Page 125 of Bookworm

"I've got to go return these to Bo."

"What's in there?" Natalia asked.

"Smells good," Casey commented.

I opened the containers and showed them the rice crispy treats. There were plenty, but I'd made them especially to thank Bo and Mrs. Lee for the kimchi and cabbage. After allowing my girls to take one each, I closed the lid.

"I'll be right back," I said and walked toward the door. "Hold down the fort."

"We will," Casey said, "and no rush."

"Tell Bo we said hi," Natalia said.

My hand was on the door when Casey added, "And don't forget to ask him about the kiss!"

With a nod, I left and quickly crossed the street. Why hadn't I objected? What was wrong with me? Yes, I'd do anythingI could for Friends of the Library. I always dedicated myself one hundred percent.It was just…in the past, that hadn't included asking my fake boyfriend (ex-fake boyfriend?) to kiss me again.

But I would.

I just might not do it right this very second. Something like that took courage. I decided I'd have to work myself up to it then ask—and then, if helaughed in my face, possibly change my name, dye my hair, move across the world, and live in a hut on the edge of nowhere selling hair bows, playing the violin for tips, and reading romance aloud to keep myself company. Could be worse.

Shaking my head, I took a deep breath and entered the flower shop.

I was relieved when the only person I saw was Meech, sitting behind the register.

"Hey Meech," I said. "How's it going?"

Strangely, she looked just as relieved to see me.

"Lottie! Oh thank goodness," she said, standing up. "Mrs. Lee stepped out for a second; the guys are on break, and I'm supposed to be in charge until everyone gets back. But I have to peesobad."

I bit back a smile.

"Can you watch the register?"

"Of course," I said and stepped behind the counter.

"Are you sure?" she asked, clearly doing the pee-pee dance. "It'll only be a few minutes, and no one ever comes in at this time anyway."

"Go, go," I said. "It's no problem. I just came to give Bosomething. I've got nowhere to be."

"Bless you," she said then made a mad dash for the bathroom. She hollered, "And I'll do whatever art you want for the charity thing!"

"Thank you," I yelled back.

Chuckling to myself, I stood there, placed the containers on the counter and settled in to wait. How would Bo react to seeing me here? How would he react to what I had to ask him? How would I bear it if he turned me down?

The door to the shop chimed, breaking me out of my thoughts.

I smiled and said, "Welcome toMrs. Lee's FlowerShop.What can I help you with?"

Thecustomer looked to be in his mid-20s, male with a buzz cut, baggy t-shirt and jeans, tennis shoes that'd seen better days. His eyes werea little shifty, looking around the shop before theycame back to me. I didn't like to judge based on appearance, though, so I just smiled brighter.

"There's a wide selection of flowers for any and all occasions," I said, trying again. "I'm Lottie. Was there something you need?"

"Yeah," he said, "there is."

Suddenly, he pulled out a handgun and leveled it at my chest.

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