Page 98 of Loved Out Loud
“No. From what I understand, the people here are pretty low key about celebrities. I have some friends who have done the big fundraiser that they do every summer for the local children’s hospital. None of them have ever been swarmed by people when they’re out to dinner or anything. Plus, it’s truly not a concern for what we’re doing now.”
“I forget you’re famous sometimes.” She rests the side of her head against the leather seat and looks up at me. “You’re so normal and nerdy.”
“That’s actually an incredible compliment. Thank you.”
She presses her lips to mine in a sweet kiss, and it takes everything inside me not to blurt the three little words living rent free in my heart since I realized how I felt. Logically it’s only been weeks since the tour began. But the close quarters are essentially a fast forward button on my feelings.
“We’re almost there. Close your eyes.”
Thirty-One
HAZEL
I do as he asks,closing my eyes as the car comes to a stop. He opens the door and stands before reaching back in and grabbing my hand to guide me out. Once I’m out he closes the door and the car drives off.
“Open your eyes, little Archer.”
I do and am instantly confused. We’re standing in front of Under the Cover, the bookstore hosting the signing tonight.
“In Chicago you mentioned how you would love an hour alone in one of these romance bookstores. So I talked to the owner, and she’s closing the store for you.” He smiles and tugs on my hand, guiding me toward the door.
My heart bursts with gratitude. I stop and pull him back to me, wrapping my arms around his neck and pressing my lips to his. I said that on the tour bus leaving Chicago while I was chatting with Jade. Realizing he not only paid attention but actually heard me and did this is mind blowing.
“This is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me,” I say once the kiss ends. “Thank you.”
“I,” he pauses and presses his forehead against mine. “You’re welcome. Come on, let’s get you some books.”
He leads me into the store, and a large mural of Florence Welch greets us from the back wall. Tables of books fill the space, along with shelves lining the wall to our left. The front display is full of new releases. It’s a feast for the eyes.
A woman with tight, curly hair comes over and introduces herself to us. “Hi, I’m Carley. It’s so nice to meet you both.”
“Hello. I’m Hazel.” I gesture at Stone. “He probably doesn’t need an introduction,” I say with a wry smile.
Stone chuckles and introduces himself. “Why don’t you look around, start picking out what you want while I hammer out details with Carley.”
“Okay.”
He doesn’t have to tell me twice. So many books, so little time. I decide to start at the new release table and work my way back. I pluck a few books I’ve seen on social media out from under their display.
“What’s my limit?” I call out to Stone over my shoulder.
“The limit does not exist.”
I spin to find him leaning against the front desk chatting with the owner and another employee. He winks at me, and I’m putty.
“Did you just quote Mean Girls?”
“Maybe.” His lips lift in a smirk. “Go wild. Let’s make the closure worth it.”
“Challenge accepted.”
Once I’ve scooped up every book I find remotely interesting on the front table, I move to the wall. A few minutes pass as I pull books, looking at the cover and then reading the backs. I love how many indie romances she has stocked.
“I’ll take these,” Stone says as he pulls the stack of books from my arms. “Carley said to just leave what we want on the desk and she’ll check us out after the signing.”
He walks my stack over and sets it down near the register. I turn my attention back to the books. When he rejoins me he scans the spines until he finds one he’s interested in. He pulls it out and opens to the back page.
“What are you doing?”
