AllFreeNovel
Share Us
CASSIDY
The grand opening of The Book Cellar goes off without a hitch. Declan and Micah worked around the clock to finish installing the new sprinkler system. Avery and Great-Aunt Ester helped me unpack all the books and arrange the furniture with only hours to spare. Avery’s spectacular photos were pure magic online and brought in dozens more than I expected.
Even my beady-eyed spider nemesis has kept a low profile, giving me hope that the eight-legged devil has moved on for quieter basements down the block.
I’ve barely been able to keep up tonight—already considering hiring a full-time bartender to give me some reprieve—but Avery thankfully stepped in to give me a much-needed moment to catch my breath and enjoy the sight before me.
“This is such a cool place!” Haley says, sidling up to me and draping an arm around my shoulders in a side hug. She’s holding a virgin Turn of the Screwdriver, but I’ve been sworn to secrecy about that detail. I’m the only one who knows she might have a bun in the oven. I feel touched to have a real friend willing to share a real secret with me.
It makes me feel slightly guilty for keeping my own.
But I’m not ready to tell a soul about what Declan and I did the other night—especially his sister.
I’ve been super careful not to repeat said secret activities since that night, no matter how tempting it’s been. Orgasms that potent should be illegal. My head is a scrambled mess and my heart is trying to feel feelings. Until the two can sort this shit out and get on the same page about adult fun being separate from emotions, I can’t risk another naughty body parts run-in with Declan Maxwell.
Although, his devilish gazes from across the room are lowering my defenses with each passing second. Damn the sexy volunteer firefighter slash closet book nerd.
“Are you two going to do it already or what?” Haley demands.
I wish I could blame the alcohol for her outburst, but obviously I can’t. “Have you told Bryan yet?”
My attempts to shift the conversation don’t work. “I approve, you know. Declan is one of the good ones.”
“I’m not—”
“You can stop pretending. You’ve been undressing him with your eyes all night. As gross as that is to picture since it is my brother, I’m still team Casslan.”
“Don’t ever repeat that again,” I grumble, reaching for a drink Avery made me—The Raven. It’s been the most popular book-related drink of the night and even encourage a couple patrons to purchase some Edgar Allen Poe books. The drink is tasty and strong enough to calm my fraying nerves. Or maybe it’s because this is the first sip of alcohol I’ve had all night.
“Just you wait.” Haley rubs her belly lovingly. “You might be next.”
Before I can tell her fat chance, she dances off toward her husband and throws her arms around his neck. He catches her and the two sway as if there’s a dance floor. I have to admit, their love has a way of reaching inside a person, beyond their fortified iron walls, and touching their heart. Just a little bit.
“You done avoiding me, sweetheart?” Declan’s voice whispers in my ear, making me curse under my breath. I took my eyes off the man for ten seconds and he snuck up on me. The drunken butterflies in my stomach go fucking nuts. They’re almost as obnoxious as the instant tingling between my legs. Whatever Declan did with that twisting motion…gah! I nearly come again just thinking about it.
“I’ve been working,” I fire back, refusing to turn my head over my shoulder to meet his sexy gaze head on. It’s too early in the night to get all mixed up in the head any more than I already am. I have a business to run.
“I’ve been watching you.”
“Stalker.” To my utter surprise, my insides don’t seize up at the word that used to cause me instant dread. That I can actually tease Declan about being a stalker and not worry I’ll have to get a restraining order is such a relief I almost laugh.
“You like it,” he says low against my ear, his lips brushing the edge of my lobe.
“Maybe,” I admit without meaning to.
“What if I followed you home tonight?”
“Ester—”
As if speaking her name summoned the woman, my great-aunt appears before me. Both hands latched onto the bicep of an older man wearing a cowboy hat. The two are wearing goofy grins. “Cassidy, I’d like you to meet Bob. My date.”
I shake Bob’s hand, as does Declan. I notice Bob is wearing half of Ester’s lipstick on his shirt collar, making me seriously question if my great-aunt ever really needed my help at all. Oh well, I’m a Daisy Hills resident now. “Nice to meet you, Bob.”
“Don’t wait up for me, Cassidy,” Ester says with a twinkle in her eyes.
I fold my arms across my chest, feeling suddenly protective over my only known relative. “How do I know I can trust you, Bob?”
He nods at Declan, as if that explains everything.
