Page 143 of That Rush

Josie takes the ice to the refreshment table while I deliver the cash box. Paige catches my wrist before I step away.

“Thank you.”

“Anytime.”

Her thumb brushes my pulse. “I know.”

A man steps around the far end of the book table. He looks vaguely familiar—a local, by the way he uses Paige’s name when she turns toward him.

“I need something for my niece,” he says. “She’s seven and currently thinks books are a punishment.”

Paige smiles and reaches for a paperback. “Then the adults in her life have been choosing the wrong books.”

His smile widens, and she gives him two options, explaining each with the same focus she offers everyone.

He buys both.

Then he leans closer and says, “Are you free after this? I’d even let you choose the restaurant.”

His tone is friendly. His interest is unmistakable.

I set down the box in my hands.

Paige’s mouth parts, but her eyes find mine before she answers.

“I’m flattered,” she says, “but I’m seeing someone.”

The man follows her attention. Recognition crosses his face as I walk around the table and stop beside her.

“Aiden Slade.” He gives me an easy nod. “I should’ve known.”

“You should have,” I say.

Paige’s lips twitch. “He means hello.”

“I said hello with my eyes.”

“I must have missed it.”

I place my hand at her waist. The man has done nothing wrong. Paige gave him no invitation beyond doing her job, and he accepted her answer without argument. I still want his attention off her.

He lifts the bag containing his books. “No hard feelings. My niece will be thrilled to hear she got me rejected by the librarian.”

“You supported childhood literacy,” Paige says. “There are worse ways to lose.”

He chuckles and turns away, but my grip tightens when Paige starts to step after him.

“Did you need something?” she asks.

“I needed him to understand you’re with me.”

“I told him.”

“I heard you.”

“So this is reinforcement?”

“This is me making sure everyone knows you’re mine.”