Page 44 of The Overdue Kiss

“Remember, saving you is my new favorite hobby.”

The undercurrent returns, charging the space between us and leaving me breathless.

“Thank you, Des.”

His hand twitches like he wants to reach out, but he stuffs it into his jacket pocket. “Text me when you want me to come pick you up.”

“Oh, I have a present I need to bring with me. It might not fit on the bike.”

“As long as it’s not too big, I can put it in my backpack. You’ll have to wear it, though.”

“So, your backpack now has a backpack.”

The corner of his mouth lifts. “I see what you did there, but think I like that you’ve accepted you’re my backpack.”

Wow. I guess I have.

He chuckles at me and reaches up to tug lightly on one of my curls. “Text me.”

“I will.”

Julia grins over his shoulder at me, knowing everything went according to her evil plan.

For once, I’m okay with a little meddling.

Chapter Eleven

Reese comes through as promised, and I nearly weep at the sight of my bus in the school’s parking lot this morning when Julia drops me off.

For all the grief I gave Rafe about my bus breaking down, he really did an amazing job flipping this school bus into a one-of-a-kind bookmobile. All the seats were removed and replaced with shaggy green carpet, mimicking grass. Fake flowers sprout from the base of the bookshelves that line the walls. Rope lights, thankfully battery powered, are attached to the ceiling, hidden behind the fake leaves to continue the illusion of my enchanted forest library.

When the first bell rings, I eagerly set out the books I plan on reading today and fluff up the mushroom-shaped beanbag chairs in the middle of the room before the first wave of students boards my bus.

The elementary students enter with wide eyes, running to different stations I set up for them to enjoy. Some pick up books and others grab a clipboard coloring sheet. After free time, I read them a silly book just before their teacher escorts them back to their classroom amid a chorus of moans and groans.

I’m updating my reading journal when the middle school classes climb aboard, still straddling that line of childlike wonder and acting too cool to care. I let them know about the physical and digital library they can access and walk them all through how to sign up for their own library cards.

Throughout the day, I sneak a few glances out the window in an attempt to spot Des passing by. But it seems math teachers have little need to visit the library. In fact, none of the high schoolers stop by, and I plan to pop in the homeroom classes next week and encourage them to visit the Rocosa branch for a tour and to sign up for library cards.

By the end of the school day, thirty-six application forms are sent home for parents’ approval, which is the glimmer of hope I need and proof there is a need in this community for a library.

I scarcely have time to blink before the weekend arrives. With my mornings in the bookmobile and my afternoons spent at the library with Mr. Sherman, Des, and Reese, the days blurred by.

“How long are you going to guard the door?” Julia asks, gathering her purse and a bag of craft supplies. “I need to head out.”

“I’m just waiting for Des to show up.”

She raises a brow. “You’ve been pacing for almost an hour. It’s still fifteen minutes from when you asked him—‍” The roar of the motorcycle cuts her off, and she rolls her eyes. “Okay. You guys are made for each other.”

“I mean, who doesn’t appreciate a punctual date?” I gasp, realizing my slip. “Not a date, but a hangout. Yes... two friends in the same location at the same time in a non-romantic way.”

“Riiight. Whatever you want to call it. Go have fun and be prepared to spill all the details later.” Julia winks as she heads out.

I debate following her but don’t want to appear too eager. How long would it take a normal person who isn’t waiting by the door to walk outside? Three minutes? Five?

A text comes through and saves me from overthinking.

Hot Biker

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