Page 16 of A Heart Too Tender

“He tries his best,” I replied.

“That’s all any of us can do,” she mused.

At last, we reached the shelves of the romance section. The books here were all covered in pinks and reds.

“Here we are,” I said, nodding in the direction of her desires. “Best of luck.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” she said quickly. “How selfish of me. I didn’t even ask what kinds of books you like to read.”

Her apology was sincere and her question endearing. “I dabble in all the sections. But fiction is my favorite, adventures to be exact.”

“Ah, an explorer’s heart,” she smiled. “That’s admirable, too.”

There was an immediate flush to my cheeks. I was a nobody to her and yet she still cared.

An identical blush spread across her cheeks. “I didn’t mean to be forward—it’s just nice to have someone to share hobbies with,” she looked down at the floor. “Thank you, for showing me the way—and for your kindness.”

I bowed my head. “It was my pleasure.” I left her in the romance section, but didn’t stray far, keeping an eye on her from a distance.

It was impossible not to stare at her as she grabbed a few books from the shelves before heading to a section that surprised me—history. More accurately, she grabbed several books that were about the history of Wimberley and its people. It appeared she cared a great deal about winning these trials, but she had no idea she was already winning my heart.