Page 45 of Stolen Vows

I hurry through my closing routine, anticipation humming beneath my skin. Graham wanders the store as I work, his fingers skimming along book spines, his gaze drifting over the cozy reading nooks and vintage decor.

Every so often, our eyes meet across the space, and a jolt of electricity zips through me. There’s something about the way he looks at me that makes my skin prickle with awareness, the fine hairs on the back of my neck standing on end.

Like he’s trying to unravel me with every glance.

I finish my closing tasks in record time, flipping off the lights and snagging Romeo’s leash from behind the counter. He perks up immediately, tail wagging furiously as he prances around my feet.

“Okay, okay,” I laugh, clipping the leash to his harness and wrapping it around my torso. “I’m so glad I got a hands-free leash, because now I get to walk and enjoy my latte. And the rest of my donut.”

I turn to Graham with a grin, lifting my latte in one hand and my half-eaten donut in the other. “Ready?”

He nods, the corner of his mouth ticking up into that almost-smile I’m growing so fond of. He gestures with his coffee toward the door. “After you.”

We step out of the bookshop and into the golden-hour light, the door clicking shut softly behind us. Romeo immediately starts sniffing everything in sight, his tail held high and wagging.

I can’t help but laugh at his enthusiasm. “Guess we’re going on a sniff adventure.”

“A sniff adventure?”

“Yep. It’s like social media for dogs. At least, that’s what the dog trainer videos said. It’s good for his mental well-being.”

Graham hums, taking a sip of his coffee. “There’s a dog park on the other side of town.”

“There is?” My brows lift in surprise. “I didn’t know that. Maybe I’ll take Romeo.” I sip my iced latte as Romeo circles back to sniff the same tree for a second time.

“And there’s a daycare place in Rosewood. The next town over.”

I pause mid-sip. “A daycare?”

“Yeah, for dogs. They’ve got playgrounds, separate areas for different-sized dogs, and when it’s hot, they set up these mini pools so they can cool off.”

I roll my lips inward, barely suppressing a smile. He’s so thoughtful it makes my heart ache a little. Romeo finishes his inspection of the tree, and we continue walking.

“I thought you weren’t a dog person?” I arch a brow.

Graham scoffs, but there’s a flicker of amusement in his eyes. “I never said that.”

“Oh really?” My brows shoot higher, lips twitching with a barely suppressed grin. “I distinctly remember you saying, and I quote,‘I’m not a dog person’in the middle of that coffee shop.” I jerk my chin toward the right, where the café is still buzzing with evening patrons.

His lips curve into a slow, crooked smile that makes my heart stutter. “Five years is a long time. I’ve learned a lot since then.”

Curiosity sparks in my chest, warm and insistent. “Oh yeah? Like what?”

I tear a piece off my donut and pop it into my mouth, the sweet glaze melting on my tongue as I wait for his answer.

Graham takes another sip of his coffee, gaze drifting over the picturesque streets of Avalon Falls as we walk. The golden glow of the setting sun bathes everything in warm, honeyed light. A gentle breeze carries the scent of garlic and fresh basil from the nearby Italian restaurant, mingling with the crisp autumn air.

After a long moment, he says, “I’ve learned patience.”

13

FRANCESCA

A week later,the bell above the door chimes at 4:32 p.m.

“Welcome to Fiction and Folklore,” I call over my shoulder as I finish arranging the new romance releases on the front table.

“Francesca.”

---