Page 19 of Billionaire's Bookworm

Leading him to one of my favorite sections, I scanned the spines before selecting a worn copy of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. “Try this. It’s magical, mysterious, and beautifully written.”

He examined the cover, his fingers brushing mine as he took it. A spark of electricity zipped up my arm and the tiny hairs rose to attention. “The Night Circus,” he mused. “Intriguing.”

“There’s that word again,” I quipped.

He chuckled. “Seems fitting.”

We lingered, the silence stretching, but not uncomfortable.

“Emma,” he murmured, his gaze intent, “would you have dinner with me tonight?”

Blinking, I stared, momentarily caught off guard. His proposal at the cook-off was a drink.

Well, this escalated fast.“Dinner?” I parroted like a dummy.

“Yes. You know, that meal people usually eat in the evening.” His sexy lips curved in that confident smile that kept making my lower belly clench.

I hesitated, weighing my options. “I know when you asked me out before, I said maybe some other time, Wade, but I… I really don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“Why not?” His brows furrowed in a frown that gave him a boyish air that almost changed my mind.Almost.

Meeting his gaze head-on, I decided not to mince words.Straight and direct, Emma girl. Keep your guard up.“Because I’m not interested in becoming another notch on your very expensive bedpost.” I lifted my brows, waiting for his response.

To his credit, he looked genuinely taken aback. “Is that what you think of me?”

I shrugged, forcing my tone to remain casual. “Your reputation precedes you, Playboy.”

He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture that seemed almost vulnerable, and met my gaze. “Maybe I’m tired of that reputation.”

“Maybe,” I allowed, glancing away. ‘But that’s not my problem.”

He sighed, a hint of frustration creeping into his eyes. “Fair enough. But if you change your mind, the offer stands.”

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.

He placed the book on the counter. “I’ll take this, then.”

I rang up the purchase, careful to keep my eyes averted. “That’ll be twenty dollars.”

He handed me his card, and I swiped it, the transaction feeling oddly formal. More odd, I didn’t like it.

“Thank you,” he said as I handed back his card.

“You’re welcome.”

He hesitated for a moment, a tiny muscle ticking in his jaw as he studied me. “Have a good day, Emma.”

“You too, Wade.”

He turned to leave but paused at the door. “Oh, by the way,” he said, reaching into his back pocket, “I wanted you to have this.”

He walked back to the counter and set down a small, wrapped package.

I eyed it warily. “What’s this?”

“Just a little something I thought you’d appreciate.”

Before I could protest, he flashed me a disarming smile and slipped out the door, the bell chiming softly in his wake.

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