Page 4 of Falling Head Over Heels

I turn to see Alice rushing into the library, her brown pigtails swinging on either side of her head as she jumps into my arms. I catch her and spin around playfully. Alice and her mum Trudy hold a special place in my heart. Her mum comes to my book club on a Thursday night and Alice never misses an activities day during any school holidays. Usually, it's her childminder Lizzie that brings her, but I know she has just had surgery and will be at home resting which I guess is why her Uncle Jay’s here instead.

“Morning, Sadie.”

I look and see Jay smiling at me, there's something about this man when he wears a T-shirt and jeans is he always so damn presentable and hot.

“Morning Uncle Jay,” I reply smiling back at him.

“Just Jay is fine,” Jay smirks causing his eyes to light up. I have to stop myself from throwing myself at him and quickly turn my attention back to his niece.

“Have you been enjoying the school holidays so far?” I ask. Alice nods her head before glancing at her uncle.

“I’m sorry that Lizzie’s not well but I’m enjoying seeing Uncle Jay more,” she says smiling up at him. It’s obvious this little girl has a lot of love for him and the way he’s smiling at her back I can tell they are a close family.

“I’m glad I’m getting to spend time with you too, sweetheart,” Jay replies. I look between the two of them and decide to give them some space.

“I need to go and get a few things sorted I’ll see you both in a minute,” I say before rushing off. I turn around and glance around the bookshelves to where Jay and Alice stood. Jay has gotten down in front of his niece and they're both talking and laughing together.

I can’t wait to tell Trudy how close Alice and her uncle are. I know Trudy always worries about there not being a male influence in the household. But I think with Jay being close his niece doesn’t need anyone else.

I turn to see more children arriving in the children’s area and go off to greet them looking forward to the activities I have planned for today.

???

It's just after two and the children are all sitting together painting a picture from Fantastic Mr Fox. So far the day has been a success and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. Amy has just asked me to find a copy of a book for someone. I’m currently rummaging through the bookshelves trying to find it when I hear someone clear their throat behind me. I turn around to find Jay smiling at me I can’t help but smile back as I stand tall.

“Can I help you with something?”

Jay rubs the back of his neck before grinning.

“I don’t know, can you?”

“That depends on what you’re after,” I reply leaning back a little against the shelves.

“I was wondering if you thought any more about joining me one evening?” he asks. If I didn’t know any better I would say he’s almost nervous.

“I told you I don’t date,” I point out.

“Not even for me?”

“Especially for you. Don't you have someone else you can irritate into dating you?” I tease. One side of his mouth lifts further than the other and I can’t miss the sparkling in his green eyes as he leans in closer.

“Maybe I don’t want anyone else. It’s only you I want to take out.”

I reach up and pat his broad chest. Liking the way it feels under my hand which I allow to linger against his shirt a moment longer than is needed.

“I’m sure you’ll get over it and move on quick enough,” I reply smiling before moving away and continuing to look for this book.

Jay leans back against the shelves behind him and crosses his arms over his chest. This man knows how good-looking he is and how to play on it. I have to keep reminding myself to tread carefully around him. He has the charm to make you fall quickly.

“Maybe you are leaving me a broken-hearted man, who will never recover,” he says smirking. I burst out laughing before pat in his chest again just wanting a reason to touch him. I need to stop this before I drive myself mad why do I want him so bad when I know I can’t have him?

“Are you dating someone is that why you won’t come out with me?” he asks. I shake my head.

“I told you I don’t date anymore. I have plenty of book boyfriends to keep me company.”

“What do these book boyfriends have that I don’t?”

“One word, wingspan,” I tease as I go to walk away. But he blocks me in.

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