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“Yes, I know. That’s my conundrum. And I fear the nature of said position is slightly scandalous.”
Over the years, I’d learned a thing or two from her and therefore knew what she wanted to hear in this situation. “By the ghosts of tragic heroines and brooding heroes, my words are true. I swear I won’t tell a soul what you reveal to me.”
Her face rumpled with the gravity of her mood, “I’ve been offered a position to lead the story hour at a very exclusive establishment,” she intoned.
“More exclusive than the library?” I asked, flicking up both my brows at her.
“Not as special, of course. But where the library makes itself available to the public, this establishment only admits a select population of patrons.”
She had my attention.
“Go on,” I urged.
“During my shift, a distinguished gentleman dropped off five boxes of books to donate. All children’s books. After I remarked on their excellent condition, we exchanged words about being life-long learners and the importance of fostering literacy. He then proposed a job offer, asking if I would enjoy working in a place with an abundance of books that required a knowledgeable employee to place orders for more. Naturally, I had inquiries about the details of the job, and he agreed to return another day to satisfy my curiosity. He assured me that if my references checked out, I could help others find solace in literature and cultivate a love of books like mine.”
She put her chin in the cradle of her hands, her whisper laden with excitement. “I’d be free to curate a collection and share my love of reading with a $500,000 annual budget at my disposal. He asserted it was important his patrons had access to rare and valuable picture books, thus the generous account.”
I angled my body towards hers and asked, “That part sounds good, right? Did he end up coming back?”
“He emailed me a form to fill out for a background check, and between his second visit and the first, I had to sign an extensive non-disclosure agreement outlining the position, and the activities which took place at stated, erm, establishment.” Color touched my friend’s cheeks. “I stated my requirement, which was that he’d let me visit the location with a friend. For safety’s sake. I had to swear by the cobwebs and creaking doors of ancient manors a pledge guaranteeing your trustworthiness. That’s where you come in.” She anchored me with her gaze on mine.
Despite the intrigue, and the liberal book-buying allowance, I struggled to believe my best friend would actually leave her sanctuary, the hallowed halls of the public library. Getting the job had been a dream come true for her. The pay sucked, and I knew she had a hard time making ends meet on the meager salary, but it was still her ultimate vocation.
Luna must have read the astonishment in my expression and pinned her shoulders back. “Mr. Taylor, the owner of the business, made me an offer I’m afraid I can’t refuse.”
“What kind of offer are we talking about here?” The urgent need to pee hit me suddenly. “Just a sec. I need to visit the ladies’ room.” I jabbed a finger upward and admonished, “Hold that thought.”
After releasing a torrential downpour in the toilet which rivaled Niagara Falls, I quickly washed my hands, checked my teeth in the mirror, and decided I didn’t look too shabby. Pulling the heavy unisex bathroom door open to return to Luna, I ran smack dab into the powerful, broad and muscular chest of none other than Riley himself. He wore a black t-shirt which clung to his impressive pecs and made my mouth water.
It was almost impossible to avoid him in this tiny town—the guy I had been desperately trying to forget. He spoke with a deep, assured voice that went straight to my pussy. With a playfully seductive smile, he inquired, “Where’s the fire?” His intense gaze stared down at me from way, way, way above.
“Funny,” I replied, trying not to laugh. Although I didn’t want him to know it, I found his weak attempts at making jokes hilarious.
He tilted his brow, looking at me uncertainly. “What are you up to?”
“I’m with my friend. Why are you here? You keep stalking me every time I need to use a public toilet.”
He refused to take the bait and lounged casually against the door frame, blocking my escape. “Kind of figured on the coffee part. Your friend is the one who told me you were in the restroom, so I thought I’d wait here to talk to you. You’ve been making yourself scarce ever since your sister’s wedding night.”
My cheeks felt as if I stood too near a fire, and I side-eyed him.
Evading his last remark, I babbled, “Well, I don’t think I’ll have coffee. The idea makes me want to hurl today.”
“Problem?” he asked, putting his hand on my shoulder in a possessive gesture so that his ridiculously large biceps bulged out at me in accusation.
Oftentimes his speech was reduced to a series of gruff utterances.
Luna would find it primitive and oddly attractive. Like one of the “brooding and enigmatic” heroes in the books she read.
Jake would comment on the fact that Riley was a walking cliché: tall, silver, handsome, and built with shoulders as wide as a fire truck.
I tore my eyes away from his which were currently gobbling me up. “Anyway, I’ve got to get back. My friend has something important to tell me.” I made as if to step around him, but Riley grabbed my elbow. Gently enough, but his grip was firm, and I couldn’t escape.
In fact, I wasn’t sure I wanted to.
“I don’t know about you, but I can’t stop thinking about our last encounter.” His voice stroked me with its huskiness. “I was hoping you’d do me the honor of accompanying me on a proper date, once and for all.”
Dear lord, now he really sounded like a protagonist on Luna’s bookshelf.
