Page 29 of The Overdue Kiss

I chuckle at Chantelle’s hopeful question.Book.My mind changes topics in a finger snap. I forgot Chantelle writes bestsellers under the name Evie Chandler. If readers are obsessed with her books... perhaps a certain librarian would be too.

“Hey, do you have any new book releases?”

“Um, nothing official. I have early release copies of book three in my series. Does Reese want a copy?”

I debate how honest I want to be. If I bring up Maya, that will only start the questions again, and I’m not sure I’m ready to talk about a relationship that even I don’t understand.

“Um . . .”

Holt shoots me a glance, knowing I’m in a tough spot.

“Hey, hey!” Thor says, pointing at us in his mirror. “None of that silent talk you guys do. You have to share it with the rest of the class.”

Clover pops the back of his helmet. “Maybe if you were nicer, he would.”

“I’m nothing but nice, love,” he purrs.

“Gross.” Chris speeds up like he could leave us behind.

“I’m with you.” Chantelle agrees, matching his speed.

“You want to race, boss?” Thor revs his engine and takes off after them, despite Clover squealing at their quick acceleration.

I, on the other hand, downshift in the hopes of taking a side road back to Rocosa. My mind is still stuck on a certain brunette with wavy curls.

“Are you sure we’re good?” Cai asks.

“Of course. I haven’t thought about Farrah since the date. I just have a lot on my mind. You know the first week of school is exhausting.”

“I bet. Are we still on for Madden later? I want to beat you with a clear conscience.”

Talullah tilts her helmet back and groans.

“You have yet to beat me. Even Talullah plays better than you.”

“Dang straight I do,” she says. “I’ve been practicing. It helps improve my muscle strength.”

“All right, in three hours it’s game on, Des. I won’t go easy on you.”

“No crying when you lose again,” I joke.

They both wave before he hits the throttle and zooms around the curve of the mountain. Static sounds in my ears as our connection ends.

“Keeping secrets, Des?” Holt asks, tsk-tsking playfully. “Didn’t expect that from you. Tell Maya I said hi.” Chuckling, he takes off to catch up with the others.

I turn down a back road and head to the library, grinning like an idiot.

Is it so wrong that I want to keep her to myself for a little bit?

Chapter Eight

It’s a short stroll down Main Street to the Rocosa Library. Quaint little shops catch my eye as I pass, beckoning me in with their cutesy window displays. It’s not long before my willpower disintegrates, and I dip inside one to purchase a porcelain floral vase for Mami’s birthday.

As soon as I exit, I’m cornered by a small group of little old ladies in matching pink jogging suits. Their names are embroidered on their front shirt pockets. The mixture of all their flowery perfumes overpowers anything else, my eyes watering from the intensity.

Not that I’m usually frightened of the elderly, but something about being outnumbered and caged in has my heart rate spiking. Is this the neighborhood watch Julia warned me about?

“Good afternoon,” I say politely, trying to edge past them.

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