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“Goodnight, Rachel.”
8
RACHEL
Walking into The Novel Bunch always gives me a comforting feeling. The smell of the pages, the warm lights and bookshelves filled with every story I could ever want. I smile every time I come here, and today is no different.
I’ve probably spent a good chunk of my money here over the years, but it’s a worthwhile investment, if you ask me. Not only am I supporting my friend, but I have a whole library for myself at home.
“Hey, Rachel,” Kylie beams, as she places a stack of books down on the counter. “What brings you in today? Did you finish that book already?”
I cringe, handing her the Pumpkin Spice Latte I brought for her. “Not exactly.”
“What do you mean? Do you not like it? I thought for sure it would be right up your alley.” She motions for me to take a seat in one of the two oversized chairs she has placed by the window.
It’s one of my favourite spots in the store. She set it up in the corner with the most sunlight streaming through the large windows overlooking Main Street. A worn green rug sits between the two chairs with a small rounded coffee table; its glass top provides just enough space for us to put our cups down as we settle in.
“Well, I went to deliver the flowers at the brewery last night, and Skylar asked if I could stay and help with the wedding because they were short staffed…”
“And?” She reaches over for her coffee, taking a sip as she studies me intently.
“And Mitch was there.”
“Ooh, here we go. Did you work at the bar with him? Did he flirt with you? Tell me everything!” She leans forward, wrapping her hands around her cup, her eyes wide.
“Yes, I helped him behind the bar for most of the night. I think he was flirting with me.”
“You think?” She tilts her head. “Wait, what does this have to do with ‘The Billionaire’s Secret Hideaway?’”
I reach for my cup and take a sip of my latte, letting the warm flavours of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg wash over me. “After the wedding was done and cleaned up, I went to go home and my van wouldn’t start.”
She rolls her eyes. “I told you to get that thing looked at.”
“Anyway—it started raining and Mitch came to help me. When the engine wouldn’t start, I didn’t turn the van all the way off and the audiobook started streaming through the speakers.”
“No!” Kylie yelled in horror.
“Oh, yes.” I feel the heat return to my cheeks as I recount my evening to her. I tell her all about the car ride home, how I thought he was going to kiss me in the parking lot before the wedding, and then how he kissed my cheek in the truck.
“So then, what’s the problem?”
“The problem, Kylie, is that I’m going on a date withMitch Brandttonight.” I don’t bother trying to hide the panic in my voice as I stand, pacing while drinking my coffee. “He’s….well, he’sMitch, and I’mme, and ugh!”
“Still not seeing the problem here,” Kylie says, watching my little moment of panic.
“Do you remember how you felt when you first got the flowers from Craig?”
A smile touches her lips. “Yes.”
“Well, that’s me right now. Except times ten worse because now he’s overheard my smutty book at the worst possible moment.”
“Or the best,” Kylie interjects with a smirk on her face.
I ignore her and continue my pacing. “And then he went all quiet on me on the ride to my place. And he just knew where I live.”
“Rachel, this is Logan Creek. Everyone knows where everybody lives…”
“But then when we parked, he just changed. He was playing with my hair and acting all….”
