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20
BRYNN
Brynn handed over the paper bag to the customer across from her. “Thank you, and enjoy the new books.”
“Oh, I think I will.” The older woman gave her a wink and turned towards The Oyster Bookstore front door.
Brynn cast a quick glance around the front desk, making sure no one else was waiting for her help. So many little ones and their parents or grandparents had gathered inside today for the drag queen story hour that Pippa hosted every Friday afternoon.
Brynn slipped out from behind the desk and took the opportunity to re-shelve some of the novels in the growing pile beside her. She emptied her hands quick enough and diverted to the correct row of books in the store. Pippa had given her a list of books like the one she’d liked from Aaron’s collection.
Brynn moved to the dark romance section, peeking over her shoulder to make sure no one was around before she lifted the desired book off the shelf and read the description. The heroine was a woman like her, wounded and scared of the world. Though I’m not as scared as I once was. The heroine was taken captive by the hero in the book, made to submit. And something about that pricked at Brynn’s consciousness and made her belly flip. The last thing she should find arousing is submission. Is there something wrong with me? Surely not if other women find this type of book interesting.
“Excuse me?” a soft voice from behind Brynn spoke.
Brynn jumped, shoving the book back on the shelf as the heat of embarrassment flooded her veins. She spun around, tucking her hair behind her ear, hoping she didn’t look as discombobulated as she felt. “Yes? How can I help you?”
The woman smiled and adjusted the huge bouquet of yellow and orange flowers with a few pieces of greenery sticking out. “I’m looking for Brynn. Would you happen to be her?”
Brynn blinked slowly as her brows drew together and a sliver of panic coiled in her belly. “Yes, I am.”
The lady’s eyes sparkled as she handed over the flowers in the clear glass vase. “Then these are for you.”
Brynn held her hands out, accepting the gift.
The woman must have misunderstood her confusion because she started naming flowers. “Delphiniums, some striking lisianthuses if I do say so myself. These are free spirit roses, and of course starry asters. Your husband certainly picked out a gorgeous melody of flowers for you. These blooms showcase individuality and uniqueness, like a one-of-a-kind relationship.” The woman waved her hand. “Do you know anything about flowers?”
Brynn shook her head.
“Well, these capture the essence of boundless love and the fresh hope of springtime.”
Brynn swallowed. “Oh, thank you.”
“My pleasure.” She dug into her pocket and handed Brynn a business card with Lily’s Flower Shop emblazoned in feminine script. “I’m Lily, by the way. I just bought the florist shop this spring. Do you think it would be okay to add mine to the collection of local business cards by the register?”
Brynn gave her a smile and motioned down the aisle of bookshelves towards the front. “I’m sure that wouldn’t be a problem.”
Lily followed her to the register before she deposited a handful of colorful cards into one of the empty cardholders. “Thank you so much.”
Brynn nodded. “Absolutely. Thank you for the flowers.”
Lily beamed and gave her a wink. “My pleasure.” She left through the front door as a few giggles came from the small crowd at the back of the store. Marsha Divine’s voice acted out all the characters’ voices in the books she read to the children.
Brynn eyed the gorgeous bouquet beside her on the desk. She reached for the small note tucked in the center.
To my wife,
Just a little beauty to brighten your day.
Though it pales in comparison to you.
-A
Brynn pressed a hand to her chest as emotion welled in her throat. Her heart soared.
Pippa walked in the front door, a smile splitting her face. “Those are gorgeous.”
Brynn beamed. “They are, aren’t they?”
