Page 56 of Baby for My Enemy Billionaire

“If Katie keeps coming in here, I’m going to run out of books to sell,” I manage to joke.

“With the way she’s going, I wouldn’t be surprised,” Mrs. Clements laughs. “At least she’s got good taste. That’s what Finn says, anyway. He and my other son love science fiction and fantasy.”

I don’t know what to say to that. I busy myself with things behind the counter, only to feel my stomach lurch. It’s enough to make me grimace, and I grip the counter, making the room tilt slightly.

“What’s wrong?” Mrs. Clements is now frowning at me. “Jade? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” I manage a smile and slowly straighten up as the wave of nausea passes. “Just a touch of food poisoning, that’s all.”

“Food poisoning? Should you be working?”

“Haven’t got a choice. I’m the only one who can come in today, and I can’t afford to close.” I shrug. “Joys of owning a small business. I’ve been doing it for years, so this is nothing new.”

Mrs. Clements doesn’t look too happy about that.

“But if you’re sick…” she begins, but I quickly cut her off.

“It’s nothing I can’t handle, Mrs. Clements. I appreciate that you’re concerned, but I’m fine. I’ll be okay.”

I don’t feel okay, but I would rather she didn’t question me further. Mrs. Clements is a lovely lady, but she’s also Finn’s mother. I can’t exactly tell her things that would make it awkward between us. She would most definitely get embarrassed knowing what her son does in bed.

And it’s certainly not something I can say about her dad in a teenager’s earshot.

As if conjured up by my thoughts, Katie comes into view, carrying five thick books in her arms. She grins at me.

“Hey, Jade!”

“Hey.” I peer at the books that she’s carrying. “What on earth have you picked up?War and Peace?”

“No! I found that you have Robert Jordan, and I remember Dad saying that he used to read him a lot when he was my age.”

“I remember that,” Mrs. Clements chimes in. “But I’m sure I’ve got the books somewhere in my house. You should have let me know.”

“I know, Grandma, but I wanted my own copies. And the covers look really cool.” Katie puts the books on the counter. “Is that okay? Or is that too much?”

Mrs. Clements smiles and squeezes her granddaughter’s shoulder.

“Nothing is too much for you. I’m happy to buy you plenty of books.”

“At least you can enjoy books over and over again,” I say as I start scanning the books into the computer.

“Dad says the same thing,” Katie beams. “He says he likes that I prefer books to thousands in high-end clothes and shoes. What’s that going to get me other than a couple of minutes of people cooing over my outfits? It’s better to get something timeless, Dad says.”

She is looking at me intently when she says that. I don’t know what to say about that. Why does it feel like she’s dropping me a hint?

It must be my ill-addled brain working against me. I hear things in the strangest of conversations.

“Books are always going to be timeless.” I get a bag out for the books. “They always make us smile, among other things. Emotions can be driven by what we read all the time.”

“Dad actually says that as well,” Katie giggles. “You two sound more in tune like a married couple.”

The remark is so sudden that I drop the bag, and the books hit the ground with a thud. Mrs. Clements shakes her head at Katie.

“Katie, you shouldn’t say something like that!”

“I’m sorry, Grandma. It was just an observation.” Katie bites her lip. “Sorry, Jade.”

“No, it’s fine. It was…just surprising.” I pick up the bag. “I’m sorry if the books are bent. If you want to get fresh copies….”

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