Page 233 of That Rush

“Alphabetical?”

She stares at me.

“Stupid question.”

“Deeply.”

We work together; Paige chooses where each book goes, and I hand them to her. She keeps the single romance she placed here after our first night back centered on the middle shelf. The new books spread around it, leaving most of the shelves empty.

Josie’s low shelf stays empty too, waiting for the books she and Sprinkle choose for it.

When the crate is nearly finished, Paige reaches into her pocket.

“I have something for you.”

She holds out a silver key.

I look from it to her. “What’s this for?”

“It looks like a key, Aiden.”

“I recognize the object.”

“I had a copy made.”

She’s had every original key since I handed them over. I intended to keep it that way unless she decided differently.

I leave the new one in her palm. “What do you want it to mean?”

Her expression softens.

“Emergency access. Coffee deliveries when the door is open. Entry when I invite you.”

“And if it’s locked?”

“You knock and wait.”

“I can do that.”

“I know.” She steps closer. “You already did.”

Only then do I take the key.

Paige watches me slide it onto my key ring beside my house key.

“You’re sure?” I ask.

“Yes. I want you to have access because I trust you to understand that it isn’t ownership.”

“It’s an invitation.”

“Exactly.”

I curl my hand around the back of her neck and press my mouth to hers. She leans into me, warm and certain, her hand coming up to my jaw before she pulls away.

“Help me with the last three books, boyfriend.”

“Yes, librarian.”