Page 24 of The Bookworm Who Stole Christmas
“Love you,” I shout after her, but she’s long gone.
I give her five minutes before I get out of the car and follow her inside.
Walking through the bookcases, I find the woman I’ve been searching for, placing books delicately onto the shelves like they’re the holy grail.
Leaning against a bookcase, I cross my arms and just watch her. Maddie looks like she’s in her element, her brunette hair tied up in a ponytail that showcases a slender neck I’m dying to nuzzle my head into so I can smell the vanilla scent of her skin.
This, right here, is what makes me think there’s someone happy and full of joy hiding underneath the layers of grumpiness. She cares, but she doesn’t want people to know that.
Maddie’s head snaps up, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “Hi.”
“Hi.” I smile back before strolling toward her. Maddie’s breathing quickens the closer I get. Leaning down, I place a kiss on her lips. “You look beautifultoday.”
Her body relaxes as she kisses me back. “You don’t look too bad yourself.” She scans me up and down, biting her bottom lip.
I didn’t think I looked that good in my jeans, Henley T-shirt, and jacket, but by the way her eyes light up, I think she likes what she sees.
“What are you doing tonight?” I ask, cupping her face in my palm. I can’t help it; I have this crazy urge to touch her all the time.
“I was gonna stay home and read. There’s this new book out calledHavenby Wren Willoughby that I’ve been dying to read.”
I marvel at the way she rushes out her words, the excitement clear on her face.
“And there was me wanting to take you out,” I huff, pretending to be upset. I’m not, but from the way she’s talking about the book, there’s a high chance that she’ll stay in, and I need to show her another thing to love about Christmas.
Maddie bites her bottom lip. “What about Amelia?”
“She’s at my mom's again.” I roll my eyes jokingly.
“Won’t she be upset about you… dating?” she asks nervously, shuffling around on her feet, a slight pink tinge to her cheeks.
I grin. “Amelia’s been begging me to start dating for a while now. Says it will give her more time to spend with my mom and dad. At this point, I’m starting to feel like she prefers them to me.” I chuckle before adding, “Besides, something tells me she’d be happy about this.”
And that’s the truth. The times I’ve managed to tie my daughter to the house, all she’s talked about is Maddie. How much she loves spending time with her. How Maddie treats her like a grown-up and not a child.
Watching Amelia form a bond with Maddie both scares and excites me. Maddie could be the greatest thing to ever happen to us, but if things don’t go the way I hope they will, then Amelia will be crushed. Oh, who am I kidding? I’ll be just as crushed, but as her dad, it’s my job to protect her. My gut is telling me this will all work out; I just need to have faith.
“Well, in that case…” she says, tapping her lip in contemplation. I raise an eyebrow at her. “I guess I could start the book tomorrow.”
“Good answer, sweetheart. I’ll pick you up later.” Stealing a quick kiss—because not kissing her, not touching her, feels impossible—I wrap my arms around her, soaking in the moment, reluctant to let go.
Finally, I draw back, a final kiss to her forehead before I make my way back to the car. The next phase in my plan whirls around my head, and I can’t wait to get started.
Chapter Fifteen
MADDIE
Butterflies flitter around in my stomach all day as I wonder what Parker has in store for tonight. I hate to admit it, but I love the way he is with me—like I’m the only person to exist in his world. It makes my chest feel warm, but the anxiety is creeping in. I mean, he’s never shown me anything other than kindness. He’s always touching me in some way or another. Plus, he’s hot as hell. I just feel like I’m constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop, for him to show his true colors.
His daughter, on the other hand, has been a godsend in the shop. She’s so good with the customers, and she’s taken to inventory and working the tills like she’s been doing it all her life. A feeling of pride swells inside me as I watch her interact with an elderly woman who’s come in looking for a historical romance. Amelia’s straight there with recommendations even though she hasn’t read them.
We often hang out when it’s quiet, and I tell her about all of my favorites. She sits there, enraptured, as she takes in every word I tell her. She’s like a sponge of knowledge at this point. Knowing she’s Parker’s daughter makes mefeel closer to her somehow. I can’t explain it, but she’s starting to feel like the little sister I always wanted but never had.
Walking through the stacks, I take a moment to breathe. It’s unusual for me not to be rushed off my feet, but now I have Amelia, it’s been nice to take a step back and let her handle things. For a thirteen-year-old, the girl is very mature for her age.
“Amelia?” I call out.
Her head pops up from behind the counter. “Yeah?”
