Page 12 of Accidentally Falling for My Fake Wife

“Something to be said about small towns.” He shrugs, and Mrs. Baker winks at him.

“Go ahead, look around, and let Maggie or me know if you need help finding anything. By the time you come up to check out, I’ll have everything done for you.” He turns his head and looks around.

My heart races, and I slump in my chair. I’m still embarrassed about my earlier rambling session, and I’m not ready for more of the same. I need to get my wits about me where he’s concerned, and I don’t care what Mrs. Baker or Maggie think.

When I’m certain the coast is clear, I pop my head up and look at what Adam is doing. I catch him just as he strolls down the thriller aisle.

“Typical,” I mumble before flipping the magazine open to help cover my face.

He slowly peruses the books, running his hand over them, but instead of stopping at any one in particular, he turns the corner and disappears behind the shelves.

Well, isn’t that interesting? If Mr. Adam Daniels isn’t a thriller type of guy, what genre reader is he?

I lean in my seat, trying to magically make the shelves blocking my view disappear, nearly knocking myself over but to no avail. As tall as he is, those bookshelves are a good foot taller.

“Mmmhmm.” I glance over to see Mrs. Baker watching me, an amused smile on her lips. Heat creeps up my face. My heartbeat is throbbing throughout my body.

I smile sheepishly, shrug a shoulder, and pretend to be focused on the magazine I’m holding up to cover my face, even though she knows exactly what I’m doing.

“All done?” Maggie asks, causing me to pick up my eyes and glance at Adam as he casually walks out of the romance aisle.

Surprise washes over me, and my eyes widen. I lift the magazine higher, peek around the edge, and watch him place the book on the counter.

Maggie quirks an eyebrow and gives him a mischievous smile. “Good choice.”

Hmm…an MMC who reads romance novels?

A spark of creativity has ideas starting to turn over in my mind. Maybe this was the plot twist that I needed…

Adam's shoulders tense a bit. I’m beyond curious to see what book he picked out, and I’m almost positive it’s a romance novel. A grin pushes its way to my lips.

“Here’s your library card. The book is due back two weeks from today,” Maggie says as she hands over the book and card, along with his driver’s license.

“Thank you,” his deep voice runs through me like a warm breeze on a hot summer day. Just as he turns to walk out, he glances in my direction; I slouch lower and pull the magazine up, ensuring my entire face is covered.

I’m sure this lookstotallynatural and not at all strange.

When I hear the door close, I bring the magazine down and stare at the door.

The laughter from the reception desk reaches my ears, and my body heats. Pushing the chair out from under me, I pack up my things.

“Heading out, Susie?” Mrs. Baker asks teasingly, indicating she finds my behavior amusing.

“Yup.” My cheeks heat even more.

“We will see you tomorrow?” Maggie struggles to hold back laughter, and I shove the remainder of my things away.

“Most likely,” Fully packed, I grab everything and head for the door. I quickly wave over my shoulder, refusing to meet the humor I’m sure to find dancing in both of their eyes. “Have a good night.”

“You too,” Maggie and Mrs. Baker say together.

As the door closes behind me, their laughter follows me.

The soft murmur ofactivity in Thanks-A-Latte barely registers as my writer’s block has dissipated, and the words are freely flowing.

I could scream in excitement, except I’m too busy immersed in the story.

When I got home from the library, ideas were brewing, but after a quick conversation with Chase, it was like a dam of words was unleashed.

---