Page 49 of Forbidden King (Magnolia Falls)

“Wait. Is this your defense? He’s six years old,” Nash hissed.

Kingston shrugged. “Today, he’s six years old. I was six years old… yesterday. I wish someone had told me about these books a long time ago. I’ve been reading every night now, and let me tell you, I am learning a whole lot about what women want.” He winked at me.

“You hate reading,” River said, shaking his head and laughing.

“Not anymore. I’ve been reading theLandmark Mountainseries by Willow Aster, and these dudes have game. You guys could learn a thing or two from the Landmark brothers.”

“You’re reading a romance series? Who are you, and what have you done with Kingston Pierce?” Hayes said after he set down the cases of water next to the cooler I’d filled with ice.

“Don’t knock it till you try it.” Kingston’s gaze locked with mine. “You boys have a whole lot to learn.”

“I’m sure all the women in Magnolia Falls will be very pleased that you’ve found a love for romance books.” Hayes shook his head and laughed as he continued placing the water bottles into the cooler.

“I’m all about pleasing the ladies,” Kingston said, his gaze never leaving mine.

Ruby cleared her throat, and I quickly turned to look at her, and she raised a brow. “I think it’s time to open the doors.”

I was grateful my brother was preoccupied, and everyone else was too busy having their own little side conversations to notice the way Kingston was looking at me.

The way I was pretty sure I was looking at him.

But Ruby definitely noticed.

I shook it off and moved toward the doors.

Today felt special.

Like the first day of the rest of my life.

I turned the lock on the door and pushed it open.

Here we go.

twelve

Kingston

“Are you getting a commission for this?”Hayes asked as he came to sit beside me on the pink velvet couch that Saylor had on one side of the bookstore. It was the first time I’d sat down since she’d opened the doors.

Everyone in town had come out to support her. It was great to see. No one deserved it more than Saylor.

I crossed my feet at the ankles as I glanced over at Cutler talking to Oscar Daily, who owned the grocery store in town, the Daily Market. Our boy looked like a cool cat with his fedora. The kid had more swagger than any six-year-old should be allowed.

“What can I say? I’m a natural when it comes to selling love. Who knew?” My voice was all tease.

“You were a born salesman.” Hayes shook his head. “But tell me this… how does one sell love when they’ve never experienced it?”

“You are one naïve, bitter bastard.” I laughed. “How does a plastic surgeon sell a procedure he hasn’t had done to himself? How does a pharmaceutical rep sell drugs they don’t need to take? How does a lactose-intolerant ice cream maker sell ice cream he can’t eat? It’s about believing in it, not experiencing it.”

“How many lactose-intolerant ice cream makers do you know?” His lips twitched as he tried to keep from laughing.

“There are plenty out there. Let me tell you, dairy has been doing a number on my digestive system lately.” I shrugged. “And how do you know I’ve never been in love?”

He raised a brow, resting his elbows on his knees. “Because I’ve known you my whole life. Are you telling me I’m wrong?”

“I’m telling you that I don’t like being put into a box.” I leaned forward, glancing over my shoulder to make sure no one was listening. “Unless by box, we’re talking about a pussy, and then you can put me in there all day.”

Loud laughter bellowed from him, and I couldn’t help but smile. Hayes didn’t laugh often, and I’d always been the one to make him do it when he did. It was an honor I wore proudly. Because Hayes Woodson was one of the best men I’d ever known. I liked to give him a hard time, but he was good to his core.

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