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"Deliciousness?No such word.Better get a dictionary."
"Who uses a dictionary anymore?Everyone uses the internet."
"Stop bothering me, Steph.I'm bringing my coffee and raspberry croissant to my office, where there's peace."
Stephanie watched him leave, followed by Charlie.Shewasunusually lippy this morning.Was it worry over Jason sleeping with another woman that put her on edge?Every time she thought about it her stomach would clench and she felt hollow.Or was it the same old problem that couldn't be fixed?She did love Jason and didn't want him with anyone else, but she was afraid that if she showed her true feelings, she'd never live out her plans.
Fortunately, they had a steady stream of customers throughout the day which occupied her mind as well as her hands.She had to restock the gift items and the bestsellers on the table next to the till.Her own books were gone, which lifted her spirits.At least one good thing was going right today.Writing romance was better than living it, pleasure without pain.
Just before closing, Jason marched in wearing a determined expression on his handsome face.Her pulse raced.Was he coming to see his uncle, or was he here because of her?
"Hey.”She straightened the books on the counter.“You want to see your uncle?He’s already gone for the day."
"Nice greeting.No, Steph, I came to see you.”Jason removed his gloves and stuffed them in his winter jacket pockets.“Wanted to apologize for the other night.I’d just bought my new car, wasn't in the mood to be alone, so I hit redial and asked Laura to dinner.Figured you wouldn't want to go."
Jason was right.She kept offering him hope, then shut him down time and again.Her uncertainty was hurting them both and she wasn't proud of it either."I can be such a jerk.I'm sorry, but when you're around I instinctively go into protective mode."Her heart was beating fast."Are you saying she wasn't your first choice?"
He nodded; blue eyes serious."You should know that by now."
She swallowed hard.Loving him would be so easy.If she didn't have such lofty dreams, she'd be in his arms right now and put the worries behind her.
"Jason, you shouldn't say that.She seemed like a nice person.”Steph filled the shop’s business card holder.“Is she in love with you?"
"No, thank heavens.By now I'm sure she's figured out that I'm not really into her."Jason shrugged.
"That's a strange expression, isn't it?”She slammed the drawer of pens closed.“Could have different meanings."
He raised a brow."What's gotten intoyoutoday?"
He had.Every moment around him made her doubt herself, and see her future slipping away. Henry had told her that if she wasn’t sure Jason was the one, to let him go.It was the kindest thing she could do, but it also might be her biggest regret."You.Every time I look at you, I get upset."
"Why are you so mean to me?It's not your nature, and I don't know what I've done to deserve your wrath."
He was the only person in the world who could make her give up her dreams, or delay them, and it was a battle she had to fight inside."Nothing.I get confused, unsure of myself.Look at my hands...they're shaking.It's nerves."
"Nerves."He cupped his chin and squinted at her as though he were in deep thought.“What does that mean, exactly?Awkward, excited, agitated, any of those three?"
"The last one for sure.But I think we can include the others."The way his eyes devoured her definitely made her excited.
Jason exhaled and lowered his arms."Okay, the main reason I'm here is because I want to see what’s under your bed.And I hope it's not a man."His tone was joking.
"I don't think so.But I can't be sure."
"Ha, ha, ha.You better be joking."His eyes were possessive as they connected with hers.
"Don't be silly.You know it's the journal.You here to help me?"Her insides were bouncing around like a rollercoaster ride.
"Always.I'll wait as you close the shop."
"I'll be quick, ten minutes, tops."
"Fine."She handed him the key to her apartment and pointed to the staircase."Top of the stairs you'll need to unlock the door with the same key as my apartment.It'll lock itself."
"Hmm.That's a surprise.Glad you have access from here and don't need to use the back entrance every time.It can be dangerous, yes, even in Harmony."He brushed his knuckle along her cheek and looked as though he might kiss her, but then dropped his hand.
She watched him leave and felt her insides heat up.It took her only a few minutes to be sure that everything was in the right place and lock the front door.Her nerves, or excitement or whatever it was, had her running up the stairs to be with him.
Jason had left the door open, and she could see his cute butt bent over, while he used a broom to move the plank.He wore navy-blue sacks and a pinstriped Oxford shirt. "What good is the broom going to do?"She rested her hand on his back, thrilling at the play of muscle."We need to either shift the bed or lie under it and see if we can find this hidden treasure.What do you think is in it?"
