Page 7 of Kiss me Forever

Chapter Four

Piper

I sink into my favorite cushioned chair, feeling the soft fabric surrounding me as I settle in for our weekly book club meeting. The library is closed, and we love gathering here in the evening as it’s warm and cozy, and a perfect setting to discuss our latest read, filled with the smell of old books, Italian wine, and delicious food.

My best friend, Livie is next to me, her long hair cascading over her shoulders as she laughs at a joke Michelle has just said. She, of course, is drinking the cider since the peanut growing in her doesn’t appreciate wine like the rest of us. Michelle, Laura, and Amy are already deep into their wine glasses, and the conversation is flowing, creating a perfect atmosphere. This is always my favorite moment of the week. There’s nothing better than friends, books, wine, and food.

“Okay, ladies, let’s get this show on the road,” Michelle says as she holds up her copy of The Housemaid by Freda McFadden. “Can you guys believe the twists and turns in this book. I thought every time I had it all figured out, bam! I was hit with another surprise. It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I didn’t know who to hate and who to love.”

“I completely agree,” Amy chimes in, her eyes wide with excitement. “That ending was a doozy. I totally didn’t see it coming.”

Laura nods vigorously. “I’ll consume Freda’s books every day of the week, but this one proved this woman knows how to make a romantic suspense book unlike any other. The psychological depth of the characters was phenomenal.”

Livie gives me a sly glance as she finishes her glass of cider and pours herself another before leaning back. “The book was excellent, and I normally love discussing them in full detail, but I can’t do it tonight, not when I want to hear about a real romance going on right here in our small town.”

The ladies all turn and look at her with eagerness. “Oh, do tell us more,” Michelle demands.

“I want to hear all about Mr. Magnus Carter.”

A blush creeps up my neck and straight into my cheeks as I squirm in my chair. “What about Magnus?” I say, trying to keep it casual, but knowing I’m doing a terrible job of it.

“Don’t you even try to play coy, Piper,” Livie teases while nudging me with her elbow. “That fine man has been in here four times in the past two weeks. I want you to spill all.”

All of the ladies lean in a little closer, their eyes gleaming. They know nothing about this. I’m going to have to hurt my best friend when we’re alone again. I thought for one night I could relax without thinking about Magnus. The fates aren’t in my favor.

“Spill,” Michelle demands.

I give a false laugh while I shake my head. “There’s really nothing to spill. He showed up looking for a rare book, then liked that we had it, so he’s been back multiple times.”

“Nope, not buying it,” Livie says. She then winks at me before looking at the other women. “There’s more spice to this story than a man looking for a rare book. Piper was filling in for her brother last year where she met Magnus and steamed up some windows in her brother’s car.”

“Oh really?” Amy says, zeroing in on the story. The women have all set their books down, far more interested in this story. We read because our lives become so predictable, but this is a far juicier story. If it wasn’t about me, I’d be eager to hear it too.

“Tell them all about it, Piper. The secret’s out now,” Livie says.

The blush in my cheeks deepen as I feel heat flow through my body. I know I can’t get out of this now, not with this group of women. “Yes, fine, I met Magnus a year ago, and drove him around.” I give a long pause as all of the ladies wait. I let out a sigh. “I’ll just say the man is very persuasive.” I’m normally a confident woman, but I’m not feeling that now as these ladies all give me knowing looks.

“I’ve heard about this man stepping into town. I’ve yet to lay eyes on him, but every description says he’s hot as hell. You and him did the nasty?” Laura says with just a hint of jealousy in her voice.

I give a nonchalant shrug feeling a mixture of excitement and embarrassment. “The man knows what he wants, and he’s used to getting his way. I caved, but I’m not a stupid woman and I know he’s not a man to stick around. It was great being with him, but if I don’t want to have my heart broken I need to keep my distance now. I think I’m nothing more than a challenge. He isn’t used to being turned down. Women are also disposable in his eyes,” I tell them.

“He’s still here when you’ve already done the deed,” Amy says before grabbing a cookie and munching on it. “Just because he’s confident, wealthy, and great looking doesn’t mean he’s a game player. What do you really know about him?”

I raise an eyebrow at her. “I spent a week with him, listening when he was on calls. I was warned in the beginning not to speak to him unless being spoken to. I know what kind of man he is. Sure, he’s charming when he wants something, but he’s cold if he doesn’t. The man isn’t someone to pursue, and I care about myself too much to fall for his charm twice.”

“I disagree. I think you should go for it,” Laura interjects. “Have a hot, steamy affair, and then you be the one to walk away. A woman has needs and it sounds to me like this man can meet them in all of the best ways.”

The women erupt into laughter and give me more suggestions. “If I could live out one of my steamy romance stories, I’d do it in a heartbeat. We read these books for a reason. We’re all secretly hoping to be swept off our feet by a magnificent lover who worships us,” Michelle says.

“I’m not cut out for flings. I get too attached. I can’t say I regret our night together, but at the same time, I want something lasting. If I can meet a man I can’t stand to be apart from, who also makes my body sing, I’d jump on it. I don’t think that man’s Magnus,” I tell them.

“You’re a naughty librarian, and he’s a fine man in a suit. This is a romance novel. You’re made for adventure. I don’t see how this can possibly be wrong,” Livie says. “You’ve always wanted to do it in the stacks.”

I can’t stop blushing as we have this conversation. I shake my head. “There are no stacks here,” I remind her.

“Then go to the university and jump that man’s bones.”

“I’m a little too old for that.”

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