Page 41 of Cinderella Screwed Me Over
“Exactly,” I said. Lately, I’d been enjoying being at the office less and less, but I still loved what I did. “And who couldn’t use a nice sanctuary to go home to at the end of the night? That’s where I come in.”
“I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed with my place. It’s really boring and bare.”
I leaned in. “Who said anything about going to your place?”
“Well, that’s where dessert’s going to be.” A devilish grin spread across his face. “And trust me, you want dessert.”
…
Jake paused near the erotica shelves of the bookstore. “Isn’t this your favorite section?”
Heat spread through my cheeks. “I was trying to avoid you and just happened to hide there. I didn’t realize where I was until I looked at the book in my hands.” I glanced up at him. “And in case you didn’t notice, I’m into bondage, so I could tie you up and no one would ever find you. Don’t mess with me.”
“I wouldn’t dare.” He put his arm around me, hooking his hand on my hip. “Where to, then?”
“Mystery.”
We walked toward the back of the store. I browsed the titles, waiting for something to catch my interest.
Jake picked up one and studied the back. “What are you looking for?”
I slid out a book, then pushed it back in. “Something intense. The scarier the better.”
Jake ran his knuckle down my arm, my blood rushing to every place his skin had touched mine. “How scared do you have to be to call me up and tell me to come over?”
“And admit I need anyone but me, myself, and I?” I joked, shaking my head. “Never going to happen.”
He gave me a quick peck on the lips. “I’m going to go browse the history section.”
“How boring does your book have to be before you call me up and tell me to come over?”
“Not very. I don’t mind admitting I need someone else.” Jake tugged me closer and pressed his lips to mine again, lingering for long enough to make me lightheaded, then walked away.
Grinning like an idiot, I turned my attention back to the shelf. After a few minutes, I selected a Lehane novel and headed to the front to purchase it.
“Darby?”
I turned toward the voice. My heart dropped when I saw Allen. Of all the bookstores in all the world, he had to come walking into mine. He leaned in like he was going to hug me, and I stepped back.
Allen dropped his hands, hurt etched across his face. The lines in his forehead were more pronounced than they used to be, but he still looked handsome. For a no-good, cheating liar. “After all these years, you’re still mad?”
“Am I still mad?” Heat wound through my veins and my breaths came quicker and quicker. “You made me the other woman without my knowing it. So yeah, I’m still mad.”
“Alicia and I ended up getting divorced about a year after we had our daughter. We just couldn’t work it out.”
“Even if I could believe anything you’re saying, it doesn’t matter. I don’t care about you and your wife or ex-wife, or whatever your situation is.”
“Look, I’m trying to apologize here. I didn’t mean to involve you in my messy marriage. I really did care about you, and I’m sorry that you got hurt.” Allen took a step toward me. “I just wish that things had gone—”
“Don’t even start with your wishes,” I said, throwing up a hand. “You don’t get any more wishes.”
An arm wrapped around my waist. “Is everything okay here?” Jake asked.
“I’m ready to go.” Being here suddenly felt suffocating. I set my novel down on a random display and charged out of the store, into the cool night air.
A moment later, Jake stepped next to me. “What was that all about?”
“Nothing.”
