Page 46 of One Last Wish

“You closed attwo. What were you doing until that time?” More like,whowas I trying todo, but I wasn’t going to share that information.

“We had to take all the displays down.”

“It was such a fabulous night. The way you decorated the store...it was really immersive. You did great! Oh, not that you’ll care, but my friend, Charlie, thinks you’re really hot.”

“Which one was he?” I needed options other than Darce after last night.Done! I was fuckingdonewith him!Even after sleeping on it, rage was still coursing around my body.

“The tall, dark guy. He has tattoos, too. You seemed to only have eyes for Darce last night, so I gathered you didn’t notice him. If you ever needed to use him to get Darce jealous, however, Charlie would be up for it.” I had to admit, I liked her plan. “The two of you seemed at a bit of an impasse last night. Is Darce still claiming he’s not into you?”

“I honestly don’t think he is.” I sighed, slumping on the stool at the breakfast bar. “The guy is giving me whiplash. All I want is one fuck. I don’t know what his deal is.”

“Use Charlie! Trust me, if Darce likes you and Charlie is making his intentions clear towards you, Darce will break. Either way, you’ll get a fuck because Charlie doesn’t mess around.”

“Thanks, I’ll consider it. I need to shower. I’ve got to get into work in the next hour.”

“Don’t let me stop you.” Evelyn smiled, moving out of my way. “Oh, are you up for going out this weekend? I could invite Danny andCharlie.”

“Yeah, a night out sounds good. I’ll let you know about inviting Danny and Charlie.” Any distraction would be good right now, but I wasn’t sure if Darce was even the jealous type.

“You could invite some of yourworkmates. Imagine TheoandDarce watching you make out with Charlie!” Evelyn called as I made my way to the bathroom.

“Let me think about it.” I’d have to see how the next few days played out. Today, I didn’t even feel like talking to Darce. He wanted me. I’d felt that in his soft kisses, and in the way he looked at me. How could that have changed in a matter of minutes, all because I wanted to touch him? Why couldn't I touch him?

I was learning that Darce had his own battles of willpower, and last night, he slipped catastrophically. He’d be beating himself up over it, and keeping his distance today. I was sure of it.

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“HEY, ALORA,” DAISYchimed as I walked into Bookends. That girl was too happy! “Malcolm said the midnight release was a success. Ned and I have finished tidying up upstairs. We left all the decorations down in the basement. We weren’t sure if you wanted to keep them for the next one.”

“I’m not sure if I’ll be doing another...”

“Oh, you will, Alora.” Malcolm’s voice came from behind me. “I’ve already called the head office and told them how well you did. They have two more dates for you to host a midnight release. They want you to host a book ball here forThe Broken Reach Seriesnext year, too. The author will be attending to sign the midnight copies.”Whoa! The Broken Reachwas one of my all time favourite fae books.

“ButThe Broken Reach Seriescompleted last year?” I frowned, looking towards the main door where Darce had just walked in. His eyes met mine and quickly dropped as he slipped out of his coat and made his way downstairs to the breakroom to put his belongings away.

“She has one last book, and wants to do the midnight release here in her hometown.” A ballhere? My mind was racing. It was going to bephenomenal! “Are you up for the challenge? It’s going to take quite some planning.”

“I’m in!”

Malcolm eyed me suspiciously. “You almost seem excited, Alora.” I gave him a smile. I couldn't deny it. I was going to be planning agrand fae ball! For the first timeever, I could pretend I was living in one of my books for the night.

“You can count on me. I’ll make this ball spectacular. What’s the date?”

“January. You don’t have long, but I’ll speak with the head office about the budget. They are happy to fund it all.” This was becoming more perfect by the second. “Anyway, I’ll leave you to it. Are you okay to lock up tonight?”

“Of course.” Didn’t I most nights?

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IMANAGED TO HIDE FORa few hours, putting all the furniture back into place upstairs before Theo came to interrupt me. “Did you and Darce have a fight?”

“No! Why do you ask?”

“You’reboththrowing shit around, and have faces like you might punch someone.”We did?“You can talk to me, you know. You might not be a talker, but I can tell you’ve got stuff going on in that head of yours.” Theo would be the last person I’d confide in.

“I’m good. Last night was a late one, so I’m a little tired. I have no idea what Darce’s deal is.”

“Yeah, I’m sure you don’t.” Theo sighed, watching me for a few moments. “The offer is always there, Alora.” Luckily, I didn’t have to tell him to fuck off. Theo got the message and left me alone.

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