Page 94 of Bookworm

"And that you'll take advantage of this opportunity to introduce the aimless young people of your generation to the joy of books."

"I'd love to, Mrs. Welks."

"And," she said, holding up a finger, "that you personally will ensure this year's Friends of the Library is the best one yet."

"You have my word," I promised. "I'll do all I can to make it a success."

She gavea nod. "Then you can go."

It took a moment to set in, but once it did, elation poured through my veins.I wasn't gettingfired.The fates had smiled upon me. It was a freaking miracle, and I wouldn't take it for granted.

"Ms. Kent."

Looking over my shoulder, I said, "Yes?"

"Remember, no visitorsallowed behind the counter," she said. "Not even your cute boyfriend."

With a nod, I hurried out before she could change her mind.

As if she'd conjured him, Bo was standing with his elbows on the counter when I came back. He looked at me and lifted a brow.

"Everything okay?" he asked.

"Yeah," I said, "of course. Did you need something?"

"Do I need a reason to come visit my girl?"

Heat rising in my cheeks, I ignored the twin sighs I heard from my friends.

But I couldn't deny the effect his words had on me.Every time he said the words "my girl" or called me his "girlfriend," my heart took flight. It happened without fail. This was fake, I reminded myself. But the very real flutters remained in my chest.

"Missed me already, huh?" I joked, thinking he would scoff, roll his eyes, or, dare I hope, laugh again.

But Bo did none of those things.

He just said, "Yeah, maybe I did."

"I wasn't expecting"—you to say that—"to see you so soon."

"Good or bad surprise?" he asked.

"Good," I said softly.

His eyes grew bright. "Glad to hear it. I'm alsoreturning these"—Bo passed some books across the counter—"and picking up a few more."

The books on today's list were familiar.

"Some of my favorites are on here," I said.

"Oh yeah?"

I nodded.

"Then I'll be sure to read them," he said.

For some reason, that made my eyes soften.I knew Bo probably noticed, but it couldn't be helped.

"Hey," another voice said, and I turned to see a girl about my age. "Weren't you two in that video?"

---