Page 30 of Billionaire's Bookworm

“You don’t have to do that,” I said, watching him sweep like he wasn’t the kind of guy who probably had an entire staff of people to clean for him.

“I don’t mind,” he said simply.

When we finished tidying, he leaned against the counter and gave me a long, considering look. “Let me walk you home.”

“I don’t need an escort,” I protested, even though my heart was doing that annoying fluttery thing again.

“I know you don’t need one. I just... want to.”

Something in his voice made me pause. Against my better judgment, I nodded. “Fine.”

The streets were quiet as we walked, the moon casting a soft glow over the town. Wade kept his hands in his pockets, his steps slow and unhurried, like he wasn’t in a rush to get anywhere.

“You’re really not what I expected based on our first meeting,” I said suddenly, surprising even myself.

He glanced at me, a smile tugging at his lips. “Good surprise or bad?”

“Jury’s still out.”

He laughed, and I couldn’t help but smile.

When we reached my gate, he paused, his gaze lingering on mine. For a moment, I thought he might try to kiss me again, but instead, he reached out and scratched Porky behind the ears.

“G’night, Emma,” he said softly.

“Night,” I murmured, watching as he walked away.

As I climbed the porch steps, I realized something unsettling: In spite of representing everything I’d walked away from in my previous life… I think I was starting to want Wade to stick around.

That was terrifying.

ChapterEight

Wade

The verdict was in.I’d definitely lost my damn mind.

Standing outside Beachy Keen Reads at 8:45 AM on a Saturday morning, armed with a fresh box of scones and three cups of coffee (one for Emma, one for her assistant Silvy, and one for me), I was seriously starting to question my life choices of late. The “Story Time” banner fluttered in the morning breeze, and through the window, I could see Emma arranging cushions in a reading circle.

She’dexplicitlytold me not to come. In fact, I believe her precise words were,“Don’t even think about it, Playboy.”

Which was exactly why I was here.

I shifted the coffee tray to balance against the scone box and reached for the door handle, then froze as a familiar growl emanated from inside.

Porky. The little demon dog himself, no doubt lying in wait. I thought we were finally reaching an understanding, but the way he kept selling me out during trivia night proved otherwise.

“Easy there, buddy,” I muttered, pushing the door open. The bell chimed cheerfully, a stark contrast to Porky’s low warning rumble. “I come bearing gifts. Gifts you actually like,” I added, shooting him a pointed look.

Emma’s head snapped up, red hair cascading over one shoulder. Her eyes widened, then narrowed dangerously. “Wade. What are you doing here?”

“Supporting local business?” I held up the coffee and scones like a peace offering. “Also, I heard there might be story time.”

“Wade.” The way she said my name was half exasperation, half warning. “I told you?—“

“That this requires actual commitment?” I set the coffee and scones on the counter, carefully watching Porky, who had risen to his full height. “I’m here, aren’t I? At anungodlyhour, might I add.”

“It’s nine in the morning.”

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