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Turning into the self-help section in the next aisle over, she pretends to look around for a book while biting the side of her nails. I pick up a book on nail biting and other anxious behavior and lightly toss it on top of her other ones.
Her eyes widen as she slowly takes her hand out of her mouth. Before I can fully turn around, I get hit in the shoulder with said book. She’s pissed.
The book wasn’t far fromMasking Your True Feelings? How to Open Up.She’s lucky I didn’t choose it, but I’ll have to save that one for later.
I pick up a copy ofLovers to Loving Yourselfand give it a nice underhand toss to her.
She gasps, but I’m playing her game, keeping my eyes away.
It’s met with a bullet to the head. I’m used to blocking pucks, but without gear on, these books hurt. That soft cover isn’t exactly soft.
“Ow,” I say and pick up the book she threw,When the Answer is Truly No.
I’m ready to nail her with the prize I’ve been holding onto, when the old librarian clears her throat and eyes us over her small rimmed glasses with a warning.
“Butterfingers.” I shrug and kneel to pick up the few books on the floor. My little redheaded mute snickers, but doesn’t say anything.
With an idea and a brave heart, I held on to my pick especially for her along with,When the Answer is Truly No.I walk right up to her. Her back stays to me and I wrap my hand around her small waist.
Her scent of sweet apples consumes me and I take a small breath of it. Holding it in as long as I can.
I’ve dreamed of being this close again, but I’m on a mission to get on her good side. It doesn’t stop me from lightly pressing into her, just for one second.
“Get ready to check out. I’ll take care of Mr. Stage One Clinger.” I whisper in her ear and place the prize book for her,Masking Your True Feelings?How to Open Up, on top of the others in her hand.
I walk away on a mission to be her hero. I didn’t miss the way she sucked in a deep breath when I got close or how her ass came just a smidge closer to me. Her body wants me, but her mind isn’t there yet. We’ll get there.
Ignoring Bridget and Alex’s looks of asking where I’ve been, I head right to the freshman and slam his new self-help book I’m offering to him on the table, loud enough to make him jump. Then I pull out the chair next to his and sit on it.
I don’t threaten guys often. It’s not my thing. I’m more of the fun guy everyone knows and loves, unless I’m on the ice. Get in my way or try to make a pass on me and I’ll throw down. Although I’m enjoying how much he’s torturing Kandace, he’s stepping on my territory. This guy has to go.
I wrap my thick arm over his small shoulders. Kandace is watching, still looking more at the poor kid and the table we’re sitting at than me, but she sees my motion for her to go to the counter to check out her books.
The guy’s eyes follow her and he jumps in his seat, but I bring him back down and slide the book over to him.
“We have a problem here, chap.” It’s an euphemism my father would use when I was getting a stern lecture. “I believe the lady has saidnoat least a few times. Am I right?”
“Yeah, but—”
I stop him with my hand raised. “There is nobut. That there is the beautiful, Kandi Davenport. She’s not one to saynooften, but when she does, she means it. Unless you’re me. Is your name Luca? Last I checked, I’m the only one here.”
His eyes widen with realization, and he shakes his head while swallowing back his fear. Good, he’s heard of me.
“Ok then, we have an agreement.” I notice Kandace leaving and I stand, leaning over Mr. Stage One Clinger to really drive my message home. “To be clear, stay away from Kandi. Leave her alone or I will break all those pretty teeth you have. One at a time.” I eye him until he nods his understanding.
Alex and Bridget are shaking their heads at me when I get to them.
“What? If anyone is bothering one of my girls, I’m man enough to stand up.” Bridget rolls her eyes at me. She was never my biggest fan. “Do you have any clingy, annoying men that need to be taken care of?”
“No, thanks. I’m good.” She pushes up her huge rimless glasses that swallow her face. “Now, stop wasting my time.”
We get right into study mode.
I got a text from Willa about halfway through.
Willa:Did you really threaten some poor kid?
Willa:Kandi says thanks, but she’s not masking anything. I don’t know what that means.
