The door jingles, and Jason turns toward the sound. His gaze finds me, and his face brightens. I can’t remember the last time a person looked this happy to see me. I doubt it was a man either. We move at the same time, coming together near the center of the shop. I feel curious eyes watching us, including Lily’s.
“You came,” he whispers, relief smoothing his features.
“Ava? Do we have any more copies of that local author’s book?” Lily calls.
Jason’s brows knit with confusion, but he remains quiet.
“Sorry, give me a sec,” I say and find the book Lily is referring to. “Hi! This is the last copy,” I tell the customer, who grins.
“Thank you!”
“No problem.” I feel someone move behind me. Peering over my shoulder, I turn back toward Lily. “I’m taking my break now. Jason, what would you like to drink?”
“How about you surprise me?”
I nod and move around the counter and begin making us drinks. Lily sends me curious glances but doesn’t mutter a word. When I offer him the drink, he takes it and guides me to a table in the back corner.
Jason chuckles. “You could have mentioned you worked here.”
I raise the mug to my lips. “And you could have mentioned you’re a gyno…”
His smile is bright. “Because it’s such a wonderful conversation starter. ‘I look at vulvas, vaginas, and breasts all day.’”
I choke on my drink, eyes wide.
“Oh my God, see this is what I’m talking about!” Jason reaches over and pats my back. A memory flashes in my mind at the contact. Me curled into his body, a leg draped over his, and Jason running comforting circles over my skin.
My breath shudders and my cheeks heat. “Point taken.”
“How long have you worked here?” he asks and waves his hand around, motioning to the shop.
“Since it opened.”
“Nice. The owner was brilliant opening this up here. I noticed all the different offices in this building. This place has to be doing well.”
I stare into my mug, a mix of pride and embarrassment bubbling within me. “Thanks,” I whisper and look at him over the rim.
Jason processes my words and leans back. “This is yours?”
“Yeah. As an introvert, books are my life. I wanted a place where people could grab their mug of choice and unwind if only for a break. We live our lives on fast-forward, and Bookworm Café gives people a place where they can take a quick timeout.”
He beams, his eyes sparkling and a grin that makes him look younger. “Wow! Gorgeous and intelligent.”
“Thanks,” I whisper.
“No need to thank me. I’m only pointing out what I see.”
We drink in comfortable silence. His gaze roams the shop, and I wonder what he sees, but I dare not ask. Bookworm Café is my baby, and plenty of people impart their unrequested advice. It annoys the shit out of me too. I couldn’t bear it if Jason is another who thinks he knows what I need to do with my business.
I know books. I know what my customers like to drink. I know how to create a soothing environment.
Bookworm Café hasn’t operated in the red since its first six months. It turns a great profit, and I’m able to give back to the community by bringing in books and items which would otherwise never be seen.
“Five minutes here and I’m relaxed. While I have wonderful company, I think part of it is this shop. It’s soothing. The static of my day has ebbed. You really are brilliant,” he says and places his hand onto mine.
I nod and force myself to still. He watches me, taking me in. It’s intense, an undressing of sorts. The small circles he draws on my hand with his thumb shoot little bolts of awareness through my body.
“Why did you move here?” I blurt and regret the question instantly.
Jason tenses, and his sad eyes cast downward.
Why did I have to go ruin whatever moment we were sharing?
