Page 14 of Bookstore Bliss

“I think you’re going to end up with a home library entirely made up of dinosaur books.” I laugh as I set the cake down on the counter. “Did you come just for the books?”

“To tell you the truth, Riley wanted to ask you about the books.” He steps closer to me. “But I wanted to bring cake and apologize in person for being a jerk the other day.”

“Chocolate does solve everything. You’re forgiven.” I place my hand on his arm and lower my voice so Riley couldn’t possibly hear me. “I know Riley is your world. I wouldn’t want to hurt her.” I close my eyes. “I’m just not great with relationships.”

He chuckles and murmurs my name.

Seth cups my face, his hands are warm against my skin. My body is like putty in his hands, my shoulders relax under his touch. It’s hard to imagine living in Kastle Harbor and not pursuing a relationship with him. Knowing how much I want him, more than just for incredible sex, I want to earn his trust back. I’ll work my way to good friend and then, if it’s right, maybe we can get a second chance.

Or is it third chance now?

“I’ve been hesitant to say anything because of our history, but I’ve never stopped loving you, Kristen.” My heart flutters as he continues, “I know you have a life in California and a job you love but I couldn’t let you leave without telling you how I feel.”

I let my head fall against his chest. I stare at the ground. My mouth is as dry as the Sahara and I can barely hear anything over the sound of my heart pounding in my chest.

Maybe timing really is everything.

“I’m not leaving, Seth. I cancelled the listing. I’m going to takeover the bookstore. It’s what my grandmother would’ve really wanted.”

“Are you sure? That’s a lot of changes,” he hesitantly asks, voice wavering with each word.

I look up into his face. I may have decided to stay to take over the store, but I’m greedy. I want Seth, too.

“I put in my notice to my job, booked a moving company, and talked to the realtor about rentals in the area. I’m staying in Kastle Harbor.” I search his bright green eyes for any glimmer of hope or desire.

“You’re going to live in Kastle Harbor?” I can’t help but grin at his question.

“Live, work, and maybe even date.”

The words are barely out of my mouth when he kisses me. At first, it’s quick and hungry, like he’s afraid I’ll vanish at any moment. But I lean into it as his hands go to my lower back and pull me in closer.

Suddenly, there’s an excited shriek. Lost in the moment we clearly both forgot that Riley was in the store. We pull away as quickly as possible, but it’s clear she saw us kissing. She’s in a fit of giggles.

“Does this mean you can come to family dinner now?” She pulls on Seth’s shirt hem as she asks. We both eye each other and erupt in laughter. Seth lifts her into his arms and tells her that we have to ask her mom first.

For the first time in a long time, it feels as if I have a family once again. I lean back against the counter and watch the two squabble about the number of books Riley wants to take home.

Second chances are hard to come by and I’m grateful I’ve received one in the form of a goofy hunk who happens to have the cutest dino loving six-year-old who wants me to join them for lasagna and garlic bread.

EPILOGUE

Seth

Liam and Bethany helped install the store’s new sign. Bethany’s version of helping was bringing chocolate croissants and coffee for us. Thankfully Liam and I were able to get the emerald green sign up without any troubles.

Second Chance Booksis officially opened.

Kristen is pacing back and forth behind the counter of the bookstore. I’m worried she’ll wear a spot in the new carpet before she even opens. I walk over and pull her into a big hug, rubbing the small of her back and telling her everything will go smoothly.

“It’s a big day” she mutters into my chest.

“I know, and you’re crushing it,” I point out she’s already had a ton of sales and its barely lunch time.

She pulls aways and crosses her arms, her shoulders slump as she sighs. “There’s just so much left to do. I need to get new curtains, replace the shelves in the kids’ sections, and I haven’t even started talking to anyone about renovating upstairs.”

“You have plenty of time, besides there’s no rush on the second-floor bit, right?” I watch her eyes narrow at my words.

“Seth,” she sighs, “I can’t sleep on a pullout couch every other week.”

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