Page 6 of Cat Sloan is Swirling

Cat furrowed her brow. “You’re not that much older than me.”

Elena nodded. “Oh, yes I am.” She stared at Cat again then said, “I’m forty-seven and I’m guessing that’s at least ten to fifteen years older than you.”

“Does it matter?”

Elena chuckled. “Not one bit. I don’t even know why I’m telling you this.”

Cat grinned. “I’m thirty-seven, so I’d say your guess was pretty accurate.”

Elena leaned in. “Can I ask you something?” she said quietly.

“Of course.”

“Those two women walked rather stealthily to the back of your store then disappeared. I couldn’t help but overhear them as they asked about The Bottom Shelf.”

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Cat nodded and smiled. “The redhead is my sister, CeCe. She owns the beauty salon next door. That was her favorite client, also known as her crush.”

Elena gasped and giggled.

Cat couldn’t believe she’d shared that, but there was something about Elena that made her feel safe. “I’m sorry. I really shouldn’t have said that. CeCe would kill me, but it’s true.”

“I could tell from over here that they are both quite smitten,” Elena said.

“I know!” Cat laughed. “My oldest sister, Cory, owns the liquor store at the end of the shopping center. It was her idea to build these openings between all three stores.”

“I planned to go there and look at their wine selection.” Elena paused, then asked, “Is The Bottom Shelf a secret?”

“I wouldn’t say that. It’s more discreet than secretive.”

A slow smile crept onto Elena’s face. “I’m the definition of discretion, my new friend.”

Cat chuckled. Yep, she and Elena Burkett were going to be friends. ”It’s a secluded room full of…” Cat leaned in closer. “Sex toys,” she said quietly.

Elena nodded and Cat didn’t see the surprise on her face that she’d expected.

“I love it,” Elena said softly.

“Yeah?”

“Do you think I could go back there sometime?”

“Of course.”

“Okay, but not today, since your sister and her friend are back there. I want these two books today.” Elena handed the books to Cat.

“Good choices,” Cat said, looking at the titles.

“I’ll put these back and meet you at the register.”

“I’ll do that for you. Follow me,” Cat said, walking towards the register.

Cat was ringing up Elena’s purchases when she noticed Cory coming into the bookstore.

“Hey, Cory,” Cat said.

“Hi,” Cory said, smiling at them both.

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