Page 25 of Tempting My Billionaire Master

As I reached the center of the town, a large building came into view, its lights glowing like a beacon in the darkness. I quickened my pace, approaching the old brick facade.

The library. Of course. My lips curled into a wry smile. If only my high school teachers could see me now, seeking refuge in the halls of learning.

It struck me as odd that a library would be open at this hour, but I desperately needed access to the internet or a phone, and I had no other options.

I slipped through the heavy wooden doors and breathed in the familiar scent of books and coffee. The front desk was deserted, silent except for the soft hum of fluorescent lights overhead. I strained to hear any signs of life, and faint voices reached my ears. Cautiously, I followed the sound, my heart pounding in my chest.

The voices led me to the reading area, where three elderly women sat around one of the numerous tables, playing cards. They noticed me and stopped talking, their eyes fixed on me with suspicion. The woman with silver hair narrowed her eyes, clutching her cards closer, her voice stern and challenging.

“If you’ve come to rob us, young lady, you’ve got another thing coming, sweetheart.”

Before I could respond, another old lady wearing a pink hat intervened. “Now, now, Susan, let’s not jump to conclusions.” She pursed her lips, scrutinizing me over the rims of her glasses. Then her expression softened into a smile. “Well, aren’t you the girl I met in the woods yesterday? What on earth are you doing out at this hour, child?”

Relief flooded over me as I recognized the kind face behind the wheel of that electric Smartcar. “It’s a long story,” I said sheepishly. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“Nonsense, dear,” she said, her eyes twinkling as she waved me over. “Why don’t you come join us?” She shuffled the deck and began dealing me into the game.

“By the way, I’m Mary,” the elderly lady in the pink hat introduced herself, “and this is Susan,” she gestured to the woman with gray hair, “and Elisabeth.” She indicated the third woman, who smiled at me kindly.

“Mary, Susan, and Elisabeth,” I repeated, taking in the trio of old ladies before me. Mary, with her pink hat perched atop a riot of white curls, exuded warmth and friendliness. Susan, her gray hair pulled back into a tight bun, had an air of sternness that was betrayed by the twinkle in her eyes. Elisabeth, the most glamorous of the three, wore a blonde wig styled in loose waves, her bright red lipstick making a bold statement even at this late hour.

“Exactly,” Mary said with a smile. “We find it hard to fall asleep as we grow older, so we call ourselves the Insomniacs. Our lovely librarian, Jess, allows us to gather here at night sometimes, to pass the time.”

As if on cue, a young woman appeared from behind a bookshelf, her short chestnut hair framing a face that radiated quiet strength. “Hi, I’m Jess,” she said, extending a hand to me. “I hope these ladies haven’t given you too much trouble.”

“Nice to meet you, Jess,” I replied, shaking her hand. “Actually, they’ve been incredibly kind. I’m Chloe. I hate to impose, but I was wondering if there’s a phone or computer I could use? It’s urgent.”

“Of course,” Jess nodded, but before she could say anything else, Susan interjected.

“Wait a minute, young lady. Where are you from? Why are you wearing men’s clothes? What happened to your cellphone? And what’s with the flashlight?”

“Really, Susan,” Mary chided, cutting her off. “We shouldn’t stick our noses in other people’s business.”

“Fine,” Susan huffed, turning back to her game. “I just think it’s odd, is all. This whole situation seems peculiar if you ask me.”

“Simple-minded people can’t comprehend the beauty of mystery,” Elisabeth chimed in, A smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. “Some of us appreciate a little mystery in life.”

Susan scoffed. “Beauty of mystery, indeed! This isn’t one of your plays, Elisabeth.”

“Neither is it one of your classrooms, Susan,” Mary added with a grin.

“Hey, you must be freezing,” Jess said, grabbing my hand and leading me away from the table. “Come on, let’s get you some hot tea to warm up.”

As Jess prepared the hot tea, she looked over at me with a gentle smile. “The Insomniacs are a nice bunch, but they can talk forever,” she said, pouring the steaming liquid into a ceramic mug. “Something tells me you’re in a hurry.”

“Thank you,” I said gratefully, curling my hands around the mug. The heat seeped into my skin, bringing my numb fingers back to life. “Sorry for intruding.”

“Nothing to apologize for,” Jess replied, shaking her head. “You must have your reasons, and I won’t pry. Just let me know if you’re in trouble.”

“No, it’s nothing like that, but thank you,” I murmured gratefully. Curiosity bubbled inside me as I took a sip of the tea. “What brings you here so late at night?”

Jess sighed, glancing back at the table where the three old ladies still chatted animatedly. “The mayoral election is coming up, and there’s this one candidate I don’t want winning. I’m researching ways to support the other candidate.”

I sensed there was more to the story, but decided not to push further. I ducked my head, staring into the mug. “I need to use a phone, if you don’t mind.”

“Here,” Jess said, handing me the landline phone she had fetched from behind the counter.

“Thank you. You’ve all been so kind.”

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