He Loves Me Not (Cambric Creek #5)

A Flattened Atlas

The Rizzler

Ranar

P inksPosies they’re ready for me.”

“Well, good luck. I’m sure you won’t need it, but I’m giving it anyway.” You tried. Grace is out of her mind. That mothman has scrambled her brain.

“Yes,” she blurted. Sumi . “Ranar, right? I-I would love that. I mean, a tour. With you. I mean, some one has to show me what a Gildersnood is. I’d love to. And I’m taking a raincheck on that coffee. I need to be brave enough for the line eventually.”

He was an adult naga. Formidable, regal-looking, completely in control of his emotions. It would not be okay to gather her in his coils and keep her there forever. As it was, she was fighting a war with herself, her feet already turning in the direction of the crosswalk, her adrenaline ready to carry her back to City Hall without her conscious approval, and her cheeks splotched pink.

“Um, I really should—“

“Go,” Ranar told her with what he hoped was a reassuring tone. She was beautiful. “You know where to find me. Just give me a call at the shop and we’ll exchange numbers. Please let me know if you need any help with the move. And knock ’em dead in your meeting! I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

“Thank you,” she said gratefully, already moving. “For everything. I’ll call you this week!”

It was annoying to admit that Grace was right. You don’t know that for sure. There was still no reason for him to believe that this beautiful woman was actually flirting with him that day in his shop, but Grace had put the notion in his head, and that had been enough to buck up his courage.

Maybe she’s just looking for someone to carry her sofa. Or maybe she wants a flower discount. Maybe she’ll want to move in and stay forever. Maybe, Ranar thought with a small smile, he would send Grace one of her own fruit baskets as a thank you for being a good friend.