Page 6 of Secrets in the Stacks

She dried off, then folded herself into the towel. “Thanks for this. I can’t believe I didn’t bring one out.”

“I just grabbed one out of the hall closet. I hope that was okay.” He opened another beer and handed it to her. “How was your day at the festival? I had a ton of tours purchased. And a lot of the basic gear. I need to restock tomorrow morning.”

“We were busy as well. If you want, I can send Darby over to watch your booth while you restock.” Rarity thought about the way Darby had left the cooling tent. “If she even comes back tomorrow.”

“She’ll come back. Whatever was bothering her, she’ll figure it out. If not, Catherine will browbeat her into going to work. That woman has a work ethic to shame a nun.” He rolled his shoulders. “Maybe I should start swimming too.”

“The pool’s available when I’m not in it.” She gazed out over the darkening skyline. “I have to admit, I love my house.”

“And Sedona?” he asked.

“Yes, and Sedona. And don’t go there. It’s too early for the L-word.” She laughed as Killer jumped on her lap. “Except for you, little guy. I love you.”

“I can’t believe I’m jealous of a dog. I guess I’m just going to have to be patient.” He nodded to the house. “Ready to start dinner?”

“Please, I’m starving. And I guess I should open my box.” She stood and followed him into the house.

After changing clothes, she grabbed some scissors from the kitchen and cut into the tape holding the box together. She pulled out a teapot for the stove. It was red and shiny and brand-new. She shot Archer a look. “Did you think I needed a new teapot?”

He passed her on the way out to the grill with a tray. “Sorry, not a gift from me. Maybe another boyfriend?”

She studied the label and then searched through the box. She tucked all the extra paper back into the box and set the teapot on the table. Then she took the box outside and put it in the trash bin next to her backyard gate. When she came back to the table, she shrugged. “No note, no card, and just in case you’re wondering, no other boyfriend.”

He glanced at the pot through the window. “Are you sure you didn’t order it?”

“Positive. Maybe it came from a friend, and they forgot to tell me. I’ll ask Sam in the morning. Anyway, let’s get dinner cooking. I’ve got a movie I want to throw into the discussions for our after-dinner entertainment.”

Chapter 3

Saturday morning, Rarity opened the festival bookstore tent promptly at nine. Archer had brought over coffee and an assortment of bakery items from Annie’s, and they’d eaten breakfast together before the day started. She was liking having a someone in her life again. Something she never thought she’d say after the breakup with Kevin. She’d been hurt, badly, when what she thought was a forever relationship hadn’t lasted when they’d hit their first hurdle—her cancer diagnosis and treatment. Archer knew her past, and he didn’t treat her like she was fragile or contagious. He liked her. And she liked the thought of them. Together.

She pushed the romantic musings away and started reviewing the shelves, moving books into categories, like novels or self-help or her most popular seller, Sedona travel, hiking, and history books. She picked up a Sedona history book and glanced through it, wondering if the author was local. The name Cheryl Jackson wasn’t familiar. Rarity turned the book over and read the bio. It said that Cheryl lived in Sedona and enjoyed hiking and reading. She’d ask Sam or Archer or Drew. All of her friends knew more about Sedona history and its people than she did.

A couple hesitantly stepped inside the tent. The woman caught Rarity’s gaze. “Sorry, are you open?”

“Yes, I am. Are you looking for something specific?” Rarity set down the book and made a mental note to ask about the author this week. Maybe she could schedule a book signing with her if she had a new book releasing soon. She focused on the couple and directed them to the correct area. Then another person walked in.

When Darby arrived, the bookstore was filled with people. She met Rarity’s gaze and followed her nonverbal direction to a man who’d asked about hiking books. Rarity rang up a purchase, then pointed to the wall where the cooling station was set up. “You may not be overheated now, but if that happens later, check out the hydration and cooling station. It’s staffed by one of The Next Chapter’s book club members, and there’s someone available to give you a free tarot reading.”

The woman’s eyes lit up as she took the bag. “I’m heading over right now, then. I wanted to get one from Madame Zelda’s shop, but she’s booked out all week. We’re going home tomorrow.”

“Hopefully Carson’s not busy.” Rarity watched as the woman scribbled her name on the charge slip and then hurried out to the next tent. Rarity nodded to the next woman in line. She took the book the woman handed her and smiled. “Oh, that’s a great book. I just finished reading it last week.”

Just as Rarity’s stomach started growling, Malia came into the tent. She stood next to Rarity until she had a break in the customer line. “Hey, we’ve got food over in the other tent if you want to take a break. Just pizza and salad, but it’s good. I can hang around and help Darby until you get back.”

“You’re a sweetheart.” Rarity waved Darby over from where she had been stocking the last of the books she’d brought over from the bookstore on Friday. When Darby came closer, Rarity explained the changeup. “You can go eat after me. I won’t take long.”

“I’m not sure I want to see Carson again right now. I was pretty emotional last night when I left. Although, I probably owe her an apology and an explanation.” Darby looked over toward the wall that separated the two tents. “I’ve just been so worried about my upcoming mammogram. I shouldn’t have let her reading get to me.”

“Remember, readings are always just for fun.” Rarity wanted to pull her assistant into a hug, but they weren’t at that level of their friendship yet. Darby had felt vulnerable last night with the reading. All she needed was Rarity pushing herself on her. “I’ll take Killer with me so you don’t have to worry about him wandering off or going to look for me.”

“He’s really attached,” Darby said as another couple entered the tent. “You go have lunch. I’ll be fine.”

“I’m here too.” Malia shoulder-bumped Darby. “You act like she’s leaving you all alone.”

“Your reading habits are pretty narrow. Have you even read a book on Sedona yet?” Darby teased as the two walked over to greet the new arrivals.

Rarity switched the leash to Killer’s walking lead. She had needed to take him out anyway. He’d spent most of the morning hanging out under the table, but she’d kept a tie on him anyway, just in case. “Do you need to go out and find a rock?”

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