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“Well, I think more people in this town have a lot more money than we give them credit for.” Missy finished her stack of books and turned around. “Oh, honey. I think you have a visitor.”
June turned around, her breath catching at the sight of Rhys leaning against the counter. Her grandma gently nudged her on that direction, taking over the book organization while June slowly made her way to the man she really liked, but didn’t hold a candle to the one she loved.
“Hey,” she said gently. She stood across from him, the counter between them.
“Hey, June,” he said, running his hand through his hair, looking anywhere but at her. “I’m really sorry for not responding to your text, work’s been busy.” When he did meet her eyes, she saw remorse.
“I totally understand, we’ve been planning this huge event and it’s been a mess.” She smiled and looked away, the silence becoming awkward.
“So I —”
“I —”
They both laughed nervously.
“You first, Rhys.”
He rocked back and forth on his feet, blowing air out his mouth. “So, I wanted to say to your face… I really like you, but that… thatthingisn’t here. Between us. I think.”
He looked sorry, but June felt relief wash over her.
“Honestly, I was going to say the same. I’d love to stay friends, but the spark’s missing.”
He leaned forward, surprised. “Oh, wow. Okay. Glad you felt it, too.”
“Yeah, I wanted it to be there, but…”
“I get it,” he raised his hands in surrender. “Wasn’t meant to be anything more than it was. Friends?” He opened his arms, and June gave him a hug. It was hard to find nice people, good people. Rhys Dougherty had proven himself as one, and they could walk away without any feelings being hurt.
When he released her, he gave her one of his famous cocky grins. “Can’t promise I won’t flirt with you occasionally, cuz a woman like you deserves to be flirted with. But if you ever need any help with the store, please let me know. I get it.” He rested a hand on her shoulder before turning, strutting out of the building without a look back.
“Oh, so since when were you dating Rhys Dougherty?” Anna’s voice startled her from behind.
June turned to face her friend, wide-eyed and holding a stack of young adult Advanced Reader Copies from one of the authors who had agreed to visit.
“Um, yeah. Kind of, we went on two dates and kissed a little.” June shrugged, turning back to the counter and tapping the papers there, looking for something that would keep her busy. “But the spark wasn’t there, so we ended it.”
“Just kissy-kissy?” Anna made a face, teasing her. June smiled and rolled her eyes.
“Just kissy-kissy.”
“No touchy-touchy?”
“Oh my god, how old are you?” June laughed
“How was it? He’s so hot.”
“It was… fine. It was nice. He’s a great guy but —“
“— but the spark. Yeah, yeah. Yawn. Sometimes I really think I don’t need or want the spark. So much waiting around for it, ya know?”
June thought about what she said. She hadn’t realized how important the spark had been until she let it ignite with Dragan. She’d accepted passable relationships, flings for what they were: empty of anything more than carnal pleasure and companionship. But that spark was something that made her feel alive. It made their relationship alive, every time she looked at Dragan or he looked at her, her body responding. Like her soul recognized his, always had, and it always would.
“It’s worth it, Anna. I promise.”
Anna blew her off, setting the ARCs on the counter and making notes on a pad of paper. June kept looking at the door, waiting for the moment when her heart recognized its own.
45
