Page 44 of Stolen Vows

Graham hums in agreement. “It can be. But that’s why people like me exist. To stay one step ahead and keep everyone’s data safe.”

“Well, you’re my hero today for this,” I tease, lifting the coffee from the drink holder. “You have no idea how badly I needed it.” Warmth unfurls in my chest, spreading outward as his eyes crinkle at the corners.

He sets the small white pastry bag on the counter, a subtle hesitation before he lets go. “Unfortunately, these are just from the grocery store.” His tone is apologetic, but there’s a hint of something else beneath it, something uncertain.

My tongue flattens behind the back of my teeth with a disbelievingtsk, my brows lifting high. “You know you don’t need to bring me something every time you stop by.”

His gaze flicks to mine, steady. “I wanted to.” Such a simple statement, but it knocks the air from my lungs.

My breath catches in my throat, emotion swelling in my chest. “Thank you,” I murmur, my voice soft and a little unsteady. “That’s so thoughtful of you, Graham.”

And it is. More than he probably realizes. Growing up in my family, thoughtfulness was in short supply. Everything was calculated, an elaborate chess game of appearances and one-upmanship. Genuine gestures of kindness were few and far between.

They always sayit’s the thought that counts, but I don’t think I ever truly understood what that meant. Because what does it say about my family if their thoughts were never about me, but rather about what I could offer? What I could prove? What I couldbecomefor them?

Graham shifts his weight, watching me carefully. “I know how much you enjoyed the cupcakes last week, but my sister had a big order come in, so it’s grocery store donuts today.”

I grin. “I love all kinds of donuts, honestly.”

The corner of his lips twitches. “Noted.”

A warmth unfurls in my chest, slow and insistent. Why do I feel like he’s quite literallynotingthat—like he has a running list of me in his head? Maybe that’s just wishful thinking.

A slow smile spreads across my face as I reach for the white pastry bag, the crinkle of paper loud in the quiet bookstore. I open it to find an assortment of colorful donuts. Glazed, sprinkled, jelly-filled, even a maple bacon one. The sweet scent of fried dough and sugar drifts up to me, and my stomach rumbles in anticipation.

“These look amazing,” I murmur appreciatively. “You really know the way to a girl’s heart, don’t you?”

Something flickers in Graham’s eyes, there and gone too quickly for me to decipher. He clears his throat, straightening up from the counter. “Not really.”

A laugh bubbles out of me, light and easy. I look at him, letting the soft, hazy appreciation for fried dough settle over me. “Well, I appreciate your donuts.”

I pluck a chocolate glazed one from the bag and take a big bite, my eyes fluttering closed as the rich flavor hits my tongue. “Mmmm. Yep, just as delicious as I imagined.”

When I open my eyes, Graham is watching me with an inscrutable expression. His gaze lingers on my lips for a moment before he quickly looks away.

“Good,” he says, his voice a touch gruff. “I’ll have to remember that for next time.”

Next time.The words send a little thrill through me, even though I know I shouldn’t read too much into them. I don’t know what we’re even doing, but I know that I like it. I like the idea of morenext timeswith him.

He takes a step back, and something inside me dips, the thought of him leaving already tugging at something tender in my chest. I scramble for a reason to make him stay a little longer, my mind racing through possibilities.

“Want to go for a coffee walk?” The question springs free before I can second-guess it.

Graham pauses, one dark brow arching in silent question. I lick my lips, suddenly nervous under the intensity of his gaze. “You know, sunshine and fresh air but also lattes.” My voice lifts a little at the end, like I’m trying to sell him on the idea. “The store closes in fifteen minutes, and then I was going to take Romeo for a walk.” I gesture vaguely in the direction of the little green space downtown, the nerves making my hands feel a little tingly.

Inwardly, I cringe at myself. That probably soundedtooeager.

But then the corner of his mouth ticks up, just slightly. “Sure. I’ll go on a walk with you.”

“And Romeo,” I murmur, my smile settling into something more relaxed.

His gaze flicks to the fluffball in question. “And him.”

“You can stay here while I close up if you want. Or if you need to go somewhere?—”

“I’ll stay.”

Graham’s words send a warm flush through me, settling deep in my bones. “Okay,” I murmur, my smile growing. “I’ll just be a few minutes.”

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