Page 4 of Bookstore Bliss

It may be over ten years since we were a thing, but it’s almost as if we both have magnets pulling us closer each time that we’re near the other. It was difficult to pull away from her as we watched Riley dive into the books.

I grab the first box and head downstairs. I can hear the duo chatting away. I feel my cheeks pull, a smile forming.

I carry a few more boxes downstairs. Jogging up and down the stairs has me out of breath. My fitness routine is more weights and less cardio. I rest at the base of the stairs and Kristen comes over to join me.

“Riley is thoroughly immersed into the world of dinosaurs.” Kristen reaches out and puts her hand on my forearm. “She asked me to ask you how many books she’s allowed to take.But between us, she can have whatever she wants, I’m probably donating them all.”

Her touch is somehow both comforting and electrifying. Maybe it’s just because I haven’t dated in a while, or that I’m still attracted to Kristen. She’s a knockout that still makes me feel like a lovestruck teen whenever she smiles at me.

What’s not to like?

I look into her eyes, trying to search for the answers to the questions I haven’t asked.

“What’s your plan, Kristen?” I need to know how long she’ll be in town.

“With the store?” She tilts her head slightly as she bites her lip.

This simple action more alluring than it should be. I want to place a hand on the small of her back and pull her body tight against mine before kissing her passionately. My imagination is my worst enemy right now.

All I do is nod in response, for fear I say the wrong thing.

“I suppose I want to get the store sold.”

“Your grandmother loved this place. Why not keep it and move back?” The words that have been bouncing around my mind ever since I saw her yesterday are finally spoken out loud.

“Oh Seth,” her voice now faint, without any of the vibrancy and joy. “What do I know about running a bookstore? Besides, every nook and cranny of this place holds memories for me. Why would I want to stay and be depressed every day?”

She smiles, but it’s not one filled with happiness. Without giving it a second thought, I embrace her. I don’t know if it’s the right move, pushing the two of us closer. But it feels needed.

Kristen sighs heavily as I wrap my arms around her body. She smells of lavender, vanilla, and strawberries. I run my hand up and down her back and try to offer comfort.

For a moment it’s as if nothing but our age has changed. She looks up at me as she pulls away just slightly. Her lips look soft and pouty. The color a bright red, like wild cherries. They look delicious and kissable.

So very kissable.

I tilt her chin up as I look into her captivating eyes. I don’t think twice. I give in to my earlier thoughts. In the middle of this dusty bookstore, I cover her mouth with mine and kiss her with a sense of urgency.

With one hand wrapped firmly around her waist, I devour her lips with a passion I haven’t felt in years. Kristen fists the fabric of my shirt in one hand as the other starts to wander up my back. Every little graze of her fingers against my bare back makes my mind go crazy. She kisses me back with a hunger as she presses her body tightly against mine. I can feel my cock harden as she nibbles my lower lip.

We barely break to breathe. I don’t know how long we’ve been kissing when the sound of approaching footsteps becomes louder.

“Daddy, I picked my favorites!” Riley’s voice is like a bucket of water poured all over us.

Before she comes into sight, Kristen and I quickly untangle ourselves. Kristen’s lips are puffy and my shirt is all wrinkled. Not to mention, the very noticeable tent in my athletic shorts. I smooth my shirt out and try to think of the most mundane things possible to lower the level of lust coursing through me. Everything is back to normal the moment Riley walks into view.

My mind is racing. I can’t believe we just made out, like it’s some secret romance.

I haven’t even told Kristen about my relationship status and I know nothing about hers. All I know is that when I look at her, I can’t help but feel as if we have a second chance ahead of us.

If Kristen isn’t planning on staying in Kastle Harbor, is any time together worth the heartbreak that is sure to come when she decides to leave?

Kristen asks Riley questions about the book as I watch the two of them interact.

Riley seems to really like Kristen. Nothing seems to be going as planned. I need to find a way to not be around Kristen any more than necessary, we can’t have a repeat of this afternoon make out session. As much as my body is craving to explore hers, I know it won’t end well.

4

KRISTEN

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