Page 3 of Gwen's Delta
Yup, Gwen would definitely kill her later.
“If I tell you, I’ll have to kill you,” Merlin answered with a wide grin, flashing his bright-white teeth.
His lighthearted teasing eased some of Gwen’s tension. Maybe Grams would stop the inquisition now.
“Have you been in the Army long?” Grams asked.
Gwen groaned under her breath. So much for stopping the inquisition.
“Grams, I think I hear Gramps calling your name.” She had to do something to get rid of her before she drove the poor man out the door.
“I don’t—”
Gwen cocked an eyebrow.
Grams sighed. “Oh, all right. It was nice meeting you, Merlin. I hope I see you again soon.”
“I’m sure you will, Miss—Becca.”
“I’ll just refill this,” Grams said as she took Gwen’s unfinished lemonade and went through the doorway.
Gwen shook her head with a smile. “I’m sorry about that, Luke, or do you prefer Merlin?”
“Either is fine. Does anyone call you Guinevere or just Gwen?”
“Usually Gwen. My family has a few other nicknames, too, but I’m not sharing those.” She smiled as she saved her work and closed the laptop. The website would have to wait. “Did you come in for something in particular?”
“No, not really. It surprised me to find a rare bookstore so close to Killeen. Usually, I’m lucky to find a bookstore at all.”
“I’m not surprised. We’re a little out of the way, but Lancelot was a pull my grandparents couldn’t resist.”
“I totally understand. I bet they have a wonderful story equal to any of the King Arthur tales.”
“Oh they do, and if Grams has a chance, you’ll hear all about it,” Gwen said with a smile. “Can you really do magic?” The question popped out before she could stop it. Grams must be rubbing off on her.
Luke grinned. “Sorry, no magic. My teammates came up with it. They think I have a weird intuition thing that helps keep us out of danger. At first, they chose Warlock, but I threatened to kick their asses, and they decided on Merlin.”
“I don’t blame you. I wouldn’t want Warlock for a nickname, either. Are you in danger a lot?” Damn. Shewasturning into Grams. “I’m sorry, forget I asked. I don’t want you to have to kill me now.” Gwen could stare at him forever, but it turned her brain into mush and stupid stuff kept coming out of her mouth.
He chuckled; it sent shivers down her spine. “You’re safe and much too beautiful to kill.”
At this rate, it would take hours for Gwen’s cheeks to return to their normal color. “Thank you, but you don’t have to flirt to get a discount,” she said with a smile as she placed her reading glasses on the desk.
His eyes darkened to a molten caramel. “I don’t know who you’ve been dating, but they must be blind.”
If he was as good at everything else as he was at flirting, she might be in trouble. His deep voice raised goose bumps on her arms, and her palms dampened. As she watched his lips, she wondered what it would be like to kiss him.
“Nope. I’m just your average, geeky bookworm.” Gwen shrugged. There was no way a guy like him would be interested in her. But he’d definitely fuel her fantasies for a while.
“I’m sorry if I embarrassed you. I’ve been around the guys too much.”
“Nothing to worry about, it’s just me.”
“You should take her out,” Grams said from the other room.
Oh, my God. What is wrong with that woman?
“I’m so sorry…” Gwen ran her hands through her hair before she could stop herself. It was probably standing up in twelve different directions.Attractive.
