Page 113 of Bookworm

But no, I thought. He'd seemed lost when I'd referenced them in the past and even said himself that he hadn't read the few I'd mentioned.

Mrs. Lee patted his shoulder with a fond look. "You are a good grandson," she said.

Again, he nodded then began walking with me toward the door.

"Charlotte-Lottie-Lotte."

I turned to look over my shoulder. "Yes, Mrs. Lee?"

"A Night Out with Austen charity event," she said. "You're in charge?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Will there be flowers?"

I nodded. "Oh yes, we'll have a few fake arrangements."

Mrs. Lee's face pinched as if she smelled something rotten.

"They're for the table centerpieces," I added.

"No," she said, "you need real flowers."

"Um, that would be nice. But we really can't afford to—"

"I will provide." She waved off my concerns. "Mrs. Lee's FlowerShop will be a sponsor."

My chest filled with warmth. "That would be awesome! Thank you so much, Mrs. Lee."

"Hmph."

"Also, if you ever want to discuss romance novels, I love them too," I said. "I could give you a ton of new recs."

Mrs. Lee studied me with a thoughtful expression. After a moment, she said, "Contemporary?"

"Yes."

"Rom com?"

"Of course."

"Historical?"

"Always."

She lifted a brow. "Sweet and spicy?"

"Equal love for both," I said with a grin. "Though I never really look at that before I read a book. If the blurb hits me or I laugh within in the first10 pages, I'll read it."

Mrs. Lee sniffed. "I'll consider your offer."

"Awesome," I said, my lips lifting into a full-blown smile. "See you later and thank you so much again for sponsoring."

She nodded, and as we left, I could've sworn she mumbled, "Fake flowers? Not on my watch." The sun was setting as Bo and I walked to the library. I kept glancing at him then the books in his hand, couldn't help it.Bowaseyes ahead, alert—but obviously aware of my scrutiny. By the second or third time Ilooked at him, his scowl was etched so deep I thought his face would stay that way.

"So," I said casually, "those aren't your books."

"Never said they were," he grumbled.

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