Page 7 of His Sacrifice

“Thanks,” I said, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. “I’ve had a lot of practice. I tend to read a bit of everything since I am surrounded by so many books, but I always seem to end up in the romance section when I can’t find something to read.”

“Clearly,” he said with a grin. “I think I’ll start with ‘Gone Girl’. It sounds like a good choice.”

“Great pick,” I said. “You won’t be able to put it down.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” he said with a playful wink.

As he walked over to the counter to make his purchase, I couldn’t help but watch him. His confidence, the way he carried himself—it was all so captivating. I found myself hoping he would come back, maybe even become a regular. It was rare to meet someone who appreciated books as much as I did, and there was something undeniably charming about him.

After I fumbled my way through ringing up his books, his eyes connected with mine. “Thanks again for the recommendations, Jada. I’ll let you know how I like it.”

“I’d love to hear your thoughts,” I said, trying to sound casual despite the butterflies still fluttering in my stomach. “I’m always here. Can’t drag me away from the books.” I needed to stop talking. I sounded like some book monster that was always hanging around the stacks of books.

He gave me one last smile before heading out the door. “I’ll be seeing you, Jada.”

“You too,” I replied, watching him leave.

You, too? Oh my god. That didn’t even make sense.

But what really didn’t make sense was that it seemed like I would most likely be seeing Creed again.

Even though I had pretty much stammered my way through talking to him, Creed said he would be seeing me.

Well, hot damn.

I had been dreading whoever walked through the door and had been pleasantly surprised by Creed.

Way better than Candace.

Way. Better.

Creed

“What is this?”

I flopped in the chair in front of Apollo’s desk. “Books for Greer.”

Apollo eyed the books. “Does this mean you spent some time at Happily Ever After this afternoon?”

I grunted. “I did. I’m not sure what Murphy is talking about. Jada was more than nice and was not hard on the eyes at all.” She was actually gorgeous. I truly hadn’t known what to expect when I walked into Happily Ever After, but it certainly wasn’t Jada.

She was strikingly beautiful, with raven-black hair swept up into a messy knot on top of her head. Stray tendrils had escaped to frame her face, adding an effortless elegance to her appearance. Her wide, doe-eyed eyes, a deep, mesmerizing brown, were accentuated by long, thick lashes. High cheekbones gave her face a sculpted look, while her skin glowed with a natural radiance.

She was gorgeous, plain and simple.

“I don’t think he ever said anything about her appearance. It was more her feistiness. Does that mean you’re wooing her with or without her knowledge of Leo’s plan?” Apollo grabbed the books and set them on the corner of his desk. Greer had been the only one I could think of who would appreciate the books. I was sure Tatum would like them, too, but it would be better if Jada didn’t find out I had given them away. I hadn’t been lying when I said my life was too busy to take the time to read.

“Uh, well, I’m not sure yet. I’m sort of flying by the seat of my pants. I’m hopeful Leo will change his mind, and I can forget about all this,” I confessed. A small part of me was holding out hope that I wouldn’t have to see Jada again, and this whole idea to lure in Candace went away.

Apollo eyed me knowingly. “You know that isn’t going to happen. I say tell Jada, then you’re both in on the game, and no one gets hurt.”

“I’m not going to hurt her or anyone,” I grunted.

Apollo tipped his head to the side. “I was more talking about you. Something tells me Jada is more than a match for you.”

“You work fast.” Murphy stood in the doorway with his arms crossed over his chest. “Tatum just called me. She just got off the phone with Jada, who told her all about a man called Creed who came into the bookstore today.”

“News travels fast,” Apollo laughed.

---