Page 65 of Highland Hearts Holiday Bookshop

“I haven’t seen him before. He must be from one of the neighboring villages.”

“I’ll be happy to put in a word for you next time he pops in.”

“Oh good. He was too cute.” Shannon grinned at me as Esther sniffed, and then used a staple gun to loudly drown us out.

“I certainly think so,” I continued.Thwap.

“I love a newsboy cap on a man,” Cherise agreed.

Thwap.

I grinned, knowing Esther was annoyed. Thespeaker flipped on, and I bit back a laugh asChain of Foolsby Aretha Franklin filled the air.

Thwap.

“Need any help there, Esther?”

“Bloody hell, do any of you ever stop talking?” Esther put the staple gun down and grabbed her pocketbook. “I’m going to Two Sisters for a latte. See if you ladies can stay on track while I’m gone.”

With that, Esther sailed from the shop, her head held high.

“Oh, she’s bothered by him. I haven’t seen her like this in years,” Cherise observed.

“She’s definitely flustered,” Shannon agreed.

“How do you know?” I asked, hope blooming that maybe there was a chance for a match between Esther and Daniel.

“She doesn’t drink lattes.”

“Ahhhh.” My phone pinged with a text, and I glanced down to see a message from Alexander.

Tattie just told me he misses you and would like you to come see his new enclosure.

Grinning, I wandered back to the front of the shop.

Well, I certainly can’t let Tattie down.

Perfect. Can you come by this afternoon? That way you can see it before dark. I’ll make dinner.

Tattie and dinner? Even better. What can I bring?

A smile.

I sent him a smile emoji and looked up when a throat cleared.

“Loverboy?” Meredith asked.

“No, my friend Jessica.”

Liarby Camila Cabello popped on the speaker and Meredith grinned.

“You said you liked Moira, right?” I pitched my voice over the music, annoyed. “Because I’m having a hard time seeing it.”

“Oh yeah, she’s the best.” Meredith blew a kiss into the air.

Chapter Nineteen

Rosie

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