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“Have I?”

“Yes.”

“Oh.” I glance down at the books. Then back up at him. “Did you know this author wrote a new one?”

“Eleonora.”

“And look! This one takes place in Scotland.”

“Vita.”

“And this one is enemies-to-lovers.” I sigh happily. “I love that trope so much.”

“Nora.”

“What?”

His smile grows. “Breathe.”

I laugh. “You brought me to a bookstore. This is your fault.”

“Fair.” He takes one of the books from my arms and studies the cover. “Any good?”

I shrug. “I don't know yet.”

“You're buying it anyway.”

“Obviously.”

His laughter echoes through the aisle.

God, I love that sound.

Eventually we make our way to the register.

I place my stack down carefully.

The cashier starts scanning.

Then Damiano hands over his card.

“What are you doing?”

“Paying.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

I stare at him. “Damiano.”

“Eleonora.”

“You can't buy me six books.”

“Why not?”

“Because that's insane.”