Page 26 of When You Blush
Driving down the main street, I see some cute restaurants, a flower shop, and a dress shop. There’s a bakery that I’ll have to try—still haven’t kicked the sugar addiction—and there’s the bookstore.
Extra score? It’s right next to a coffee shop.
“This is my lucky day,” I murmur to myself as I park in front of Billie’s Books, cut the engine of my new-to-me vehicle, and climb out into the fresh spring air.
I love that the trees are budding and the days are getting warmer and longer. I plan to go for a hike tomorrow. I don’t care in the least that it’s still muddy around here.
Pushing through the door of the bookstore, I take a second to absorb it.
This is freaking amazing.
There are inviting chairs by the front windows for anyone who wants to sit and read. There’s even a dog bed beside one, which makes me smile.
The table in the front of the store has stacks of new releases, along with some older titles that I recognize. One of the books has a sign saying it’s this month’s book club read.
Do I want to join the book club?
Maybe.
I bet Ava would do it with me. That would be awesome.
“Welcome in,” a woman calls out, and I glance toward the checkout counter in the back and wave at the gorgeous brunette smiling at me. “Are you looking for anything special?”
“Just looking for right now,” I reply. “And can I just say, I freakingloveyour store? This is amazing.”
“Thank you,” she says as she walks toward me on heels that make me swallow hard. I never mastered the art of walking on stilts.
This woman is truly stunning. Her perfect curves are dressed impeccably in what evenIknow are designer clothes. Her dark hair has that beachy wave look, and her makeup is perfect.
I would like to be her when I grow up.
“I’m Billie,” she says, holding out her hand to shake. “Billie Gallagher.”
“Ah, so you’re the owner. Unless another Billie is hiding around here.”
“That’s me,” she replies with a chuckle. “I’m so happy you found us.”
“Me, too. I just started working at the hospital a couple of weeks ago, and I finally have time to wander around downtown.”
“Oh, where did you move here from?”
“I’m originally from Silver Springs.” She smiles at that. “But I lived away for about ten years. A lot has changed.”
“You’re not kidding. Well, if you decide that you need something specific, just ask. I’m around, and Emily is, too. She’s stocking shelves on the other side of the store.”
“Over here,” Emily calls out, waving a hand, making me chuckle.
“Got it. I do have a question about book club.”
“Oh my God, join our Spicy Girls Book Club,” Billie says, getting excited. “Our next meeting isn’t until next Friday, so you have time to read it. This month isSteelby Eva Simmons. It’s adeliciousmotorcycle club romance that will make you sweat. Trust me. So good.”
“I do enjoy a motorcycle club romance,” I reply with a grin. “I’ll buy two copies and make my bestie join with me. It won’t be hard. This is totally her vibe.”
“Yes,” Billie says, just as the bell over the door dings, and a stunning redhead walks in with an enormous black dog at her side. “Skyla, this is our newest book club member. I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”
“Harper,” I say.
“Well, it’s nice to meet you. This is my sidekick, Riley.” Skyla shakes my hand, and I immediately fall in love with her voice. It sounds like music. “You’ll love the book club. We have sweet treats from the Sugar Studio and talk about all the spice.”
