Page 9 of A Novel Seduction

“Is that why you read the historical stuff, and not just the ones that take place now?”

She let out a little laugh that he knew the difference between a historical and contemporary romance novel. Although, she guessed it made sense since he’d spent all that time picking them out for her.

“Yes. I just really like happily ever afters, in whatever form they come.”

“Good to know,” he smirked.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Why did you mark up my book? Back then, I mean. What made you do it?”

“When I opened your book and saw what you were reading, I couldn’t believe my eyes. You were so quiet and shy. I guess I thought maybe it would help you come out of your shell a little more.”

“So…you didn’t really mean those things?”

“What I wrote in the notes?” he asked. She nodded, nervous about his answer. Leaning in, he whispered, “Like how I wanted to touch you like that? And how I thought you were prettier than whatever chick was described in the book?” Evie nodded again, looking down at her half-eaten lunch. “I meant every single word I wrote, Evie. Still do.”

Evie looked up suddenly, her eyes meeting Drake’s. She searched them for something that would tell her he was lying. That he was full of it and just teasing her somehow. But she couldn’t find anything. The sadness that had been in his eyes just a moment ago was gone. All that was there was a sincerity that made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

“Oh.”

Drake leaned down and opened his bag. He pulled out a little rectangular object wrapped in brown butcher paper with a red satin ribbon tied around it. Just like the one that had been left in the office for her. He handed it to her.

“What’s this?”

“A gift. Open it.”

Evie slid the red ribbon off before slipping her finger under the little seam of the paper. Once it was fully off, she turned the book right side up, so she could take it in fully. The cover featured a couple wrapped up in a bright white sheet, lying on a bed, tangled in each other’s arms. Into You, by Alina Lane.

“Have you read it?” Drake asked.

“I haven’t.”

“The lady at All Booked Up said it was one of their best sellers, so I took a shot.”

“Thank you,” Evie said. She could feel the smile spread across her face.

“A pretty girl once told me I’d have a better chance if I bought her a book rather than a drink in a bar,” he answered.

“You think I’m pretty?” she asked, her heart skipping a beat.

“I think you’re beautiful.”

“Oh,” she whispered, feeling her cheeks flush from his words.

“So, I was thinking that if you’re up for it, I could read it to you,” Drake said, with a nonchalant shrug.

“You want to read it to me?”

“Yeah. I mean, that was kinda our thing in college. And this one can’t be worse than the Canter stories,” he offered.

“You mean The Canterbury Tales?” she asked, looking at him skeptically.

“Yeah, those. Those were dull.”

“They are highly regarded as one of the most profound works of literature. Often credited as the work to popularize the English language vernacular in literature.”