Page 12 of Flames of Desire

“Opening the bookstore,” I continued, “was practically the only decision I made on my own. It was terrifying and liberating all at once. I wanted to create a space that was mine. Where I could be myself without anyone’s expectations hanging over my head.”

Alex's gaze softened. “That’s brave. It’s not easy going against what everyone expects of you.”

I smiled, appreciating his understanding. “It wasn’t. Especially with Colton. He didn’t exactly approve of me opening my store. He thought I was throwing away my career, that I was making a huge mistake, and it ended up causing a rift between us. I mean, he didn’t even bother coming to the grand opening.”

Alex frowned, tapping his fingers on the table. “You know, you should cut Colton some slack. I’m sure he obviously still cares about you. He’s just being a bit stubborn.”

I shook my head, frustration bubbling up. “He didn’t even show up, Alex. How can he care and still not support the one thing I’ve done for myself?”

Alex sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. “I never said Colton wasn’t an idiot. But give him a little time. He’ll find his way back. Trust me on this—I’ve known him forever.”

I looked at Alex, really looked at him. His eyes were sincere, and his voice held a quiet confidence. Alex’s friendship with Colton was something I’d always known about but never fully appreciated. Seeing him defend Colton, even while acknowledging his flaws, made me look at Alex in a new light.

“You really believe that?” I asked, my voice softer now.

“I do,” he said firmly. “Colton can be a stubborn ass, but he loves you. He’ll come around. And in the meantime, you should be proud of what you’ve accomplished. Your bookstore is amazing, Lily.”

His words made something inside me unclench. I hadn’t realized how much I needed to hear that. “Thank you, Alex,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

He smiled, that boyish, charming grin that had always made my heart skip a beat. “Anytime.”

For the first time, I saw beyond the façade of the heartless heartbreaker that everyone painted Alex as. He was compassionate and thoughtful, and this made me reconsider my image of him.

“You’re surprisingly insightful,” I said softly, a smile tugging at my lips.

He chuckled, leaning forward again. “I have my moments.”

The candlelight flickered between us, casting a dim glow on Alex’s face. I felt a strange mix of emotions—gratitude, relief, and something deeper, something that made my heart race. Talking to him felt easy, natural. He made me feel understood, and that was a rare gift.

We continued our game, but the atmosphere had shifted. He had actually managed to make me feel good. It was impossible to even think about, and yet it happened. It made me believe that Alex could actually be a proper human being and not the heartless heartbreaker everyone in Greendale had thought him to be.

Maybe, just maybe, there was more to Alex Sinclair than met the eye.

Chapter six

CHAPTER SIX - EMBERS OF TEMPTATION

We played cards until we could practically read each other’s minds. Eventually, the game became less about winning and more about the banter that flowed between us.

Lily stretched her arms above her head, her shirt riding up just enough to reveal a sliver of her toned stomach. I tried to force myself to look away, but my gaze lingered.

She glanced my way and caught me staring. Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly looked away. “So, what’s next?” she asked, a nervous glint in her eyes.

“How about we build a snowman?” I suggested cheekily, earning a laugh from her.

“Building a snowman in this snowstorm?” she scoffed. “I'm not sure what's crazier, this weather or you.”

I chuckled as I got up and then spotted the bag Lily had brought in. I noticed the unmistakable spine of a book tucked inside.

“Did you really bring a book to meet Richard Ginsberg?” I said, walking over to her bag and taking out the book. “The Hand of the Nameless,” I read out loud.

“It's his latest book. I was hoping to use the fact that I was able to get my hands on it even though he only released a few hundred copies as a bargaining chip.”

“How so?” I asked, a bit puzzled.

“Richard Ginsberg is a huge name in the creative industry and there are lots of publishers that would love to work with him but the man is a tad bit eccentric.”

I turned the book to the back, catching sight of Richard's picture on the back, and I snorted. “He certainly looks eccentric, that's for sure.”

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