Page 94 of Enticing Her Love

“No pressure in a bookstore? That’s a definite pro.” Her smile brought a wave of happiness as she went up on her toes, meeting him halfway in another kiss. “I’ll be in women’s fiction if you need me. Where are you starting?”

“Horror. I want to check out Jock’s books. You said the first one was called It Lies?”

“Good memory. He published that one under Jack Steele. The second one, Eyes on You, is more of a romantic suspense, and he published under the name Jock for that one.”

“Why did he switch it up?”

“I think he did it to honor who he is now. He hasn’t been Jack in a long time.”

“That’s a big part of the healing process, accepting changes within yourself. Good for him. I’ll catch you on the flip side, then.” He stole one more kiss and watched her walk toward the women’s fiction sign with a bounce in her step. He’d kissed her a hundred times already, and he knew they’d kiss a hundred more before the day was out. He was stocking up to hold himself over for all the workdays to come. He hadn’t realized how much he’d needed this time with her.

Over the next hour, as they searched for books, Flynn never let too long go by between stolen glances at his glamour girl, gorgeous in white shorts, a peach short-sleeve top with a lace neckline, and strappy sandals. He liked watching her, whether she was paging through books, narrating a scene at work, or just sitting by the water with him. He was painfully aware of the fact that eventually they’d have to figure out what to do about work, but there was too much at stake to jump the gun, regardless of what he felt for her.

After picking out several fiction novels and a few nonfiction titles, he rounded the end of an aisle and nearly bumped into Sutton.

“Whoop. Sorry.” She juggled a stack of books.

“Here, babe. Let me help you.” He reached for them.

“It’s okay. I’ve got them.” She settled the books in her arms. “I was just talking to a woman who lives nearby, and she said there’s an arts and crafts fair in the town square this weekend. Do you want to check it out? She said it’s only a few blocks away.”

“Absolutely. Looks like you found some good books. Are you ready to go, or do you want more time?”

“I’m ready.” As they headed up to the register, she said, “You have to see the adorable journal I got for Hadley. It’s the pink one, second from the top.”

“Great minds think alike.” He plucked a matching pink journal from his stack of books. “I looked for something for Joey, but I don’t know enough about nine-year-old girls to pick something out.”

“Flynn.” She looked at him a little dreamily. “You didn’t have to do that, but you do have good taste.”

“I considered the yellow journal for Hadley.”

“So did I, but”—

“I didn’t like the drawings that were in it,” they said in unison, and laughed.

“The pink elephants are definitely the cutest,” he said.

“She’s going to love them.”

He put his books on the counter and reached for hers.

“I’ve got these.” She turned to the side so he couldn’t grab them.

He stepped closer, holding her gaze. “Steele, put the books on the counter.”

“No. I can pay for my own b—”

He silenced her with a kiss. “Give me the books, beautiful. We’re on a date, remember? It’s okay to relinquish control and let me buy you a few things.”

“Okay,” she relented.

“That’s my girl.” He put the books on the counter, and the woman behind the register nodded approvingly.

When they left the bookstore, Sutton said, “Thank you again for buying those. You’re really stacking up the pro column lately.”

“What’s this lately crap?” he teased. “I saved your life. That’s got to be worth a few points.”

“Yes, but most of those points were used to make up for the points you lost by making me eat worms.”