AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"That's adorable." Stella straightened. "Well, if you need any help this summer, don't hesitate to call on me or my family." She leaned forward. "Don't tell, but my sisters have always had a thing for you Linden men."
Heat filled Kaleb's face. "Mum's the word," he promised. "I'll take a decaf coffee."
"You got it." Stella poured him a large mug of the dark brew and took his payment. He carried the coffee to the back of the shop, set it down, and scanned the rows of books.
Mayson was smart to add a book shop to A Whole Latte of Love. More often than not, he'd seen women grab their drink of choice, head over to the books, and buy a few. They'd start reading as they drank their coffees.
What was it about mushy books that drew women? Kaleb's fingers trailed along the spines of the books. Mayson carried a large amount of Jewel Johansen. Who was she, and what drew people to her style of writing?
Kaleb plucked a book from the shelf and sat down at the table. He didn't often spend time reading chick books, but if it helped him read the minds of women, why not give it a try?
If he liked it, he'd buy it before he left. Which is what Mayson encouraged.
Halfway into the book, someone cleared their throat.
Kaleb blinked and looked up. He'd been so engrossed in the storyline he hadn't noticed anyone around him.
A cute blond with eyes the color of coffee beans pointed to the book. "It's not very often I see a man reading that kind of book. Do you like it?"
Kaleb closed it. "It's not my normal genre, but I'm enjoying the storyline. Did you want to see it?"
She shook her head, her straight hair swaying back and forth with her movements. "No, thanks. Mind if I sit with you? It's getting a bit crowded in here."
Kaleb glanced around the room. He hadn't noticed how loud it had gotten, let alone all the people filling the tables. "I'm surprised. I thought as the night wore on, people would avoid coffee."
"It's still light outside." The woman jabbed her thumb over her shoulder.
Kaleb nodded. "So, it is. I forget how late the sun shines during the summer months. Are you from around here?"
"No. I do like to come up a few times a year. There's something about the mountain air that soothes me and gives me peace." A pink tint filled her cheeks. "Especially when I can't seem to find my way."
Kaleb almost snorted. He knew exactly what she was talking about. Unfortunately, the mountain air didn't help him. "Sometimes a change in scenery can make all the difference in the world."
The woman beamed at him. "I agree." She leaned her elbows on the table. "So, tell me, what do you really think about the book? I'm an avid reader and love to discuss good books."
Kaleb ran his finger over the cover. "I think it's decent. If this is how women really think, I might be in trouble."
A slow smile lifted the corner of her lips. "I don't think it's how women really think. In my opinion, we tend to be more upfront with our feelings. These books," she tapped the cover, "aren't supposed to get you into the minds of women. They are more of an escape for those who read it, and hopefully, readers can discover they aren't the only ones messed up."
"Is that why you read?" Kaleb inclined his head.
"It is." She leaned back in her chair. "I tend to grow closer to God when I read Christian fiction. Because the people in books like these aren't meant to be perfect, yet they grow and overcome their adversities."
"And the men in these books? What do you think about them?"
"Ah. I wondered when we'd get to them." Her eyes sparkled. "I suppose it depends on the man. In my limited experience of the opposite gender, there are many different types of guys. You've got the IT guy, the movie and sports guy. Then there's the controlling ones who think they know best but, in reality, are just as flawed as every other person they try to manipulate."
Kaleb's brows shot up. "You think controlling is the same as manipulation?"
She shrugged. "Could be. At times, for sure. Others, not intentionally."
He'd never considered the way he acted as manipulating others to do his bidding or his will. Kaleb simply wanted what was best for all parties involved.
"Hey," she snapped her fingers in front of him, "I'm sorry if I overstepped."
Kaleb shook his head. "You didn’t. You made me think is all."
"Good." She stood and tucked her chair under the table. "It's what I like to do." She extended her hand. "Thank you for sharing your table and for the conversation. I'm sure I'll see you around."
