Page 10 of The Rejected Wife

In response, he keys in a number and presses call. A second later, I hear a buzzing sound. He pulls his phone from his pocket, sliding mine across the table toward me. “Now you have my picture, my nameandmy number. Make sure you tell a trusted friend that you’re spending the rest of the evening with me.”

6

Tyler

“And I thought you were going to drag me off to your lair right away.” She takes in the wall-to-wall books and sighs. “I’ve come to this borough so many times but had no idea this bookstore was hidden in the alleyway.”

“You like it?” I take in her sparkling eyes, the way she almost bounces on the balls of her feet with excitement, and I feel like I’m rediscovering the joy of living all over again.

“I love it!” She clasps her hands together. “How did you find this place?”

We’re at The Sp!cy Booktok, a bookshop run by a friend’s wife. I had my car delivered to the coffee shop so that I could drive her over here.We’re past rush hour, and even if we were stuck in traffic, I couldn’t think of anyone else I’d rather spend that time with.

"I know the owner. She was more than happy to arrange for us to browse."I messaged Gio on the way over, and she was excited to have us.

Priscilla takes in the cozy atmosphere, illuminated by soft lighting that spills from vintage-style lamps, the whimsical decorations, like strings of fairy lights that twinkle softly, and elegant paper lanterns that add a fanciful touch. Large, leafy plants are placed strategically in corners or by windows, their greenery adding life to the space. A velvet armchair with a faded yet comfortable look is pushed up against a wall between the shelves.

Colorful rugs line the floor, offering spots to sit and read. Cozy nooks with comfortable chairs and pillows beckon readers to lose themselves in a good book.

"It’s a beautiful space. Thank you for bringing me here." She looks at me from under her eyelashes. “So, is this like…a date?”

I quirk my lips. “It’s been a date since I sat next to you on the tube.”

A pleased smile curves her lips, then she tips up her chin. “You mean, I’m a replacement for whoever you blew off this evening?”

I chuckle inwardly. She’s testing me. She’s not accepting me at face value—which only makes me want her even more. I love that she challenges me, keeps me on my feet. She’s demanding, but once she gives in tomydemands… She’ll know the kind of ecstasy only I can bring her.

“I already told you—” I bend my knees and peer into her eyes. “You are one of a kind. And I want to spend this evening and tonight getting to know everything about you. If you’ll let me…”

That spark in her gaze turns radiant—like she’s holding the entire star-filled night sky in her eyes.

“Aww,” she sighs. “You know exactly how to sweeten me up. Though you don’t have to, you know that, right?” She bats her eyelids. “I did already agree to sleep with you.”

“And I already told you that I want to do more than sleep with you.” I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.

Her cheeks turn pink. Her lips curve. She’s pleased with my answer. And I’m pleased that she’s pleased. Damn. I’m a goner. It’s a slippery slope since I met her. I’m falling head over heels for her and it’s a bit like being on a roller coaster. I’m afraid I’m not in control of my emotions any longer.

She clears her throat and glances over the bookshelves. Her forehead creases. "Wait, how did you guess I loved books?" She shoots me a sideways glance. "And where is everyone else?"

"On the first, I saw the paperback in your handbag," I confess.

Her eyebrows shoot up. "Observant, aren’t you?"

"When it comes to you, there’s little I haven’t noticed," I murmur.

She blinks slowly. "Should I be impressed by that, or worried?"

Definitely worried.Aloud, I say, "Neither."

She chews on her lips, and I itch to reach out and replace her teeth with mine, but I resist. Instead, I lean in closer, until I’m able to brush my nose up her cheek. "As for the second, I specifically asked the owner of the shop to shut down the place so you could browse until your heart's content without being disturbed."

"First the coffee shop. And now you asked them to shut down the bookstore, for me?” She takes a step back so she’s able to look into my eyes.

"Only for you," I confirm. It was a stroke of luck that I spotted the paperback when it slipped out of her purse. She likes to read. And I’d love to watch her read. It’s why I brought her here. Without breaking the connection between us, I bend and grab one of the baskets by a shelf. "I’m sure you can’t wait to shop."

"You’re going to hold my basket while I buy books?" Her voice emerges squeaky.

"Would you rather I not?"

---