Page 20 of Finding Love

CHAPTERSEVEN

Shit. What the hell was that? Why was he being so jumpy? Hell, it had been a shock to see Eva in the small town. Now he’d heard that one of his father’s old business acquaintances lived here too.

If there was ever a sign that he had to return home, this was it. Still, he’d promised Brook he’d stay for the week.

What if Ric Derby returned and bumped into him. Sooner or later, Brook was bound to look him up online. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t already heard his full name, thanks to Eva.

Still, something told him that she was purposely avoiding doing so. Maybe because she wanted to give him that freedom. Or maybe she was waiting for him to tell her himself.

It wasn’t as if he owed her anything. Hell, they hadn’t even slept together. Yet.

That thought had his mind switching gears quickly.

What would it be like to be with her? That kiss last night had been a spark, then the ones this morning had been full-blown explosions.

While his mind kept telling him he should leave, his libido and his dick reminded him that it had been almost a full year since either had been used.

He and Willy left the bakery and walked down to the bookstore. It had been over a month since he’d gotten something new to read. Not that he’d have a lot of time to start something, since he planned on spending most of his time with Brook, but at least he could shop.

When he stepped into the two-story bookstore, a dark-haired woman was behind the bar, reading a book. She glanced up quickly and almost turned back to her book, but then stopped and pasted on a huge smile. He figured this would be Cindy, Eva’s husband’s sister.

“Well, hello.” She set her book down and leaned on the counter. “You’re new in town.”

“Just passing through town.” He moved to stand at the bar as he glanced around the bookstore. The place was filled with natural wood bookshelves that were completely filled. There was an old iron stove along the back wall with comfortable leather chairs arranged around it.

Several people were either browsing the shelves or sitting in leather chairs reading. An older woman was sitting in a booth reading while sipping a glass of wine.

“What’s your poison?” the woman asked, her eyes still running over him.

“I’m good. I’ll just look around. Is he okay in here?” he asked, motioning towards Willy.

“Oh!” The woman squealed and rushed around the counter to give Willy some attention. “Yes, of course. We’re very pet friendly,” she said as Willy enjoyed some belly rubs.

“Thanks.” He smiled and then noticed a man walking towards him.

“You must be Ryder.” The man held out his hand. “I’m Rafe. This is my sister Cindy.”

Ryder shook the man’s hand. “Eva mentioned she’d bumped into you. She and Nate had to run to the store. They should be back any minute.”

Cindy stood up and walked over to help a customer who wanted to order a coffee. He noticed that there were many more coffee choices here than at the bakery. They also had an assortment of wines and teas.

“Can I get you something?” Rafe asked.

“No, Willy and I were just going to grab a few books.”

“Have a look around.” Rafe motioned.

“Thanks.”

“Cute dog.” Rafe bent and gave Willy attention now.

He walked over and started browsing the shelves. Minutes later, Eva walked in with Nate in his stroller.

Ryder watched the couple kiss and talk quietly before Eva glanced his way and smiled. Rafe pulled the sleeping boy out of the stroller and carried him towards the back room.

“Hi,” Eva said when she stopped next to him.

“Hi.” He motioned to the back. “I met Rafe.”