Page 11 of Accidentally Falling for My Fake Wife

“Great!” Relief is evident in Steve’s voice, and tension I didn’t know I was carrying eases from my shoulders.

“Hey, Adam,” Nicole, Steve’s wife, pipes in the conversation. “Did you read Amelia Adams’ new book yet?”

Steve’s groan has me chuckling. Nicole and my sister OlivialoveAmelia Adams. It drives Steve crazy. What he hates even more is that the two got me hooked on her books, too. Her stories are the perfect blend of funny and sweet. At the same time, they leave you wanting to fall in love.

What can I say? I’m a romantic at heart.

“I didn’t! I’ll have to stop at the library on my way home. That may be the perfect settle-into-my-new-home book.”

“You have to learn your new playbook,” Steve mumbles. I can just imagine him rubbing his face.

“I can do both.” I laugh at his groan and make the decision to find the library in Pleasant Hollow.

Chapter Five

Susie

Unfortunately, my encounter witha modern-day Adonis, who is likely completely off-limits due to some bro code my extremely dense older brother goes by, did nothing to cure me of my writer's block. Which I mean, come on—that storyline has tropes galore!

A silent groan escapes me, and I drop my head in my hands. I’ve never been in this position before, and I’m getting discouraged, but focusing on it isn’t going to help.

It’s time to redirect my attention. I need a distraction from the problem at hand, Adam, and my writing…Chase immediately pops into my mind. I slide my phone over and open The Blitz Brigade. Does it matter that I looked five minutes ago? Not even a little.

My phone is on do not disturb, so maybe something came through—nope—still crickets.

Like the blank void in my mind.

My heart drops, and I blow out a breath, rumpling my hair.

What else can I do? I glance around the library and see no one else here besides me, Mrs. Baker, and Maggie. The two of them are chatting quietly amongst themselves while organizing books to return to the shelves.

I could go home, but what am I going to do there? Sit around and mope? Not an option…yet.

The library door groans, and in walks the Adonis himself.

Adam Daniels is a reader? Could he pile on the tropes anymore?

My eyes narrow as I realize, not for the first time, how much I sincerely dislike my brother.

“Hi. Adam Daniels, right?” Mrs. Baker holds out her hand. “I’m Elizabeth Baker, the town librarian, and this is Maggie, our assistant librarian,”

His big hand engulfs hers gently, making Mrs. Baker look even smaller.

My stomach swoops, and the butterflies are back in full swarm. Can this man get any more swoony?

Off-limits, girl,off-limits.

“Nice to meet you,” I can’t see his expression from here, but if the adoration on Maggie’s face means anything, he’s smiling at them. “I’d like to get a library card. Can you help me?”

“Will you be helping the Mavericks get to the playoffs this season?” Mrs. Baker's eyes crinkle around the edges, and I hear her snicker. “I’m just kidding, child. Of course we can help you! Are you an avid reader?”

“A good amount of the time, it helps me relax.” He nods, and Maggie spins away from him, swatting her hand in front of her face. The smile she throws my way turns my lips up at the corner. I understand her reaction to this man who is six feet two of near perfection.

“I don’t have anything with my address yet since I just got to town yesterday. Will my driver’s license be enough?” He reaches his hand into his back pocket and pulls out his wallet.

“That’s fine for now. Once you get a utility bill, just bring it in for verification.” She covers her mouth and whispers something to him, and he laughs.

A flutter runs through my entire body at the sound. I smack my forehead with my palm and shake my head.

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