Page 14 of The Bookworm Who Stole Christmas
“If it doesn’t work, that’s okay, but you have got to stop hiding. You’re too pretty for that,” she adds with a wink.
Perhaps Idoneed to stop hiding and open myself up to the possibility of a friendship with Parker or, dare I say it… maybe even love?
Chapter Nine
PARKER
Fifteen days and counting to change Maddie’s mind about Christmas, and everything isnotgoing according to plan. Mom thought the food drive would help, along with sending Amelia to the bookstore, but so far, nothing has worked. I need to go bigger and harder… but what?
I’ve been scratching my head trying to come up with ideas that won’t scare the shit out of her but will also get her in the Christmas spirit. All of the things I want to do are way over the top.
“That car finished yet, Parker?” Danny shouts across the garage, distracting me.
I slide out from under the hood. “Yeah, she’s good to go. Oil leak, but I’ve fixed it,” I reply, wiping my hands on a grease-streaked cloth.
I’ve been working at Danny’s Auto Shop since I moved here. I’m lucky he had an opening when he did. The old mechanic he had on staff was moving to the city for a career change. I can’t understand it personally—all I’ve ever wanted to be is a mechanic. There’s something about theway an engine fits together just so that’s always been fascinating to me. The purr of a V8 120-horsepower engine is enough to make me cum in my pants every time.
“Thanks, man,” he calls back, heading to the front office to answer the phone.
I’ve got four days left of work before we shut down for the holidays, and I’ve got to say, I’ve never worked at a garage that gives you two weeks off for Christmas, but I’m a huge fan. Getting to spend quality time with my family and hopefully fall in love—for real this time, sounds like perfection. Can’t get better than that.
Moving on to the next job of the day, I hope and pray I can change Maddie’s mind.
The snow’s been falling heavier, and the snowplows are out in full force in our small town. I’ve managed to walk to a few stores for last-minute presents, so I’ve not had to drive into the city. I used to love it there, but now it feels like a noose is wrapped tightly around my neck every time I go, so I try to avoid it at all costs.
Deciding on a quick caffeine and chocolate fix on my way home from work, I open the door to the coffee shop. I’m instantly hit with a wave of heat and the smell of freshly brewed coffee and cinnamon. Christmas music plays gently in the background as I brush the snow from my coat, stamp my feet on the rug to get the worst off, and walk to the counter, ordering the biggest mocha they have.
After the barista makes my drink, I turn to leave and notice a figure hunched over a table in the corner, their face hidden behind a curtain of brunette hair. I smirk, knowing exactly who it is, and walk over.
Stopping at her table, I say, “Is this seat taken?” Not original, but I tend to get tongue-tied around this woman… a lot.
Nothing.
I try again. “Is this seat taken?”
I’m starting to feel like a complete idiot when she brushes the hair back from her face to reveal an AirPod nestled in her ear. Feeling slightly calmer that it’s not because the attractive woman I have a slight crush on is ignoring me, I tap her shoulder.
Maddie’s head jerks up, her eyes wide as she notices it’s me. “Parker, what are you doing here?”
I chuckle as she takes the headphones out. “I thought that was pretty obvious? I’m drinking coffee… like you.” I gesture to the mug in front of her.
Her cheeks flush, and if I didn’t know any better, I’d think she was embarrassed. Maddie’s wearing her usual hoodie and leggings. It’s one of the things I like about her—she doesn’t need to make an effort to look good, she just does.
She’s every man’s version of a walking wet dream. Her grumpy exterior just makes me want to break it so I can see the woman she’s hiding underneath because I’d bet everything I own that’s exactly what it is—a shield to protect her from a world that’s hurt her over and over again.
The protective side of me wants to be that shield, to protect her from every harmful thing that’s ever been or is to come, but I have a funny feeling she wouldn’t like that; she seems far too independent. An oxymoron all wrapped up in one pretty package.
Even though she didn’t say I could, I slide the chair out from under the table and sit down. Maddie’s watching me warily, like she’s about to boltat any moment.
“I’ve never seen you out and about town before,” I state, because it’s true. I know most people in this town, and I’ve never seen her before the bookstore.
She shrugs her shoulders. “I don’t get out much.”
I nod. “So, what brings you out tonight, then?”
“The plumber’s sorting out my leaky shower. I didn’t want to—” she cuts herself off abruptly. “I can see my apartment from here, so I’ll know when he leaves and I can go home.”
I don’t pry, but something tells me there’s a story there. Changing the subject, I sip on my coffee before asking, “How’s the shop doing?”
