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“Oh my god,” I said with a laugh. “Maybe you wouldn’t fall behind if you didn’t keep coming by the front desk and flirting with the workers.” I leaned over the counter and whispered, like it was scandalous. “I think Grampa is getting creeped out.”
He tilted his head, grinning mischievously. “You’re wrong. Jackson loves when I flirt with him. Makes him feel young and desired.”
My cheeks burned, but I couldn’t keep the laugh inside. Then I scoffed. “Have you always been this weird?”
“Always and a day, squirt.”
For the first time in over four years, hearing his nickname for me didn’t upset me by reminding me of the way things used to be. I liked hearing it again. It made me think that we’d gotten back to a good place.
He grabbed his toolbox. “I’ll be upstairs if you need me.”
“Probably won’t, but thanks for the memo!”
I needed some time to rest my feet, so I went to the back office and sat in the ergonomic chair Grampa bought for the desk. I slipped off my shoes and massaged my feet for a few minutes, thinking about the shift in me that had me liking the banter between us again.
I’d hear the ding on the front door or the bell at the register if a customer needed anything, so I decided to check email the Sparks Bookstore email account for inquiries or replies. Sometimes I sent proposals to authors, asking them to do a book signing at our store. The buzz of a celebrity author stopping by the store might bring in some more business, especially if they also read an excerpt of their work.
As I read through the emails, replying to inquiries about book clubs and story time for children, I stumbled upon a reply from Kristen Stein, the author ofThe Deadly Dragon Sinsseries.
My heart leaped into my throat as I opened the email.
Hi Savannah,
First, I’d like to thank you for thinking of me and expressing your love forThe Deadly Dragon Sins. As you might know, they’re very near and dear to my heart. With the approaching release of the ninth novel in the series, I’m looking for new locations to add to my book launch tour. Your email came at the perfect time for me to add you to the list.
There was more to the message, but I stopped reading and screamed. I jumped up from the chair and danced, thrilled to know I’d be working with my favorite author on a project like this. Sure, she would only stop by on her tour, but I’d get to meet her and shake her hand.
I’d talk to her and watch her read an excerpt from the new book.
I could get a signed copy!
Chris rushed into the room, looking panicked. “What’s going on?” He looked around the room, his whole body tense, like he was ready to pounce.
I couldn’t keep the giddy smile off my face. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I just got really good news.”
“Jesus, Sav. You scared the hell out of me.” He blew out a relieved breath and raked his fingers through his hair. “What’s the news?”
I told him about Kristen Stein, and he encouraged me to read him the rest of the email, listing dates and times she would be available in the area.
“That’s awesome, Sav!” I was still bouncing on my toes behind the desk, so he came around it and embraced me in a bear hug, lifting me up in the air like I weighed nothing. Like he used to do, years ago. I wrapped my arms around his neck and squealed as he laughed.
When he lowered me to the ground, he pulled his head back to look at me, but kept his hands wrapped around my waist. Our faces were inches apart.
“It’s inspiring to see your nerdy dreams come true.”
I snorted and pushed against his chest. “Oh, shut up.”
He pulled me closer with one hand and used the other to grab my hand, pressing it against his chest as he stared at me. The corners of his lips were slightly curved in a subdued smile. “I like how nerdy you are. It’s adorable. Aside from your nerd-alert scream making me think you were being attacked and freaking me out, of course. The rest, very cute.”
I scoffed, but my cheeks warmed at the compliment. I tried to pull my hand back, but he kept a tight hold on it. I looked away because the intensity in his gaze was too much, but he caught my chin between his thumb and forefinger and raised my face until our eyes connected again.
My breath was trapped in my lungs, my heart pounding beneath my breastbone. His dark eyes drew me in, and I slowly leaned closer. I felt like I had no control over my body as my gaze lowered to his lips. He licked them and then closed the distance between us.
His lips met mine, just a light press against my mouth. I melted into him, placing both hands on his chest to grip his shirt.
Chris’s palm pressed the small of my back, pinning me to him. The hand holding my chin softened, and he caressed my cheek before cupping my jaw. Our noses lightly brushed as I tilted my head and parted my lips.
My heart raced as he kissed deeper. I shivered when his tongue slowly licked at the seam of my lips, and I opened more for him, wanting all of it. This was better than the heated kissed we’d shared four years earlier. I still felt out of control, but not because I’d had too many drinks.
