Page 1 of The Engagement
Chapter 1 – Mack
Even as I’m making my security rounds through Clancy’s Bookshop, I always know Erin’s exact location. Whether she’s at one of the check-out counters in the front of the store or in the back inventory room, I know exactly where she is. When she’s out on the floor shelving books, I know it. When she’s helping a customer find something or even dealing with an asshole, I know it.
It’s like I have extrasensory perception where she’s concerned.
She’s not just the manager of the bookstore. She’s the love of my life. And that’s why I’m here. It’s why I’ll always be here.
I work hard to keep things low-key in the store. I don’t want her to know I watch her like a hawk because that would make her feel self-conscious, and that’s the last thing I want. She already feels self-conscious enough as it is. Erin’s always been shy, but the attack two years ago obliterated what little confidence she had.
Right now, she’s straightening the shelves in the Mystery section.
I watch as some smarmy fifty-year-old in a business suit strikes up a conversation with her. This jackass is at least twice her age. I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but my gut instinct has the hairs on the back of my neck standing tall.
Maybe this guy’s just asking her to help him find a title. Or maybe he’s asking her to recommend a book.
Or, maybe he’s hitting on her.
My pulse picks up as I move in closer.
Unfortunately, she has guys hitting on her quite often. Honestly, I’m not surprised. She’s so damn appealing. She’spetite, soft-spoken, and gentle, and she has the prettiest smile I’ve ever seen. Her blue eyes contrast dramatically with her pale complexion and chin-length dark hair.
A lot of guys take one look at her and see a young woman they think they can dominate. I see a vulnerable young woman who survived hell and lived to tell the tale. Just looking at her makes my chest tighten.
I watch the interaction between Erin and this guy who’s chatting her up. I don’t like how close he’s standing. Or the way he’s looking at her—like he wants to eat her up.
I study her body language, looking for signs that I need to step in. I try to give Erin as much space as I can. I don’t want to baby her or smother her, but I won’t tolerate some asshole disrupting her peace.
At first, she seems relaxed enough, comfortable and unconcerned. The guy asks her a question, and she smiles and nods.Yes.
He asks her another question. Her smile falters as she shakes her head.No.
When he asks her a third question, her eyes widen and she steps back, emphatically shaking her head.No!
That’s my cue.
I’m already on the move, heading down the aisle I’m currently in to round the corner and head up her aisle. She’s walking away from him, but the guy’s following her, still talking. And she’s still shaking her head. When he reaches out to grab her arm, she pulls away.
Oh, hell no!
Anger burns through me as I catch up to them. It’s all I can do not to punch him in the face right there and knock him out cold. “Erin!”
She stops and turns, and the instant she spots me, she smiles in relief. “Mack!”
I walk right past the guy, intentionally knocking him off balance, to get between them. As I face the asswipe, who’s sputtering in indignation, I glance back at Erin. “Are you okay?”
She steps close and grabs the back of my jacket. “Mack, I’m fine. Just forget him.”
I glare down at the guy, because yeah, I’ve got a good six inches on him. “What the hell is your problem? The lady said no. Now, walk away.”
I’m willing to give this guy a chance to do the right thing. I don’t want to think the worst of every man who looks at Erin. But where she’s concerned, my patience is thin.
He cranes his head up to meet my gaze. “What the hell isyourproblem? I’m speaking toher. Mind your own business.”
“Well, now you’re speaking tome,” I say. Part of me hopes he does something out of line so I can kick him out of the store and ban him from returning. “I’ll be happy to help you—”
“Forget it,” he sneers as he turns and walks away, muttering, “Stupid bitch.”
I’m sure as hell not letting him get away with calling her that. I lunge after him and grab him by the back of his suit jacket collar. “Out now,” I growl as I march him to the doors. He tries to break free, but I have an ironclad grasp on him.
