Chapter 13
Chapter Thirteen
WILLOW
Because nothing says “seduction” like humiliating yourself in public, right?
I spot my opportunity when Roman drags out the little stepstool to stock the higher shelves. He climbs up with that smug ease he has—like the laws of balance don’t apply to him—and starts sliding books into place.
“Bet I can finish my stack before you,” I blurt, arms full of paperbacks.
Roman glances down at me, one brow arched. “Is this … a challenge?”
“Obviously.” I huff, hoisting my pile dramatically. “Winner gets bragging rights.”
He smirks. “You already brag when you beat me at Uno. You really need more ammunition?”
“Yes. Now stop stalling, and get ready to lose.”
We start at the same time. He’s annoyingly efficient, reaching higher shelves easily, sliding each book in like he’s been training for this his whole life. I, on the other hand, manage to drop two titles before I’ve even cleared half my stack.
Roman laughs, that deep, warm sound that makes my chest ache. “You’re going down in flames, Princess.”
“Not yet,” I mutter, scrambling to jam books into place faster. My foot slips off the bottom rung of the ladder, and I shriek, catching myself on the shelf with all the grace of a baby giraffe.
Roman’s laugh explodes. “Friendly competition, huh? You mean competitive near-death experience?”
“Shut up, and keep shelving,” I snap, cheeks blazing.
But then, miracle of miracles, he fumbles one. A hardcover slips through his hands and thuds against the floor. I freeze, eyes wide. Then grin slowly and smugly. “Ohhh, look who’s not perfect after all.”
He shakes his head, climbing down with a rueful smile. “You’re insufferable.”
“And yet—winning,” I sing-song, shoving my last book onto the shelf with exaggerated flair.
Roman leans in close, close enough that I can feel the warmth of him, see the glint in his eyes. His voice dips low, teasing but weighted with something else. “If bragging rights mean that much to you, Princess, I’ll let you have them.”
I swallow hard, my victory suddenly feeling dangerous. “I . . . I earned them.”
His grin is slow, wicked. “Sure you did.”
And just like that, my heart is a fucking fire hazard again.