good book to borrow?”
I tug on the last book I’ve looked at and pull it out an inch to mark my place before pivoting on my heel. “I might be in the market. Do you have any recommendations?”
One corner of his lips hitches up a fraction. “What are you in the mood for?”
I tilt my chin up so I can meet his gaze. “Hmm. Let me think.” I tap my lips dramatically as if deep in thought. “Know any good YA fantasy titles?”
His golden eyes flash, the only outward show of any inward reaction. “I might.”
“I hearOf Roses and Liliesis good. Have you read it?” My tone is saucy and flirtatious. I don’t want him to have to guess about my interest like he’s making me do.
“I might have.” His half smile ticks up another fraction of an inch.
“Any particular parts that are your favorite?”
He pauses as if considering my question carefully. “Yes, actually.”
“Care to share?”
He shakes his head as he presses his lips into a thin line.
I want to pump my fist in victory because, if I’m not mistaken, he’s actively trying to hide an honest-to-goodness smile.
“I wouldn’t want to spoil anything for you.”
“I lovespoilers,” I press.“I’m one of those weirdos who reads reviews and searches for the spoiler warnings.”
“Next you’ll tell me you skip to the last chapter and read it first.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
He stares at me with an unreadable expression until I break and laugh.
“Fine. I promise not to jump to the end. Just to page 286. Can I have the book now?” I hold out my hand.
“You asked if I’ve read the book, not if I own the book.”
I huff an exaggerated sigh but don’t bother suppressing my grin. “Levi, do you own a copy ofOf Roses and Lilies, and if you do, may I borrow it, please?”
He shrugs and indicates the shelves behind me, an invitation to look for myself.
Hold up. Are we or are we not having a tête-à-tête right now? Was that whole exchangenotplayful banter but his usual reticence to say more than a few words at a time?
A deep, low chuckle rumbles in his chest, and I feel the vibration travel down each of my vertebra, locking my spine into place.
The arms he had folded over his chest fall to his sides. “While you’re looking, I’ll start on dinner. How do burgers sound?”
I’m still pulsating with the percussion of his laughter to care much about food. “Burgers are fine,” I say as a reflex.
Levi nods and walks away. I watch his retreating back.
My rigid spine slumps. That had not gone at all how I was expecting. What happened to being a mature, emotionally healthy woman and putting all my feeling cards on the table?Show yourcards,Hayley.
I will. I will!
