7. Chapter 7
Lydia
He’s here. The man with the chocolate eyes and sweet smile. After running into him at the coffee shop this morning, he’s been on my mind.
“Hi,” I say, giving a dorky little wave.
Cool, Lydia. You’re so cool.
“Hi,” Nick says back, returning the small wave.
Oh yay! He’s a big dork too.
“What are you doing here? Obviously you’re book shopping.
Duh. Dumb question, Lydia.” I smack my hand against my forehead, shaking my head side to side.
Nick just looks at me and lets out a soft laugh.
I can’t decipher the expression on his face, but it looks a little like amusement.
Wonder, maybe? Like he’s happy to see me?
Could he be happy to see me? Maybe that’s just his face.
Maybe he’s just a happy guy? I don’t actually know him, even though it feels like I easily could.
He has such an easy demeanor about him. Like he’s just easy to be around.
I clear my throat and clasp my hands in front of me, mostly so I’ll stop waving them around like an idiot. “What can I help you with?”
He shakes his head slightly, as though he has to think about his answer. Like he’s forgotten why he’s here. “My mom!” he blurts out.
I step back a bit at his outburst and chuckle. “Your mom?”
“Shit, yeah. Sorry. I’m here for my mom’s birthday present. I’m supposed to get the stuff to make her a book basket.” He shoves his hands in his pockets, and it almost seems like he’s as nervous as I am.
“You’re supposed to?” I ask.
“Yes. My mom is a big reader, and my sister Norah suggested we get her a book basket. I’m not totally sure what that even is, but she thought Coco could help me put it together.”
He’s shopping for his mother. Okay, that’s pretty damn sweet.
“Well, Coco just stepped out to run an errand, but I can give you a hand if you’d like? It’s only my first day, so I’m still learning where everything is, but I’m sure we can find everything you need.”
I would be more than happy to give him a hand in a lot of ways, I think, and then immediately wonder where in the hell that thought came from.
Apparently leaving my abusive husband and enduring years of very unfulfilling sex has turned me into an eager beaver, because the shoulders and hands on this man have my hormones in overdrive.
He’s so big I bet he could toss me over his shoulder with no problem, and I like that thought. I like that thought a lot.
Stop that. Stop that right now Lydia. You do not know this man. He could be married. Hell, you’re still married.
Though hopefully not for much longer. I make a mental note to contact a divorce attorney as soon as I leave the bookstore today.
Back to the very sexy, very tall mountain man who is shopping for books for his mom. Pay attention to him, Lydia.
“Sure. Do you mind?” Nick asks tentatively.
“Of course not. I’m happy to. What does your mom read?” I grab one of the shopping baskets we keep by the register and round the corner to stand beside him.
“Um, something about dragons. Dragon’s Cave? Dragon’s Den?”
“Dragon’s Lair?” I ask, my eyes growing wide at the prospect he’s talking about my favorite book series.
“Yes, that’s the one! Have you heard of it?
I know nothing about it, but apparently she’s read all the books and a new one just came out?
My sister thought we could start there and build the basket around it?
” He takes off his ball cap, runs a hand through his hair like he’s unsure of himself, then puts the cap back on.
Backward.
I’ll be damned. This man is kind of adorable. More than kind of. He’s pretty-pretty.
“That is my favorite series. It’s beautifully written. Your mom has great taste,” I say with a smile as we make eye contact.
“Susannah. Her name is Susannah,” he says, obvious adoration in his voice.
“Well, your mama Susannah has great taste in books. I’ve read the first couple, but I’ve struggled to find the time for the newer ones. I’m dying to get my hands on them myself.” I hear my Texas twang slip out, and by the grin on his face, he hears it too.
“Where are you from, Lydia?”
“I just moved here from Texas.” I don’t divulge any more than that and hope he doesn’t ask. I just met this guy and he seems great, but I’d rather keep my sordid past to myself.
We stand there for a beat before he speaks again.
“Do you have the book in stock? Do you think you have anything else we could fill this basket with?” He glances around the store, clearly trying to steer the conversation back to shopping for his mom. I’m grateful for that.
“We absolutely do. Follow me.”
I lead him around the corner to where Coco has set up a beautiful display of the series, along with all kinds of book-girly goodies. There are bookmarks, stickers, coffee cups, blankets, and more. Just about everything an avid reader could need for a cozy reading session.
“My perfect day would include a cup of coffee, fuzzy socks, a soft blanket, and a great book. Outside would be chilly, but not cold. But definitely not hot. I’d have a few yummy snacks, and there would only be a lamp to read by.
No harsh overhead lighting. Oh, and it would be raining outside.
There’s just something extra cozy about being inside with a good book while it’s raining. ”
Man, how long has it been since I’ve indulged in a good reading binge? Too damn long.
Finally realizing I’ve been rambling about myself for far too long, I look up at Nick and ask if there’s anything his mom would love.
“All of it, I think. You painted a great picture just now. I kind of want to start reading myself. You made it sound so nice.” He grins down at me, and there’s no stopping the butterflies erupting in my belly. Wow, he’s got a pretty smile.
“Well, I’m always happy to bring someone to my side. It’s great over here. Join me,” I say with a wink.
His lip twitches, like maybe I’ve said something he likes.
His lips turn into another grin. “I’d be happy to.”
Well, okay then.
We lock eyes. Neither of us turns away.
How is it possible to feel such a connection with someone I’ve only just met? I don’t even know his last name.
“What’s your last name?” I ask suddenly, jerking us both out of our haze.
“Fulsom. What’s your last name, Lydia?” Nick asks in return, not skipping a beat, like it wasn’t weird at all that I just blurted that out.
“Dy…um, Hayes. My last name is Hayes.” I give him my maiden name because, if things go my way, it will be my legal name again soon enough.
He pushes his hand toward me. “It’s really, really nice to meet you, Lydia Hayes.”
He smiles, and I swear the butterflies are doing a freaking conga line in my belly. I take his hand, curling my fingers around his, noting how much bigger they are than mine.
“It’s really nice to meet you too, Nick Fulsom.”