Page 40 of Crazy in Love

She picked out a random card from the middle of the deck. The Knight of Cups. In the tiny print at the bottom, she caught the words “knight in shining armor” and “prince charming.” This couldn’t be a coincidence. Twice in two days she pulls cards about love with Nick two feet away? It was all she could do not to ask him out.

“You don’t actually believe in that stuff, do you?”

Faith shoved the card back into the deck. “Of course not. I told you, it’s just for fun. Listen, thank you for dealing with Hope last night. Next time—if there is a next time—call me, and I’ll take care of it. I do appreciate you stepping up.”

She approached from behind the desk. “I know you Walkers aren’t really huggers, but…” She leaned in and snaked her arms around his waist. At first, he didn’t move. Just stood, stiff as a board. But after a second, he relaxed into the hug. Only for a moment. Then he pulled back.

“Talk to you later,” he said on his way out.

She watched him go. Even hobbled up and weak, he gave off a commanding, rugged, I-can-take-care-of-anything vibe. No wonder Hope called him.

The delivery man dropped off several boxes of books, and she spent the afternoon finding places for them. She and Ruby made two big signs—one for bestsellers and one for new releases—and carved out shelving space to house the new additions.

“Did my mom ever saywhyshe never stocked the popular stuff?” Faith asked Ruby as they worked.

“Not that I recall,” Ruby said. “You worried she wouldn’t approve?”

Faith nodded. “A little. You don’t think she’s rolling over in her grave over this, do you?”

“No, dear. I don’t. She just loved reading and wanted others to love it too. I think she would be happy that you’re taking this place seriously and doing things your own way.”

The next few customers all purchased from the new shelves, giving Faith a feeling of validation. But she still glanced around for Tiger, curious what he thought of the upgrade. She left for the night without seeing him and prayed that wasn’t a message of disapproval.

When she arrived home, Hope and her father had already retired to their rooms. She knew they should talk about the arrest. All of them. But she was too tired to deal with it now.

Hope started school next week. Maybe between schoolwork demands, volleyball practice, and Rise and Grind shifts, she’d be too busy to get into any more trouble.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

“I feel like a child,” Nick grumbled from the passenger seat. “A grown man shouldn’t have to ask for a ride every time he needs to go somewhere.”

“Be quiet, and sip your juice box,” Tess said. “Let me know if you need a potty stop.”

“Not funny.” It was Tuesday morning, and they were on the way to New Hampton for his second opinion.

“Think of me more as a chauffeur. You’re not a child. You’re a VIP.” She switched to a British accent. “You’re much too fancy to drive yourself. Only plebs drive themselves.”

“You’re nuts,” he said, fighting a smile.

“Sorry, I may be hanging out with Faith too much.”

“Thatchick is wild,” Nick said. “How are you guys even friends? You’re so pragmatic and organized. She’s into all that woo-woo stuff. You seem like real opposites.”

“They say opposites attract. Maybe that applies to friendships too. She balances out my anal-ness. And she’s fun. Never a dull moment with that one.”

She had a point there. Every time Nick was around Faith, he left annoyed but smiling. Her carefree attitude kind of grew on a person. “You know she messes with tarot cards?”

Tess gave him a sideways look. “Don’t even think about it.”

“Think about what?” he asked.

“Getting involved with Faith.”

“Trust me. That hasn’t crossed my mind.” Or had it? Multiple times.

“She’s gorgeous and fun, but unpredictable, especially in relationships. She gets attached quickly and then loses interest just as fast. Burns through men like nobody’s business.”

“I just said I wasn’t interested.”

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