Page 45 of Bullet
A lot changed when my mom died. Maybe his feelings on me ending up with a brother has too.
Tara comes back then so I stand.
“Is she gone?” I ask, hating how weak I feel.
“She saw you come into the back. She asked if she could speak with you.” Tara winces. “Seems you made an impression before. I told her I would see if you had time. I can tell her you slipped out the back for lunch if you want.”
I know it’s not the woman’s fault that Bullet hit on her. I can’t even blame her for flirting back. Bullet is handsome and kind. He is a real catch. Still, part of me wants to hate her. It’s so irrational, but I don’t want to see her with him.
After a hard session of therapy, I really don’t want to go greet her, but I suck it up. I need to be a better person.
I can do this.
“It’s okay. I can pretend she is someone else. Thanks, Tara.”
“I’m right here if you need me,” she tells me.
I take a deep breath before I leave the backroom and head toward the romance section. As I walk up to the woman, I take stock of her in a way I hadn’t before.
She is beautiful. Her blonde hair is wavy, almost like a natural curl. It falls to her shoulders. She is facing away from me so I’m able to see and appreciate the ass she has. Girl must do squats to get an ass like that. No wonder Bullet took notice.
She turns, hearing me approach, and I’m struck by how beautiful she really is. She isn’t wearing makeup, but she doesn’t even need to. Pair that with her baby blue eyes and tight body that shows that she puts in work to maintain it, and, well, I don’t stand a chance.
“Hey, Tara said you asked for me?” I say, hating how insecure I feel.
“Yes. I hope this isn’t weird. I thought we had a good conversation last time, and well, I don’t have many friends. I was hoping you would chat about books with me, maybe?”
“I’m supposed to be working,” I tell her.
Her face drops. She is so sweet. I hate that we couldn’t be friends. I think had Bullet never walked in here, we would be close. I know I’m going to regret it, but I give her a small smile.
“Tara won’t mind if I take a break, though. My name is Harlee.” I tell her.
“Oh. I’m Adalyn. Nice to meet you.”
I shake her hand, feeling a bit awkward.
“So what book are you reading?” I ask her, trying to keep my mind on books and not Bullet.
“It’s this new one calledPanther’s Magpie. It’s about an MC set in Colorado. Have you read it?”
I shake my head. “We just got it in, but Tara has read it. She really enjoyed it.”
“I just started it, but it seems good. I found out there are actual motorcycle clubs around here, too. That’s crazy, isn’t it? I bet it’s nothing like the books.”
You’d be surprised.
“Oh, I’m sure. Nothing beats a good fantasy. So is that what you are into? Big bad bikers?” I ask, hating how my chest beats faster in my chest.
“Not really. I’m a shy person usually. I have never even had a boyfriend. I know. Sad. I’m twenty years old and have never had a real boyfriend. I have been out on a date or two, but they never turned out well. I prefer to find my romance in books.”
I let out a soft laugh. “Yeah, men in books are always better.”
Except for Bullet.
I won’t tell her that, though. I don’t need to encourage her.
“So other than books, what do you do?” I ask.
