Page 8 of Vicious Little Darling

I don’t mention this to Rich, as I get started restocking the shelves and taking care of preorders for a local author’s upcoming release.

It’s an uneventful morning with some new and some familiar faces.

“I’m taking an early lunch,” Rich calls when it hits eleven. “You got the store?”

“Yeah,” I tell him, switching to his spot behind the counter. “Hot date for lunch?”

He smiles. “I wish. But no, it’s just my mom.”

“Nice,” I laugh, and then watch him as he leaves. I settle back into the chair before grabbing a thriller novel and getting comfortable. My stomach growls, but I’ll take my lunch after Rich gets back.

I’m lost in the story of a woman, who killed her husband and is on the run, when the door chimes. I look up to offer a greeting, and am met with a pair of sea green eyes.

“Good morning,” I say.

“Isn’t it like almost noon?” the handsome guy, who stands probably six-foot-three, replies. His sandy blond hair is slightly disheveled, and he’s got ink climbing both arms. He’s fuckinghot,and I struggle not to drool.

“Is there something I can help you with?” I ask, as his biceps flex beneath his tight black T-shirt.

“Yeah, actually, there is.” His laugh is light and almost sweet, as he nods to all the shelves. “I’m trying to find a present for my mom. It’s her birthday. She loves to read, and…,” he pauses, his cheeks blushing crimson, “…well, I don’t.”

“Ah, then, I am sure I can help you.” I slide off the stool, my heart beating unevenly as I slip past him. “What kind of books does your mom read?”

“I don’t know. The kind with the cartoon covers? I don’t know anything else.” He chuckles again, and I can tell he’s embarrassed. It’s not the first time I’ve had to help a guy find a book for someone they care about. Sometimes it’s a mom, daughter, wife, girlfriend—mistress. Whatever.

“My guess is she likes romcoms,” I stop him at that section, and pull a few from the shelf. “These are the new releases, so I guarantee she doesn’t have them yet.”

“You’re a lifesaver.” He takes a fall-themed one from me and then pauses. “Actually, I think I’ll just get them all.”

“Okay,” I say, nodding up toward the counter. “That’s fine by me.”

“Do you get commission?”

I give him an incredulous look. “Are you being serious?”

He bursts into laughter. “Well, I was, but I guess not now.”

“I don’t get commission on them,” I huff a laugh and then ring him up. He pays with the exact cash, and I bag the books up.

“I hope your mom has a great birthday.”

“Yeah, we’ll see,” he chuckles as he takes the receipt.

“Have a nice day, Ember.”

I freeze, fear coursing through my body.

“How do you know my name?” I ask.

He turns around, his eyebrows rising as he gestures to the badge on my shirt.

“Right,” I mutter. “I’m sorry. It’s just been a weird day.”

He nods. “I get that. I hope it gets less weird for you. Or weirder?” He laughs. “Whatever you want it to be.”

“Less weird, but hey, what’s your name?” I call after him, catching his attention just as he grabs the door handle.

He shoots me a flirty grin. “Xander, and if you keep asking questions, I might have to come back to visit.” With that, he winks and slips out of the store, the door closing behind him.

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