Page 38 of Tarnished Hands

“I was bored.”

“No Ezra to play with? I heard what happened at the bar.”

“Let me guess. Lucas?”

She nods without apology. “He’s annoying, but at least he tells me things.” She smiles as she returns to the counter and hands me two books. “This is a duet, by the way. The first will end on a cliffhanger, so you’ll need book two immediately.”

“And it’s dark?” I ask.

“Of course. It’s the type of dark you just enjoyed. This author tends to write in duets, with a few standalones, so let me know when you want the next set.”

“Adora.”

“Hmm?” she replies as she rearranges the books on the shelves in some sort of order. To be honest, they appear to be color-coded, but I could be wrong.

“How did you know Joey was the one?”

She stops what she’s doing and turns to me. “Are you asking me because you’re confused?”

“I don’t know him well enough to know if I want more from Ezra, but I miss him when I’m not with him.”

“Well, that’s a start, I guess. However, I would suggest you spend a lot more time with him. Maybe you’ll find you don’t like the way he cooks.”

“He cooks great,” I tell her.

“Okay. Well, maybe you won’t like the way he shoots.” She winks.

“I’d probably say he’s a better shot than I am.”

“Well, maybe you don’t like the way…” She pauses. “Why don’t you just go to him and chat? Without the sex. Do that as a starting point.”

“But I really like the sex part.” Honestly, I sound like one of those spoiled rich girls who can’t get her way right now.

“Girl, don’t we all?” She winks. “It’s hard, though, when the sex is so good.”

“It is,” I whine, hopping up to sit on the counter. “I’ve had great sex before, not gonna lie. But I love the sex we have.”

“I wonder if it’s because you like him.”

“He’s growing on me.”

“Go visit him. And don’t make a move to fuck him.”

“Easier said than done,” I mumble, opening the first page of the new book. I scroll through and smile when I see words that describe a sex scene I’d like to role-play with him one day.

That thought hits me in the chest and almost knocks me over.

The thought of doing anything more with him.

How did it just so easily come into my head?

“Do you want me to come as backup? I’d like to meet him.”

“No, I got this,” I tell her, jumping down from the counter. “Maybe tomorrow. Once I finish these books.” I smile.

She laughs as I walk out of the shop.

Now, I have to work up the courage to go and visit him.

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