Page 74 of Maximum Dare
The price of the Harry Potter novel was more within my range. I’d read that second editions could also be collector’s items if they were in mint condition.
While paying for it, I shared with the shopkeeper how much I loved this place and how I’d always been able to find that one book I didn’t know I needed.
“Keep the noise down,” came a gruff male voice from the back of the store.
Then Annoying Bookcase Manstepped out into the aisle.
He was tall and shockingly handsome. He had the kind of face that made me stare because he looked exactly like…Max.
I forgot how to breathe.
Max was dressed casually in ripped jeans and a jumper, and he looked especially sexy in his leather jacket. He was also wearing a panty-melting smile.
My body responded to him like we were back in my bedroom, like his kisses were again running along my skin, his touch firm and masterful, causing time to stand still.
He rose to his full height. “Bookshops are like libraries, young lady,” he chastised, pointing to the “Please Be Quiet—People are Reading”sign above the counter.
I loudly crinkled the paper bag I was holding.
He looked amused and held out his hand. “Max.”
What?
“I’m Max,” he repeated as though I didn’t know.
“Daisy…?” I made it sound like a question.
This was weird. Like green cupcakes weird. Like, you don’t mind eating them because they’re delicious, but all the while you’re thinkingwhat the fuck.
I could be odd myself but right now Max had literally lost it.
“What did you get?” He nodded toward the bag in my hands.
“Harry Potter. It’s for my aunt’s birthday.” I’d already told him my plans this morning.
Right, which was how he knew I’d be here.
My insides did a flip as he leaned forward to say something.
He whispered, “This is where you tell me to fuck off.”
“Why?”
“I’m clearly flirting with you.” He winked.
I glanced over at the man behind the till who was watching us.
I snapped my gaze back to Max as it dawned on me what this was all about. “What’s a nice guy like you doing in a place like this?”
Max’s eyelid twitched. “That doesn’t work, Daisy.” Then he stunned me into silence with a devilish smile. “Try again.”
My hand pressed to my chest. “I didn’t think that you…”
“Want to help me pick out a book?” he asked. “I’m buying a gift for my secretary back in São Paulo. She’s sixty. She’s like a mother to me and I always bring her back something special. You seem to have great taste.”
It was like we were meeting for the first time. And to prove it, his eyes lit up with happiness and amusement, as though hinting he wanted this to be a new beginning.
A moment to cherish just for us.
