Page 25 of When Forever Stays

“Why can’t I remember?” I mumble to myself.

I swallow the lump of irritation in my throat and focus instead on opening the brand-new Bible and reading the beginning of Genesis. Maybe it will trigger a memory or at least confirm that I’m on the right track with God.

I read through a chapter, but the bell over the door keeps chiming and the chatter of people grows louder, and I can no longer concentrate. When my gaze travels over to Dana, she’s working through the long line of customers like a pro. Her focus doesn’t waver from her work, and I have to fight against the urge to go over to her. This is her job, and she doesn’t need to be distracted.

At least not yet. Not until all these people are served. She’s too irresistible to keep away from. I smile to myself before flipping my Bible’s pages to the New Testament.

TEN

DANA

“White mocha frap for Natalia!” I say to the group of customers waiting on their orders.

“I’m Natalia,” one of our regular customers says, barely loud enough for me to hear. Her brown hair hangs over her shoulders in soft waves.

“Thank you,” she says as I hand her the cup.

“Here’s a fifty-percent off coupon for the whole store.” I hand her two slips of paper.

Her brow furrows. “What’s this for?”

“Being a valued customer.”

She smiles, and it lights up her green eyes. “Thank you so much!”

I wish her a good rest of her day, knowing that I’ve finally obeyed the urge to invite her to church by slipping a flyer behind the coupon.It finally feels like a step in the right direction.

As Natalia leaves, another surge of customers pours through the doors. I jump back in to help my boss, Lindsay.

The next hour rushes by before the store quiets and I can take a breath.

“How’s it going with Mr. Loverboy?” Lindsay asks, motioning with her head toward Rhett. He’s been sitting at the table between the bookstore and café reading the Bible I bought for him.

I release a groan. “Not you too.”

“Always me.” She wiggles her eyebrows. “Is that a Bible he’s reading?”

I wipe down the already clean counter. “Yeah.”

“He’s a Christian?”

“He is. It’s one of the few things he remembers.”

“That’s…” She trails off, tilting her head. “Sweet.”

As if Rhett can sense my eyes on him, he looks up and sends me a devastating smile.

“That man is gorgeous.” Lindsay gives a low whistle.

He doesn’t break eye contact or look ashamed that he was caught staring. Instead, his smile broadens, and he stands and practically struts toward me.

“Can I get you something to drink?” I ask when he approaches.

He puts both hands on the counter and leans forward as his eyes rake me up and down.

His voice is husky. “I don’t think what I want is on the menu.”

My heart stutters at that. The flirty Rhett is out full force, and I don’t think my heart can defend itself against his charms. I firm my resolve. Two can play this game.

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