Page 18 of Connected By Souls

Leading me to the back right corner, we pass a big display of Beck Hunter books. Several copies of each book are displayed on the table. “Wow, you have a nice display of Beck Hunter going. Are you a big fan?” I pick up one of the books.

“Ah, yes, well, it turns out that Beck Hunter has become one of our biggest donors to the library. With the funds, we can do the upgrades and start the children’s programs you’ll be running. We can also get more inventory and update our website so people can reserve books online and sign up for the programs they want to attend.” Lowering her voice, she leans close to me. “There’re rumors around town that the author lives here, but it’s probably just small-town gossip.”

“She’s my favorite author at the moment. Do you really think she lives here?”

She shrugs her shoulders. “Who knows? I guess it’s not so far-fetched since the donations have started. I always wondered why he chose our library. You saidshe, funny—I always thought Beck was a guy.”

“Hmmmm. I never really thought about it. I guess I just assumed because it was in the romantic genre, but Beck could go either way.” If a man writes those love scenes, his wife is one lucky girl. Their marriage has got to be hot. Those scenes do something to me on a whole other level. It’s like the author knows exactly what I like.

Stopping my thoughts before I start blushing, I follow Miss Sylvia to the children’s section. Glass doors lead to a back room with shelves half the size of the adult ones so the kids can reach all the books. Colorful rugs are laid out on the hardwood floors, and puzzles with various wooden toys are against the wall in baskets.

“What’s this room lead to?” I point my finger at a side door.

“Oh, it’s just an old storage room. I need to clean it out but haven’t gotten to it yet, so I keep it locked.” Pulling out her keys, she opens the door. A room about the size of a small bedroom is filled with old boxes and decorations. This would be a perfect art room for the kids to use and do crafts while their moms look for books in their section. We can also use this room for some kid events. Closing the door, Miss Sylvia continues to show me around while we discuss my duties. I go over some of the upgrades and programs I have in mind for the kids when we’re done.

The morning goes by fast as we decide what I’ll be in charge of. She shows me how to work the front desk and computer and loves all the ideas that I suggest. She puts me in complete control of the children’s department, and I can’t wait to get started on the projects. By the time two o’clock rolls around, I’m checking out customers and handling the returns. I gather my purse and walk to the back office to tell Miss Sylvia goodbye. She’s back there getting caught up on paperwork.

“Goodbye, Miss Sylvia.” I peek my head in. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

She looks up from her paperwork. Glasses are perched on her nose, with pearls hanging down on either side, securing them. “Did you like your first day, dear?”

“I did. I’m excited about all the projects, and it was nice meeting all the people from town.”

“That’s so good to hear. I’ll see you tomorrow morning then when we open. Have a good night, sweetheart. Drive safe.”

“Thank you. You too. See you in the morning.” I wave goodbye and head out the door.

Sitting in my car, I get my phone out of my purse. Now that I’m not focused on work, the nerves kick in about seeing Noah again. I place a hand on my stomach and take a deep breath. I start texting him.

Emma

I just got off work, and I’m headed home. Are you still able to swing by this afternoon?

I watch the three dots appear and get an immediate response.

Noah

I’ll be there. 3 ok?

I glance at my clock. That should give me enough time to freshen up a bit.

Emma

3 works for me. See you soon.

Noah

I’m looking forward to it.

Man, this guy is trouble. How can he affect me like this through just a text? Starting the car, I drive home, willing my body to relax.

I pull my hair back into a ponytail and change into cutoff jean shorts and a t-shirt. I want to start painting the hall bath, and since it’s the smallest, it shouldn’t take that long. I filled in the nail holes last night and prepared everything, so it’s ready for paint. Once Noah gets here with the painting supplies, I can get started. My game plan is to keep busy while he works, so I can’t think of how he makes me feel. It seems like a solid plan.

Hearing a knock on the door, I walk over and open it. Blue eyes stare back at me, a reminder of my dream the other night. Feeling flustered, I clear my throat. “Hi, Noah, come on in.”

Grinning that beautiful smile, I notice how perfect his teeth are. Geez, did God do anything wrong when he made this man? Couldn’t He at least give him something that would turn me off?

“Hi, Emma.” He follows me in. He’s wearing work khakis with a grey t-shirt that saysHurleyon the front and carrying a bag of tools. He has a baseball hat on today, and my stomach does a little flip at how good he looks with it on. The tiniest amount of hair sticks out around the sides and bottom. I have a weakness for guys in baseball caps. If he turns it around, I’m done for. “I brought you all my extra painting supplies and the sander.” He sets his bag down. “It’s in the truck. I can set everything on the front porch if that’s okay?”

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