Page 20 of Billionaire's Bookworm

I stared after him, then down at the package. Curiosity gnawed at me. With a huff, I unwrapped it to reveal an exquisite book bound in rich, burgundy leather. My breath caught.

“Pride and Prejudice,” I whispered, running my fingers over the embossed gold lettering. Flipping it open, I found the publication date.

A freaking first edition. Shit balls.

Inside the cover was a note penned in elegant script.

“For the woman who looks at people the way she looks at books—with curiosity and discernment.

—Wade

I sank onto the stool behind the counter, emotions swirling. This was no ordinary gift. It was thoughtful, personal, and undoubtedly worth a small fortune.

“What are you up to, Wade James?” I muttered.

The bell jingled again, and Silvy breezed in, her mane of golden hair held back with a bright scarf, sunglasses perched atop her head.

“Hey, girl!” she called out, then noticed my expression. “Uh-oh. Who died?”

“No one,” I sighed, holding up the book. “But someone might if this keeps up.”

She gasped, rushing over. “OMG, is that a first edition Austen?”

“Yep.”

Her eyes widened. “Holy—Emma, this is huge!”

“Tell me about it.”

She plopped down beside me. “Did the billionaire give you this?”

“Who else?”

She let out a low whistle. “Wow. That man doesn’t mess around.”

“I can’t accept this,” I insisted, shaking my head. “It’s too much.”

“Too much? It’s amazing! And utterly romantic.”

“Or manipulative,” I countered.

She rolled her eyes. “Not everything is some maneuver or play, Emma. Maybe he’s just trying to show you he cares.”

“By throwing money at me?”

“By giving you something he knows you’d love,” she corrected.

I chewed my lip, uncertainty gnawing at my stomach. “I don’t know what to think.”

“Well,” she said thoughtfully, “you could always thank him and see where things go.”

I groaned. “I don’t want to encourage him.”

“Are you sure about that?” She leveled me with a knowing look. “Because I think at least part of you is all aboard the billionaire train.”

I opened my mouth to protest, but snapped it shut. She wasn’t wrong.

Silvy’s expression softened. “Just... try being open to something new. You deserve a little fun and happiness in your life.”

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