Page 3 of Sweet Dreams

I drop the book that Silas wanted on the counter and get back to work. If he had wanted it that badly, he would’ve stuck around.

This would be the perfect morning if I weren’t running down the block, shoving a piece of toast in my mouth, hoping I don’t choke all because my alarm didn’t go off. I don’t understand why it didn’t go off. I never turn the stupid thing off; it’s my phone, for Christ’s sake. It’s supposed to be reliable.

I turn the corner, prepared for Elma, but I’m blown away when it’s Silas standing there. His black hat pulled low, making his eyes concealed. He must’ve scared Elma away, and if I’m being honest, I’m glad. I don’t have time for her this morning.

“Morning,Teagan,” he says, slowly turning his head toward me. His eyes send shivers down my spine. They are emptier today.

I move closer to the door, moving my bag in front of my stomach. “Silas, how’s your morning so far?” What I want to ask is if everything is okay, but I don’t know him that well, and I know personal boundaries.

“It’s going. I’m here for that book. Sorry about yesterday.”

“No worries, I’m sure wherever you went must’ve been important.”

He gives me a grim smile but doesn’t explain further. We’re all entitled to our secrets; he would’ve told me if he wanted to share.

I unlock the door and hold it open for him. When he doesn’t move, I head in. I’m in the middle of the shop when I stop. Something is off.

“Did you hear the bell ring when I opened the door?” I stare at the door, puzzled. I can’t remember if it went off yesterday, either. I know in the morning, but after that, nothing. Silas turns to the door, adjusting his hat.

“I don’t think it did.”

I walk back to the door, pushing it open. Nothing. No ding. I look up at the bell, but it’s gone.

“The bell is gone.” I stare at nothing inshock.

“Who would steal a bell?”

I turn to him and shrug. “That’s what I want to know. Is there some creep out there getting their rocks off with bells?”

“Should we be alarmed by the bell thieves?”

I point my finger and laugh. “Funny. But seriously, where did it go?”

“Sure it didn’t fall off and roll away?”

Who knows at this point? “Let me turn some lights on, and I’ll get that book for you. You disappeared so fast yesterday I thought I was losing my mind.”

He removes his hat, scratches his head, and then replaces it. “I’m sorry about that.”

When he says nothing else, I move along, readjusting books as I go. I flick all the switches when I reach the office, and the shop comes alive. This is my favourite time of the day; it’s when the magic starts. Heading back to the front, I swipe Silas’ book from behind the counter and pray he’s still here.

I swing around and bump into his chest. I pull in a breath of his woodsy scent through my nose, and my body turns to jelly.

“The book?” his voice snaps me out of my stupor.

I back away and slam the book into his chest. “Here. Enjoy.” My God, how many times have I embarrassed myself in front of him already? Heprobably thinks I’m a nutcase. The warmth of his hand wraps around my wrist, and I glance at him.

He taps the book with his other hand. “I still need to pay for it.”

I shake my head; it must be because I’m still running behind. “I swear I’d lose my head if it weren’t screwed on. My alarm didn’t go off, sending my entire morning into a whirlwind.” I turn the computer on, and wait for another wave of embarrassment to pass by. At this point, I hope Silas never comes back.

“How long have you owned this bookstore?”

I am delighted by how far this shop has come since opening. So much blood, sweat and buckets of tears have gone into it. Every time I switch the sign from closed to open, it reminds me it was all worth it.

“I opened it around two years ago. One town council member wasn’t overly excited about it, and they fought me, but in the end, I won.” I roll my eyes at the memory of Nancy picking a fight with me.

A frown creased his forehead. “Why wouldn’t they want a bookstore in town?”

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