Page 4 of Carver’s Craving

“We should be buying that book and be on our way.” I don’t want to be rude. Really.

Sunshine grinned, then headed toward a shelf near the back. “I’m pretty certain I know the book Dickens is referring to. If not, I’ll find it.” She popped back. “Is this the one?”

Styx grinned. “Yes. That’s so awesome. I only made it about a third of the way. The Indigenous culture of the area is amazing.”

“Very true. We have other books as well. Did—”

“Just this one.” Styx gestured. “Really, that’s great.” He gave me a look.

I yanked out my wallet. “And Dickens has a book that he ordered for me.”

“Right. One second.” She moved to the front counter and ducked down. Moments later, she placed a book on the polished surface. “The latest RD Watts? These are tough to get hold of.”

I grinned. “I put my order in the day Dickens sent out the announcement of RD’s book. I plan to try to get her to autograph it at the signing next month. But I couldn’t wait.” I had plans to read this shortly.

“RD Watts? Never heard of her.” Styx approached the counter and gestured toward the book.

“She writes young adult fantasy novels.” I shrugged sheepishly. “But they’re so addicting that I don’t want to wait for the library copy to become available. Plus, the book there should be for people who can’t afford to buy it. Since I want RD to keep publishing books, I’m happy to support her in any way I can.”

Sunshine scanned the barcodes of both books. “Special Edition, no less. Totally worth it.” She pointed to the total on the register.

I yanked my debit card out of my wallet and tapped it on the reader.

“Do you want a bag for those?” She arched an eyebrow, and she cut another glance at Styx. “You know, you’re about my sister Spring’s age. Give or take. She’s single these—”

“I have a cloth bag in the SUV.” After she tucked the receipt into the history book, I snagged both books. “Uh, thanks for this.”

“My pleasure.” She snagged a bookmark and held it to Styx. “If you wind up sticking around, Spring is great at giving tours. She’s a reporter for the Mission City Gazette. Although, if you’re into older women, my sister Rainbow—”

“We need to be on our way. Uh, I need to pick up my grocery order. We should be going.” I directed that comment at Styx.

Who grinned. “Yeah, sounds great.” He waved at Sunshine. “So nice to meet you.”

“You as well. Drop by anytime.”

With that, I opened the door and, again, gestured for Styx to go first.

At least she didn’t offer herself up. Not that I didn’t adore the twice-divorced ray of sunshine…I just couldn’t see her with Styx. Probably because you want him for yourself. And you’re older than almost all the Dixon sisters. Or at least by my estimate—keeping track of all eight was a challenge. That said, they were Mission City institutions. Tracking down information about them wouldn’t be tough if I ever felt masochistic enough to compare myself.

This time, when we stood in the sunshine, Styx dug out and donned his sunglasses. “I read the West Coast was often dreary this time of year. I mean, yesterday was raining, but today’s gorgeous. If a little chilly.”

“All true. My SUV’s here.” I pointed to my vehicle, not far from the store. I’d come to town early enough to snag a prime spot. I also came to town to see if I could lay eyes on last night’s one-night stand. Even though I didn’t see his face, I thought I’d recognize something, the way he moved, his build. Except I might’ve been fooling myself because every slim young guy I’d spotted was a maybe.

Look who I found instead.

I’d have to put Steven out of my mind and focus on my new guest.

Best sex I’d had in a long time—maybe ever—could be set aside for my nighttime fantasies. Plus, I’d deleted my account on the app because, as successful as last night had been, that itch had been scratched. Plus, I don’t deserve to be happy. So even if Steven wanted a repeat, I’d never hear about it. All for the best.

Styx tossed his bag into the back and slid into the passenger seat. “Groceries, and then I get to see your place?”

I grabbed a cloth bag, gently put our treasures inside, and tucked it into the foot well of the back seat so it didn’t accidentally get smushed by the groceries. I was stocking up, so they might not all fit in the hatch.

“Yes, just one stop and then we’ll head back to my cabin. I should warn you—it’s not that big. You’ll have a room of your own, though.”

“Look, I’ll take a couch at this point.” He offered a wicked grin.

That expression went straight to my cock. It might’ve been the look he gave all his audience members during each performance, but it still had the ability to kick my libido into high gear.