Page 24 of Hoax and Kisses
“That’s our Matt,” she says.
That little affirmation pulls on an invisible thread, tugging at my curiosity. What does she mean by that? What kind of guy is he? All I know is he likes sarcasm and is very good with his hands.
Sigh. I’ll never forget that, will I?
“Rosie told me you had amazing recommendations,” I say, determinednotto think about him. “So I thought I’d stop by.”
Lola’s face lights up like I just mentioned I’m giving her ten puppies. “Of course she did. Because I sneak her books when she sends people my way. Are you into romance at all?”
“Can’t say I’ve read a lot in the past several years. Unless it’s related to work.” I grimace. “Don’t really have time.”
“Well, now that you’re in Pine Falls, you can unwind a bit.” She rounds the table nearby and motions for me to follow her.
The first time I came in, drenched, freezing, and tired, I didn’t pay attention to anything but Matt and her. Now? Damn, the place is cozy. The store isn’t big, but it’s warm and welcoming, with fluffy pink couches scattered throughout thesage-colored space. A few readers are tucked into their own little worlds in the comfy armchairs, while others browse the shelves in search of their perfect find, their soft murmurs blending with the rustle of pages.
Lola stops in front of a collection of colorful spines. “What’s your spice level?”
I open my mouth, but quickly snap it shut. Finally, I say, “My what?”
“Spice level. I’m sorry, you might not be familiar with that term. Are you comfortable reading sex scenes?”
“Oh.” Cue the warming cheeks again. “Um… I’ve never thought about that before, but I guess, yes.”
Lola’s lips curve upward. “I’ve got just the thing to get you started,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper, while she rummages through the shelves. “There.” She pulls out a thick book with a half-naked man on the cover.
I blink at it, then gape at her. “You want me to readthis?”
She pats my shoulder, her expression sparkling with mischief. “You’ll thank me later. This one’s got the perfect balance of steam and plot. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and…” She leans in and cups a hand to her mouth. “You’lldefinitelyneed a fan and charged batteries.”
Winking, she presses the book into my hands.
“Let me know what you think when you’re done.” She’s already striding to the counter. “Or when you want to talk about the scene in chapter fourteen.”
I stare after her, the book hanging from my hand.
And then I laugh.
The genuine sound catches me off guard. It’s been a while since I’ve felt the serotonin boost that comes with it. “I’ll keep you updated.”
Did Rosie really send me here for a book rec, or could she have magically known that Lola would be exactly what I needed today?
“Any other plans for this afternoon?” Lola asks, settling behind the counter.
I drop the book on it and dig my wallet out of my purse.
Just as I slide my card out, she lays her palm gently over mine.
“Don’t worry about it. It’s on me.”
I frown, still holding the card. “Are you sure? I can pay.”
Smiling, she waves it off. “I know you can. It’s not about that. Consider it a welcome-to-town gift and your official introduction to smut.”
Bewildered by her generosity, I tuck my wallet back into my purse. Guilt stirs in my chest, and I rub the spot where it settles, easing the discomfort. Bonding with the locals has been surprisingly effortless. Once they learn the real reason I’m here, I doubt they’ll still think the same of me.
“Thank you,” I say, pushing the feeling away. “I’m strolling around town today, following the list Rosie made for me. I can’t believe how nice everyone has been so far. Well, minus when I first arrived.”
Although Matt definitely made up for it.
