Page 44 of Must Love Libraries and Libations
I’d spent centuries protecting precious things, but when she offered me something truly irreplaceable, I’d turned her away.
The worst part was, I knew exactly why I’d done it. I was terrified that in the light of day, she would see the truth. I was an old, outdated thing. She was full of life and joy. But as I sat there in the dark, breathing in the lingering scent of her presence, I began to wonder if my fear was really protecting either of us, or if it was just another way of hiding from the world.
From the tree, one of the bookwyrms clicked once more, reminding me again of their missing dinner.
A moment later, Merlin appeared at my side. He trilled apologetically at me.
“It’s not your fault the spell got away,” I said, giving him a pat. “And the enchantment is now spent. I should be able to finish the codex today. No harm done, except a little wine headache.” And the harm I’d just done to Primrose’s heart.
In the span of a heartbeat, I had taken the best thing that had ever happened to me and messed it up.
The bookwyrms clicked once more.
My movements automatic, I rose and set about my tasks in the darkness of the library.
For the first time in my life, I had truly felt alive, felt joy. Primrose was walking sunshine. She was everything I needed. And I had turned her away. Oh, gods, I had turned her away.
What have I done?
CHAPTER 15
PRIMROSE
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
My feet carried me through the empty streets of Moonshine Hollow as the first hint of dawn painted the sky soft pink. Most of the village was still asleep, which was a blessing since I probably looked exactly like what I was, a woman doing the walk of shame after spending the night with a man who’d just crushed her heart.
Why did I ever think that was a good idea?
Because you’re falling for him.
Because you can see under that stony exterior.
Because the growly creature who just told you it was all a mistake is not who he really is.
That’s his fear talking.
But how can you talk a person out of their fear when they’re committed to it?
The warm glow spilling from The Sconery’s windows drew me in with the promise of comfort and a shoulder to cry on. I knew Rosalyn wasn’t there. She was off on her own romantic adventure, but I could see Zarina through the glass, her dark curls escaping from their bun as she kneaded dough with more force than strictly necessary. I wasn’t ready to face my mother yet. The sight of my friend made something tight in my chest finally loosen.
I pushed through the door, the little bell chiming softly. All at once, I was overcome by the smell of spice cupcakes.
“We don’t open for another—” Zarina started, then looked up. When she saw my face, she froze. “Oh, no. Prim, what happened?” she asked, coming around the corner to embrace me.
“I—” I started, then stopped, pressing my lips together as my throat went tight.
I will not cry.
I will not.
But despite my brave face, tears rolled down my cheeks.
“Sit,” she commanded, gesturing to the corner table. “And don’t you dare try to pretend you’re fine.”
I slumped into the chair, finally allowing my shoulders to sag. “I made a terrible mistake.”
“With the gargoyle?” Zarina asked, not even pausing in her kneading.
