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Emory shook her head, and Tessa nodded knowingly.
“Oh, you are going to love it. It has exactly what you’re looking for. It’s over there on our Bestseller Young Adult table.” She gestured toward the indicated table with a smile. “But, be warned. The series is addictive. You might want to pick up the first two while you’re here.”
Emory nodded eagerly and headed to the display table to check out the offerings. Her eyes scanned the paperbacks there for a moment before plucking books one and two of the series and bringing them to the counter with a grin.
“Okay, the covers aregorgeous. I am sold!”
Tessa took the books from Emory and nodded as she began ringing them up. “You will fall in love with the characters, trust me.”
Once she had managed to ring up Emory’s purchases and encouraged her to come back when she had finished them, Tessa scanned the store for Daniel. He was nowhere to be found. Where had he run off to?
She wandered out from behind the counter, checking through the shelves for any sign of him. Maybe he had returned to the back office. He liked to give her space when she was helping a customer. Curious, Tessa headed toward the back office.
Nothing could have prepared her for the sight that awaited her there. She stifled a laugh as she took it in. Daniel was situated in the desk chair,Twilightpropped up on the desk. His brow was furrowed in concentration as he turned another page.
“Are you—are you actually readingTwilightright now?” She couldn’t keep the amusement out of her voice as she asked.
Daniel jumped slightly and slammed the book down on the desk. “No! Well, okay, sort of. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, I guess.”
She nodded, a grin tugging at her lips. “And how are you liking it so far?”
“Currently undecided but keeping an open mind. This did cause quite a… literary phenomenon,” he admitted, begrudgingly.
Tessa leaned against the doorway, taking him in. “I’ll make you a Twi-hard before you know it.”
Daniel winced, “I will give you a sizable raise if you agree to never use that term again.”
With a laugh, Tessa nodded in agreement, “Deal. But keep me updated. I would love to hear your thoughts on Edward’sbrooding.”
Daniel gazed at her for a moment, the book momentarily forgotten. He opened his mouth and then closed it as if thinking better about what he was going to say. He took a breath and finally blurted out. “Hey, would you like to get some pie tonight? Over at Lily’s?”
The question caught Tessa off guard, but she had to admit, it was a good offer. She was enjoying talking about books with Daniel, and Lily’s pie was quickly becoming her favorite vice. Taking only a brief moment to think it over, she nodded. “Yeah… yeah, I think I would like that.”
Daniel returned the nod with one of his own. “Great. When the store closes, we can head over. But for now,” his eyes narrowed. “Get back to work.”
***
Tessa kept checking the clock through her shift, eager to go get that slice of pie with Daniel. They had fallen into a friendly pattern, and for the first time, it felt like she might have anactualfriend. Not just a workplace-friendly acquaintance but someone she could see herself hanging out with outside of work. It was unusual but not completely unwelcome.
When it was finally time to lock up the store, Tessa bounded to the door and flipped the closed sign. Turning, she found Daniel flicking off the store lights. It seemed they were both eager to get out of the shop and over to Lily’s Diner.
“You ready?” Daniel asked as soon as they had finished up their closing duties.
Swallowing nervously, Tessa nodded, “Yep!” She stifled a wince at how squeaky her voice sounded. Clearing her throat, she tried again. “Yeah, let’s head out.”There. Much better. Come on, Tessa. Keep it together.
If Daniel noticed her awkwardness, he didn’t show it. Spinning the key ring around his finger, he gestured toward the door for Tessa to exit first.
Who knew that Small Town could be such a gentleman?Tessa stepped through the door into the cool night air and waited as Daniel locked the door behind them. The lock was a bit tricky, and as Daniel struggled with the key, Tessa stared up at the stars above her.
It was a beautiful, clear night. The moon was full, bathing the town in a bright glow.What a perfect night for a walk.
She shoved her hands into her jacket pocket and smiled at Daniel as he finished locking up.
“Are you ready?” He asked. Strangely, his voice sounded as nervous as Tessa felt.
“Yep, I’m thinking apple pie. A la mode, of course. Perhaps with some caramel syrup drizzled on top.”
Daniel made a face. “How is your blood sugar not sky-high?”
