Page 17 of How to Love a Rockstar

“Have a lovely evening,” I say goodbye to the patron before ushering her out of the library and locking the door.

It’s the first time Gratitude has allowed me to close up without her watching over my shoulder and criticizing every single thing I did. Progress! Finally! Considering she’s supposed to retire in a month, it’s also about dang time.

I switch off the lights before throwing my arms out and twirling around in circles in front of the circulation desk. “Yes! Yes! Yes!”

My dreams are finally coming true. My own apartment with no annoying family or roommates? Check! A job as the head librarian? Check! A hot guy to call my own?

I come to a screeching halt. Where did that thought come from? I don’t need a hot guy. I don’t need a guy at all, but if I did need a guy he wouldn’t be hot. Average height and average looks is the way to go. No need to worry he’s out banging all of his fans.

I slap my forehead.Enough! Enough, Virginia!I need to stop obsessing over Dylan. It’s ridiculous.

I hurry through the closing checklist and make my way out of the rear exit of the library. My stomach rumbles as I passMoon’s Diner,but I don’t stop. I can’t be eating out every day if I want to save money to buy a house.

The idea of owning my very own house has my hunger disappearing and my stomach tingling with excitement. According to my plan, I should be able to save enough for a down payment by the time I’m thirty-two.

I slow and scan the area when I reach my apartment building. It’s been a good day. I don’t want a run-in with the sexy rocker to ruin it.

When I don’t notice Dylan or any of his bandmates, I unlock the door and climb the stairs to the second floor. I peer around the corner before entering the hallway. Phew. The hallway’s empty. I rush from the stairwell to my door.

“There you are!”

Dang it. I wasn’t quick enough. Maybe I should take up jogging in my spare time. A bit of interval training to prepare me for short bursts down the hallway.

I force a smile on my face and greet Sage, “Good evening.”

“We brought you dinner.” Petal lifts the plate she’s holding and I sniff. Pizza. I love pizza. My mouth waters at the scent of mozzarella cheese and pepperoni.

“But you have to promise to return the plate when you’re finished,” Sage says.

“Of course!” I can’t help but wonder if they’re up to something. No one brings a pizza by without an ulterior motive. Or is this small town living?

I choose to believe this is the gossip gals being neighborly. I will not read into everything everyone says and does. I’m done with the portion of my life where I constantly worry about ulterior motives. I have been for a decade.

I clear my throat. “Do you want to join me?”

“I need to get back to the police station,” Sage says.

My eyes widen. “The police station?”

“I’m the police dispatcher.” Thank goodness.

“And I have a book calling my name,” Petal says.

They wave as they walk toward the stairwell.

I juggle the plate as I open the door. Could this day get any better?

I drop my purse on the floor before placing the pizza on the coffee table. I’m grabbing napkins and a plate when there’s a knock on the door.

I peer through the peephole and scowl. What is Dylan doing here?

“I know you’re in there.”

I sigh before opening the door. “What do you want?”

He grins and my knees go all wobbly. It’s not enough he has those brilliant blue eyes? He has to have an adorable dimple, too? A dimple I want to taste with my tongue while exploring the smooth skin of his face with my fingers. I fist my hands before they decide to disobey me and reach for him.

“The gossip gals stopped by. They made a pizza for us.”

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