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“Anyways, my whole world was spent between the pages of books. Sometimes reading set off seizures, so I switched to audio books. But literature has always been a source of escape and calm for me.” She straightened, passion entering her tone. “I wanted to spend my time doing something that made me happy. Books change lives. They educate and they help people connect in ways they might not otherwise have. I decided I wanted to run a shop that spread love and acceptance regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ability, or what have you.” Pippa’s smile was blinding, yet he couldn’t look away.
She shrugged, the clouds back in her gaze. “I know I might not be able to change the world, but maybe I can alter a few minds. I’ve carved out my own little corner where I can do something useful.”
“Sounds pretty amazing to me.” Mason’s voice came out raspy.
Pippa searched his eyes as if seeking something.
“Do you have to be careful of flashing lights? I saw that in a movie once,” Aspen said.
Pippa shook her head. “No, I’m not photosensitive. Only about three percent of people with epilepsy are. I have different triggers.”
“Like what?” Aspen prodded.
“Aspen,” Mason warned.
Pippa offered him a reassuring smile. “It’s okay. I don’t mind talking about it.”
He nodded and finished his lobster.
“Stress is a big trigger for me, which is probably why I had a tonic-clonic seizure after the pharmacy.”
“That’s the big one, right?” Aspen confirmed.
Pippa nodded. “Hormones can trigger them, especially around my period if I don’t get good sleep or forget to take my medications on time.”
“But your medicine helps?” Aspen asked, concern evident in her voice. She’d gotten so attached to Pippa in such a short period of time.
Pippa placed her hand over his daughter’s as if to comfort her. “It sure does. And Lady here lets me know when one is coming on, so I can usually get into as safe a position as possible.”
It was the usually that twisted Mason’s stomach into knots. So much could happen to her, especially living all alone.
“So, what about you? Navy SEALs and now security?” Pippa turned the conversation onto him.
He sat back in his chair. “Joined out of high school. Served in the Navy for four years and then served as a SEAL for just a couple years until . . .” Until my wife was murdered. “Well, after it was just Aspen and me, I finished my contract and got out. I work at the bar mainly, but I do some private jobs on the side too.”
“Like as a bodyguard?” Pippa asked, her eyes lighting up.
“Sometimes.”
“Anyone famous?” She leaned forward, seeming keenly interested.
He smirked. “Maybe.”
“So secretive. I bet he told you.” She nudged Aspen, including her in the conversation, and it did something to his chest.
Aspen giggled. “Not even me.”
Both ladies’ eyes were on his again as their server returned with a tray of desserts.
Mason shrugged. “I signed an NDA, and I take my commitments seriously.”
That was another reason he’d avoided relationships. He couldn’t talk about his work sometimes. His wife had understood as a former Army veteran, but secrecy was hard to be patient about. His numerous divorced military buddies were living proof.
“Are you ready for dessert?” the server asked them, clearing their empty plates and setting them on her tray.
“Yes, thank you.” Pippa lifted her dinner plate towards the woman’s outstretched hand. Mason nodded.
The server replaced them with three dishes with peanut butter chocolate cheesecake along with fried disks of dough sprinkled with powdered sugar.
