Page 8 of Guarding Her Heart

Snorting, I smile. “Yeah, guess so. Thank you again.”

“No problem. Just…try to stay out of trouble.” His big, bulky body ducks out the door like his ass is on fire.

My face flames and I turn away, trying to get myself under control. He’s had twice now to talk to me more and he doesn’t want to. Although I find his gentle demeanor fascinating, I know when I’m not wanted.

This guy clearly doesn’t even want to talk to me. I get the hint.

I’ll just stay away from him from now on. That should be easy, right?

CHAPTER5

FRANKLIN

Takinga deep breath when I duck inside my door at the bookstore, I try to get my racing heart under control. I can’t believe that I made it out of there without kissing Cassidy. I wanted to. Lord, did I want to. She looked so fragile and pretty. Sweet and yet spicy.

I heard what she was saying to the ex. She was backing away from him physically but she sure wasn’t keeping quiet. I smile when I picture her running off at the mouth. She’s got a little sass, a little spice that their relationship didn’t manage to knock out of her.

It worries me too, though. That guy’s a hothead and she’s not thinking about de-escalating a situation. She’s just making her feelings known. Which is alright. Unless it pisses him off so much that he goes after her then it’s not so good.

And he didn’t seem like he’s taking rejection well.

I settle behind my counter with a deep sigh. Images of Becky the last time I talked to her and then the last time I saw her assault me. My heart races out of control and I can’t push away the feelings. There’s something about Cassidy that reminds me of Becky without even trying.

They don’t look the same. Becky was taller and slimmer, a little more quiet.

Cassidy is shorter, more rounded and soft. Yet, she’s also so dang tough in some ways. Maybe even tougher than Becky.

And the final difference. Cassidy got out. Becky didn’t make it.

That difference makes my heart ache.

I pull myself together when Rally wanders into the store. “Hi, Franklin! I’m looking for that weather book I was talking to you about. You said it was supposed to come in this week?”

Smiling, I pull a book out from behind the counter, holding it aloft. “I figured you were going to be in soon so I saved you a copy.”

She practically leaps across the floor, her hands closing on the book. “Thank you, thank you! I was so worried that I wouldn’t get to it in time before it was sold out.”

I smile, pretty sure that the book isn’t going to sell out here. Too much science for most people. But I’ll happily hold a copy of any book anyone wants.

She hands over her card and I swipe it, handing over the bag with the book and giving her a controlled smile. She pauses. “Are you okay, Franklin? You look a little tense.”

“I am okay. Just a little tired today.”

“Make sure and get some rest then. You know that once that screenwriter shows up in town, things will be even crazier. From what I understand, she likes to do a lot of research so you better make sure that your local section is stocked!” I laugh and wave at her but as soon as she’s gone, my smile freezes on my face, collapsing.

I’m not sure I want that screenwriter here and I sure don’t want to be in whatever she’s working on. I don’t want screen time and I don’t want to have to deal with any of it.

But I’m going to have to. And I know that I’m going to be hard-put to stay out of the spotlight since she will be coming here. There’s even a meeting with her and Rebel and her husband about the treasure hunt and his ancestor’s records of the past.

It should be fascinating. I’ve heard about the mayor and her nemesis working things out and becoming a couple.

In some ways it makes me hopeful that one day I’ll find the one for me. In other ways, it scares the shit out of me that I might find the one for me and actually be happy again. I’m just not sure that I’m ready for it.

My mind skips back to Cassidy’s bright hair and sweet smile, along with the snappy attitude which lights up my insides like nothing else I’ve ever seen or felt.

Pushing that thought aside, I start to put away the rest of my order and then sit down to make next week’s order. Everything is quiet this time of the afternoon and early evening and I live for this time of the day. I lock the door at close and then finish up my order to send in to the company that I get most of my books from.

Then I walk outside into the alley behind my shop and find Cassidy outside, her eyes on her car, wide and angry.

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