Page 21 of Jaeda

“So you like fantasy?”

“I’ll read most any genre, but fantasy is my favorite. What about you?”

“I, um, . . . mostly read romance. I guess you can say I’m a hopeless romantic.”

I looked down at her bag with a logo on it that read “Missing My Book Boyfriends.”

I chuckled as I fingered the bag. “How many book boyfriends will I find myself competing with?”

She giggled as she searched the shelves. “My book boyfriends aren’t who you have to worry about.”

“Let me guess. It’s your brothers and your father.”

“And my uncles, cousins, stepfather, and my baby brother.”

“Baby brother? How old is he?”

“He’s eight, and he doesn’t play about his big sister. Watch yourself before he runs up and kicks you in the ankles.”

I laughed. “I don’t want any smoke.”

“Do you have siblings?” she asked, pulling a book off the shelf.

“Nah. My parents were lucky to have me. They quit while they were ahead. The closest thing I have to a brother is Titan.”

“How long have you two been friends? I have to say, you don’t seem like a pair.”

“We are total opposites in most things, but we learn a lot from each other. If you ever really get to know him, you’ll love him.”

“I’ll take your word for it. My sister can’t seem to get enough of him.”

I shook my head. “He can’t get enough of her, either. Full transparency? They are getting on my nerves.”

Her hand flew to my arm where she gripped it. “Oh. My. God. Yes. If I have to hear Mia complain about that man one more time, I’m gonna scream. I know she likes him, that much is obvious. I just don’t get the appeal of breaking up to make up. That’s exhausting.”

“I’m with you when you’re right. Maybe one day they will get it together.”

“Maybe.”

We continued to talk and look through the shelves as we walked up and down the aisles. After grabbing an arm full of books, we treaded to the counter to pay for them. When she pulled out her wallet, I stopped her.

“I wouldn’t invite you and not cover your tab,” I said, gently pushing her hand away.

“I can pay for my?—”

“I’m aware that you can pay, but I didn’t ask or require you to. Put your card away.”

The cashier’s eyes widened. “Girl, put that card away.”

Jaeda hesitantly slid the card back into her wallet and put the whole thing away.

“Thank you.”

“No thanks needed.”

The cashier smirked as she rang up and bagged our things. With both of our purchases in hand, we headed over to the barista bar to grab a drink and a light snack. While our order wasprepared, we seated ourselves. For a moment, we just sat there staring at each other with smiles on our faces.

She was so damn beautiful that I could just stare at her for hours. I realized that was a bit creepy, though, so I tried to avert my gaze a little. She tucked an invisible strand of hair behind her ear, and the act drew attention to the small “J” tattoo on her neck.

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