Page 59 of Cinnamon Roll Set Up

Even though I know deep down he wouldn’t. Mercilessly tease, yes. Flat-out lie, no.

That’s almost worse. Because that means that the man in the stacks really is a former military private bodyguard with a heart of gold named Maverick. I’m guessing at the heart of gold part, but all those kinds of heroes have them. Tragic backstories, found family, ready to move heaven and earth for their love interest. The works.

Behind Sam, outside the café window, I spot Miles on the sidewalk. He’s talking with one of the elderly women I met at game night at Fiesta Village. He’s been taking it easy these last couple of days since the migraine, but today he looks like himself again.

Hello, butterflies.

But, no. I can’t have Miles walk in here when Sam is doing the absolute most to ruin my day with his good buddy Maverick. I want to crawl into a hole and then commit physical violence against my brother. Or maybe violence first, then get in the hole.

“So?” Sam goads. “Is this love at first sight?”

My gaze darts back to Miles. He’s smiling at the older woman, listening attentively while she tells him about who knows what. Because of course he’s going to stop and be a good person no matter what else he has to do in his busy day. That’s just who Miles is. He’s thoughtful, generous, and patient to the core. He’s the sweetest ever.

Sam follows my gaze, looking over his shoulder. When his attention returns to me, his smile is even smugger than it was before. “That’s what I figured.”

I think I’m going to be sick.

Sam can’t figure anything out.I’vebarely figuredanything out.

Maverick joins us at the counter with a thriller in his hands. “Found one.”

“That’s a good option.” I honestly don’t even know what he’s holding. I barely pay attention, working on autopilot to punch in the purchase price and tap his credit card.

Miles walks into Dogeared, and my mouth goes too dry to speak. All I can do is trust Sam not to make this a thousand times worse than he already has. Trouble is, I’m not sure that I do, in fact, trust that.

“Hi, Sam.” Miles rounds the front counter to join me. “What brings you in?”

“Oh, just harassing my little sister. The usual.” He flashes his million-dollar smile at us. Right now, I really want to knock his teeth out. “You’re coming to Willa’s birthday party this weekend, right?”

That reminder just gives me another reason to be disgruntled. It’s one more thing Miles has agreed to instead of taking time for himself. As delighted as I am that Willa would invite him, and even more that he would accept, it’s supposed to be his day off.

At least I know Ava’s party planning will make it worthwhile, but it’s the principle of the thing.

“I’m planning on it. But she wrote on the back of my invitationNo books. I feel called out.”

Miles grins at me, and my heart melts.

“She hasn’t forgotten your Christmas present,” Sam says. Then he winks at me. “Okay, we’re heading out.”

“It was nice to meet you, Georgia.” The man who may or may not actually be named Maverick raises his hand as he walks out the door.

“You, too.” I give him a feeble wave, and finally, they’regone.

I need to eighty-six my brother from Dogeared. Banned for life.

“Is everything okay?” Miles asks. “You look a little shaken.”

“Everything’s fine. Sam just knows how to get under my skin. He’s like a tick.”

Miles’s soft laughter is a warm hug, ready to banish every last bit of discomfort brought on by Sam’s pushiness.

“I’ve been meaning to talk to you about Willa’s party,” he says. “Obviously, I’m not the best at picking out presents for little girls.”

“The Secret Gardenwas a really good choice. Willa’s just not as into books that don’t have fairies and unicorns in them right now.”

“Do you have any suggestions?”

“Get her the biggest, fluffiest stuffed animal you can find, and she’ll love you forever.”

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