Page 1 of One Pucking Destiny

CHAPTER

ONE

SEBASTIAN

The green sign for the bookstore comes into view as I approach on foot. I’m embarrassed it took me so long to find this place, but seriously, the entrance is hidden down this narrow alleyway, and the sign is barely the width of a door. I hear that brick-and-mortar bookstores are a dying breed. But if they’re all as confusing to get to, I’m not surprised.

Michigan’s capital isn’t small, but I wouldn’t refer to it as a big city, especially the part that houses Michigan State University. I suppose it’s spread out as far as college campuses go, but it's not hard to navigate. Yet…finding this bookstore was like discovering the secret entrance to Knockturn Alley—a dodgy place wizards hang out. It’s a Harry Potter thing. I suppose that’s fitting since my sister Hattie and I read that series together several times while growing up, and I’m here finding a book she wants.

Hattie has been going on about some book she saw on TikTok that she’s dying to read. In her words, this book has “all the feels.” However, it’s by a local indie author, so it isn’t available in the big bookstores. While searching for the book this morning, I discovered this place had one copy. Yes, I could’ve ordered it from Amazon had I planned ahead, but this was a last-minute trip, and as is the custom when I visit my sister, I come bearing gifts. My sister’s love language is receiving gifts and mine is acts of service, making us a perfect pair. And yes, we buddy read that love language book together a few years ago, too.

We do most things together and always have. Growing up, we told everyone we were twins even though we were two months apart. After years of trying to conceive, my parents were told that having children naturally wasn’t in the cards for them, so they went the surrogate route. A few months into the surrogate’s pregnancy with Hattie, my mom found out she was pregnant with me. Our parents like to call us their miracles.

My phone buzzes from my back pocket. I pull it outto see Hattie’s face. Sliding my thumb across the screen, I answer. “Hey, what’s up?”

“Hey, Twin. When are you going to get here?”

“Soon. Had to make a quick stop.”

“Oh yeah? Need any suggestions for that stop?” Humor lines her voice.

“Would you stop tracking me on GPS? You take all the fun out of my surprises.”

“What?” She feigns innocence. “I’m just saying if you want any suggestions, you know, like some titles of books on my TBR, I’m here.”

“Actually, I am running a little late. I know you wanted to do dinner at that Mexican place before we go out, so I’ll just skip it and head your way.”

She snorts a giggle. “You little brat. Fine. I’ll love whatever you choose.”

“You always do.”

“True. You have good taste.”

“Obviously.”

“Well, hurry. I really am starving. I haven’t eaten all day in preparation for the restaurant. I can’t wait to stuff my face with their chimichanga. I’m ordering the mega chimi. I’ve been dreaming about that white cheese sauce.”

A smile spreads across my face, and I shake my head. “Be there soon.”

Phone back in my pocket, I pull open the door, and a bell chimes as I enter.

I’m sure Hattie has been here many times. The place is right up her alley, adorable and whimsical. I make a beeline to the romance section.

Now, I’m thinking about that white cheese sauce, too. I really should ask the server for the ingredients so I could recreate it and make it anytime. I simply need to figure out what kind of cheese they use.

Possible cheeses for the recipe flash through my head as I spot the bookBared Souls, with its pink and purple watercolor heart on the cover.

Bingo.

I reach for the book and am taken aback when, instead of the cover, my hand grabs someone else’s hand.

Startled, I look to my side to see a woman. But she’s not just any woman—she’s a goddess. She holds me in her big chocolate-eyed stare. Her long brown hair cascades down over her shoulders as she pouts out her lusciously full lips. Hot girl or not, this is the only copy of this book available, and I need it.

Blinking, I tear my gaze from her beautiful features and focus on our hands, both grabbing the book—the gift intended for my sister.

“Oh sorry, I’m getting this one,” I say, flashing her a smile laced with my foolproof boy-next-door charm.

Only she doesn’t seem remotely charmed. Her brows furrow as her mouth falls into a scowl. “No, I’m getting this one.”

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