Page 129 of The Wife Situation

We get inside and he glances my way. “You almost gave that woman a heart attack.”

“No, Easton, you did.” I place the key in the ignition and crank the engine.

“You realize there was a man with a camera across the street.”

I grin. “Just giving themallsomething to talk about. They can report on that. Everyone in Valentine will know before lunch that I bought a box of extra-large condoms and two candy bars.”

“And tomorrow, the world will know,” he says.

“Are you embarrassed?” I ask, glancing at him before I reverse.

“Fuck no.” He shakes his head like he’s offended.

We drive the short distance and park in front of the coffee shop. We order two iced mochas while, once again, every single person stares at Easton. Then, we take a stroll to Main Street Books. Easton interlocks his fingers with mine and smiles at me.

“I like it here,” he admits as we pass a beauty parlor and a real estate office. “It has charm.”

“It’s home. I miss it when I’m away. But I miss the city too.”

“I get that,” he tells me, pushing open the door to the bookstore.

The bell rings above, and moments later, Hayden Shaw, the owner’s son, greets us. He’s several years older than me, and he’s engaged to Kinsley Valentine. He moved back to town last year and proposed to her on New Year’s Eve.

“Hey, Alexis. You’re popular around here these days,” he says.

Easton flips his glasses on his head and Hayden smiles at him.

“Hayden Shaw,” he says, holding out his hand.

“Easton Calloway.”

They give each other a firm handshake.

“It’s Lexi,” I correct as Easton places his hand on my shoulder, rubbing his thumb across my back. I love having him close. “Call me Alexis again, and I will kick your ass, Shaw,” I threaten.

Hayden chuckles. “Right. Apologies,Lexi. What brings you two in here today?”

“Do you have any Kama Sutra books in stock?” I ask.

Easton chuckles and shakes his head.

Hayden walks past me, leads us down a long aisle, then points at the shelf. “Here ya go.”

“Thanks,” I say, examining the small selection.

“I know what you’re doing,” Easton says, leaning against one of the shelves.

I trail my finger across the titles. “And?”

“You’re feeding the beast. Pregnancy rumors will spread next.”

“That’s going to happen anyway,” I admit, pulling a few from the shelves. “What other reasons do people have to get married so quickly?”

He dips down, kissing me. “You’re right. But you’re fanning the fire.”

“Let it burn,” I tell him. “I think these should do.”

“Beginner, intermediate, and advanced Kama books. Anything else?” he asks.

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