Page 18 of Billionaire's Bookworm

“Wade,” I replied, straightening the papers on the counter to distract myself from staring at him. “What brings you to my modest establishment this time?”

He sauntered forward, hands tucked casually in his pockets. “Can’t a man indulge in a bit of literary exploration?”

I folded my arms. “I suppose he can, though you don’t strike me as the bookish type.”

He feigned a look of mock offense. “You wound me. I’ll have you know I’m quite well-read.”

“Is that so?” I raised an eyebrow. “Name your favorite book.”

He didn’t miss a beat. “The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón.”

Huh. Impressive.“Not a bad choice.”

He leaned against the counter, a mere breath away. “See? I told you there’s more to me than meets the eye.”

“So it would seem,” I conceded, though I tried to appear unfazed.

We stood there for a moment, the air between us charged with unspoken words.

“So,” he began, breaking the silence, “about yesterday...”

I busied myself rearranging a stack of bookmarks. “What about it?”

“I wanted to apologize if I overstepped,” he said, his tone sincere.

I glanced up, meeting his gaze. “You mean the grandstanding kiss in front of half the town that everyone is now gossiping about?”

He had the decency to look a tad sheepish. “Yes. That.”

I shrugged, attempting nonchalance. “It’s fine. Heat of the moment and all that.”

“Is that what it was?” His dark eyes searched mine, the cockiness of earlier replaced with something more earnest.

Flushing, I dropped my gaze. “What else would it be?”

He took a step closer. “Perhaps something more?”

My heart did a little flip, but I wasn’t about to let him see that. “I’m not sure what you’re insinuating, Playboy.”

He sighed, his expression crumpling into a wry grimace at the pointed nickname. “Emma, I find you... intriguing.”

“Intriguing.” I rolled the word around, pretending to ponder it. “Is that billionaire-speak for ‘fascinated a woman is not swooning at your feet’?”

A ghost of a smile played on his lips. “Something like that.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, glad I can keep you entertained.”

He grinned, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “You truly have no idea.”

“Was there something you needed?” I asked, changing the subject.

“Actually, yes.” He straightened, pulling a book from the nearest shelf. “I was hoping for a recommendation.”

I eyed the book in his hand—some glossy hardback about yachts.Figures. “What are you in the mood for?”

“Surprise me.”

Challenging. I like it.“Fine. Follow me.”

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