Page 13 of Overdue

“Hey, Austen, it’s time for storytime. Can you watch the circulation desk?”

“Of course.” I try to wipe the slobber off my face without her noticing. I tug my skirt down, smooth my hair, and pray my makeup still looks like I haven’t fallen asleep in the middle of the day.

At the circulation desk, I find the stack of books I ordered for Reed. They must have arrived while I was in my office. Was I snoring, and Kim just let me sleep? I look around the library, mortified. Hopefully, no one else was privy to that information.

“Now what to do about these books,” I murmur to myself. I’ll deliver the books to Reed, I decide, and then I want nothing more to do with him.

I find his library card on the computer and run the barcodes through the scanner. With any luck, I won’t see him for two weeks after today. He can drive to the next town over to have someone else fill his request.

He doesn’t come back to insult me again by closing time, so I gather up the books and haul them to my car. Carrie, the other part-time staff member, can handle anyone who comes in right before we close.

I should probably leave the books here and let her call him. But, I’m a glutton for punishment.

I try to convince myself to turn around all the way to the Campbells’ house. We’re adults though, we should be okay. Right? I park in front of Reed’s house and climb the steps to the front door. Reed answers a few minutes after I press the doorbell dressed only in a faded pair of jeans.

All I have to do is keep my eyes focused on his face. I try really hard. I promise. But, they have a mind of their own and take a peruse down his body. His hard chest gives way to the ripples of his six-pack. They should be illegal in public. I both want to run away and lick a line down his happy trail. Is that penis cleavage? Damn.

I hear Reed clear his throat. What am I doing? Oh, that’s right, books. My eyes reluctantly slide their way back up his body to his face. It’s a good trip.

There’s a smirk on his face. Great. What he doesn’t need is his ego fed. His arrogance already knows no bounds.

“I brought the books you asked for.” I manage to get out, even if the words are a little gravelly. I hand the stack to Reed and wait for his apology for earlier.

He grunts in response. That was it? Not a sorry? Just a grunt? Dick. Then that jerk raises one eyebrow at me. Did I say that out loud?

I must have, because that smirk spreads back across his face. He opens his mouth. I’m sure he’s come up with something he didn’t get out earlier. I’m not waiting to be insulted this time.

Before I can stop myself, I feel my hand connect to his cheek. The sound it makes is impressive. So is the red hand print forming on his cheek.

“Fuck, Austen,” he says, dropping the books at his feet. His gloriously naked feet. Okay, it’s time for me to go. I make it down the steps and onto the sidewalk before I’m spun around by a strong hand gripping my bicep. “Wait,” he says.

“What, Reed? What?” Wow, that handprint is really visible now. It is just possible that I’ve overreacted. I know; you’re shocked. He stands, staring at me. “You’re an asshole.” Turning around, I stomp toward home. I’ll get my car later.

“Austen.” I swear if he touches me one more time, a red cheek will be the least of his problems. “Look, I’m sorry. I’m sorry about what I said earlier today. I’m sorry about what I said last night.”

Reed apologizing is something new. I stop and spin around so fast that he almost runs into me. “I’m sorry about whatever I did wrong a few seconds ago.”

“Don’t.” I place a hand on his chest to keep him back. My body heats with just that small amount of contact. His head tilts to look at where my fingers linger against him. Quickly, I snatch my hand back.

“Just don’t even try. I get it, okay? I get that you don’t like me. So I’ll make a deal with you, Reed Campbell. I’ll stay away from you, and you can return the favor.”

I hurry down the sidewalk, trying to hold back the tears. I just have to pass three more houses, and then I’ll be safely home, far away from messy blond locks and light blue eyes. Away from perfect abs and strong arms. Away from the conflicting feelings he inspires in me.

Home. Where I can continue to put my life back on track without the distraction of Reed Campbell filling my senses.

“Austen,” he calls. I pick up my pace. I’m jogging now. Just one more house. At least he didn’t follow me. A part of me desperately wants him to. No wonder he treats me the way he does. I’m a complete trainwreck. How do I both want him and loathe him?

Reaching the door, I pull open the screen, taking just a moment to look back down the street. He’s still standing in the middle of the sidewalk, staring after me in his low-hung jeans. Jerking open the door, I stomp inside without waving. It’s the first time I haven’t waved to let him know there’s still a chance to be friends in the end.

six

REED

So, about that slap.

I’ve been up all night, thinking about it. I do have to give her this: the girl still has a hell of an arm. Gran took one look at the bright red handprint on my face when I walked back into the kitchen and just shook her head. She didn’t have to point it out. I know I’ve messed up again.

The worst part is, I was just taking a minute to make sure my apology was straight in my head. I opened my mouth to begin when she slapped me.

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