Page 86 of Bookworm

"You want to try some?" Bo asked.

My sister shook her head. "No, thanks. I already ate."

"Sure," I said, using the plastic fork I'd brought from home.

Bo lifted a brow. "Full warning, it's an acquired taste."

I shot him a smile. "Ah, kind of like you and your grumpiness."

He scowled in reply.

"And there's the frown I love so much," I said.

"Glad to hear it," he replied, "though I know you like my smile better. What was it you said before? Oh yeah, it's like the sun coming out after a storm?"

"Good memory," I said, coughing to hide my blush.

Scarlett's eyes were shining with interest, but before she could ask any questions, I shoved a bite of kimchi into my mouth. Salty,sour, flavorful with a hint of heat.

"I like it," I said.

"You sound surprised," Bo said back.

Disregarding that, I took a bite of the pickled cabbage next, and my eyes widened.

"Ooh, I love that!" Pointing at it, I told Scarlett. "This one's my favorite, but you'd like the kimchi. Here."

Scarlett chewed then smiled. "That's delicious."

Bo hummed in agreement as he polished off another container.

"We'll have to look up the recipes so Dad can try," I said.

"I'll bring you some," Bo said. "My grandma makes enough to feed an army—which is basically enough for my parents because they love the stuff, especially my dad.But I know she wouldn't mind making more. Especially since you're her favorite new employee."

I shot him a look then turned to my sister. "Mrs. Lee barely talks to me when I'm at work."

"She says more to you than most," Bo said.

"And she always frowns whenever I'm around."

"Again, that's justHalmeoni."

Scarlett grinned. "So, she's tight-lipped andstern?"

I nodded. "She is, but I like her. A lot."

"Sounds like someone else we both know," she said, shooting Bo a pointed look.

Rolling my eyes, I turned to Bo. "We would love some kimchi and pickled cabbage.Thank you, Stryker."

He nodded at me and packed up his now-empty dishes in record time. "No problem. Aren't you going to eat?"

"Well, I was going to read first, but you distracted me with your magic sack-o-lunch."

Bo cocked his head. "If your sister wasn't here, I can think of a ton of other ways to distract you."

My jaw dropped.

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