Page 12 of Love Under Review

She flashed him a half-smile. “You work at the paper too?”

Liam laughed and grinned. “I was hired on about fifteen seconds ago. I’m just supposed to cover the phone while Clyde is in back looking for something. What are you here for?” He turned his head to give her a look out of the corner of his eye.

She lifted her head, scanning the office windows behind Liam. “I just had something to ask Clyde. He’s here, right?”

He could hear her foot tapping and wasn’t sure what to say, when Clyde came out front, a stack of papers in his hands.

Clyde looked up a moment and smiled when he saw Danielle. “Our own famous reporter, coming back to her old haunt. What can I do for you, Dani?”

Liam noticed how her chin raised and a wide smile crossed her face, lighting up her eyes. She seemed to be pretending Liam wasn’t there, and he laughed inwardly. The girl had spunk.

“I’ll be in town for several weeks, maybe longer, and I was wondering if I can help out in any way. Write an editorial here and there. Maybe cover some of the events. I’ll go crazy just hanging out at my mother’s house.”

Turning to look at Clyde’s face, Liam knew the answer, and he wished he’d brought popcorn because sparks were going to fly.

“Sam took over the headlines when you left. I’m sorry, Dani.” He looked down at the papers in his hand and then up at her again. He moved his gaze from Liam to Danielle several times. “I’ve just had a thought about something, though. What would you think about an op-ed piece?”

Danielle and Liam both pointed to themselves and said, “Me?” at the same time. Liam chuckled when he saw daggers flying in his direction from Danielle.

“You own a bookstore, and suddenly you’re a writer?” Her voice was clipped, and her cheeks turned a deep shade of red. She must not be used to sharing a story.

Liam thought of the difference of the Danielle he’d bumped into on the street when taking Cari to the park. Was this version of her threatened by him?

Standing, Liam towered over her even from behind the desk. “I happen to be a good writer. I was on the newspaper in college and have written a few articles for other publications since.”

Danielle scoffed. “Just because you survived a college paper doesn’t mean you’re up for journalism.”

He couldn’t help chuckling at her irritation. “It’s a small town. As long as it makes Velda happy, I think I’ll be okay. I don’t think I’ll survive long if she withholds her Oreo shakes from me.”

Danielle’s shoulders relaxed, and a small smile formed. “You’re right about that. Keep Velda happy, and life can be a lot easier around here.” Her tone signaled there was at least one story that fit into that category for her.

Clyde raised his hands in between the two of them. “Okay, children. Do I need to send you to time out?” The half-smile he gave them and the look of disdain from Danielle was enough for one night. Liam needed to keep his mouth shut or he really was going to be on her don’t-speak-to list.

“What I’m proposing will be interesting, seeing the sparks fly between you two. But I think the town would love something witty and raw, which is where you come in. I’m thinking a ‘His & Hers’ column.”

Liam wrinkled his nose. “A what?”

Danielle only shook her head, not acknowledging Liam’s question. “No, let me do it. I’ve got plenty of ideas for editorials. Subscriptions will go through the roof.”

Liam noticed the negotiating tone to her voice and laughed, drawing her ire.

Clyde shook his head. “No. I want it to be both of you. You’ll get together and come up with a topic, writing the guy’s and girl’s point of view on it. We’ll need to make sure it’s nothing too crazy. We are a family-friendly newspaper, you know.”

Sticking his hand out to Clyde, Liam said, “I’m in. Sounds like a great challenge.”

They shook hands, and Liam turned to Danielle. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll learn a thing or two from our resident expert.”

Danielle closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. When she opened them, he noticed they seemed almost teal, and it caused him to look closer.

“Fine. I’ll do it. When do you want it?”

“I’ll give you a week on this first one. Send me your finalized pieces by next Thursday, and I’ll run them in the weekend edition.”

Danielle nodded and turned on her heel, walking out the door.

Liam thanked Clyde and then jogged a bit to catch up with her. “I hope I didn’t steal your thunder in there.” Although, he’d liked the pointed jabs she’d thrown at him.

She turned and glared at him. “Really? Because it looked like you were enjoying every minute.”

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