Fangs, Fate & Other Bad Decisions novel Chapter 127

Chapter 127

The first thing I notice when I wake up the next morning is how damn well 1 slept. I actually slept. Like, for real. There was no restless tossing and turning, and no running thoughts keeping me up all night. My head is clearer, and even my body feels more rested. And for the first time in a long while, I don’t feel like I’m carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders.

I stretch, and the sheets are cool and inviting against my skin, and for a split second, I consider calling in sick like a naughty schoolgirl who wants to play hooky with her boyfriend. But it’s Monday. And it’s time to roll out of bed, drag myself through another day of bookstore chaos, and pretend like the drama from the weekend doesn’t exist. The smile that tugs at my lips, however, makes me feel like I’m fooling myself.

Thone.

Yeah, that’s the name I keep coming back to. Along with a smile that isn’t under my control, and a chest that’s full of things I’m not ready to acknowledge yet.

I drag myself into the shower, the hot water washing away the last remnants of the previous night’s fog, and mentally prepare for the first day back at the bookstore after the weekend. As 1 brush through my still–damp hair, I wonder just how much of this I’m really prepared for. The pull between us. The weird connection. It’s all there, and I can feel it deep down, even though I’ve barely begun to figure it out.

By the time I’m dressed in a fitted black sweater, dark jeans, and ankle boots, I’m in somewhat of a daze. I grab a granola bar on my way out the front door and head toward the bookstore. I have no idea what I’m getting myself into, but for the first time in a while, the tension in my chest has softened, even if it’s just a little.

As soon as I step into the store, I spot Gemma leaning against the front counter, tapping away on her phone. She looks up and grins at me, clearly in a teasing mood, but when her gaze falls to the massive bouquet of blue irises on the counter next to the register, her smile grows.

“Well, well, she says, pushing herself off the cook who’s popular. Who’s the lucky guy?”

I roll my eyes as I approach the counter. “Don’t get too excited, Gem. You’ll be disappointed to find out it’s not from some dreamy new guy with

six–pack and a great smile. They’re just flowers.”

Her eyes widen with amusement. “Just flowers? Are you kidding me? That bouquet’s the size of your torso. That’s not ‘just flowers,‘ honey. Someone’s trying to get your attention. Or impress you. Or maybe both.”

I just stare at her blankly, but a playful smirk is trying its damndest to play at the corner of my mouth. I can’t let her know I’m secretly happy about the flowers, not yet, because I’ll never hear the end of it.

I step behind the counter, but I can’t seem to keep the blooming grin off my face. Damn it. Flowers have never swayed me. And it feels like I’m betraying my sarcastic and cynical nature, but here I am, standing in front of a bunch of flowers with a huge, stupid grin.

Getama’s eyes keep flicking between mine and the bouquet, patiently waiting for me to spill the beans. But I’m not going to make it easy for her. I’m not ready to say anything about who sent them just yet.

“Go ahead,” she prompts again. “Tell me. Who’s the mystery guy?”

I chuckle, leaning my hip against the counter. “I’ll tell you later.” I pause, then look at the flowers again. “But I’m pretty sure he’s not your type.”

Gemma taises an eyebrow, “Not my type? Now I really want to know who sent you those,”

Refusing to say anything else, I reach for the attached card that’s now visible from this angle and carefully open it to reveal Thane’s familiar landwriting: Thought you might appreciate these. – T”

I cant help the smile that tugs at my lips. It’s short and sweet, and not overly emotional, exactly the way he is. Despite everything that’s lappeted between us, there’s something oddly warming about the gesture. It’s not over–the–top, but it’s more than I expected.

I hit send, not expecting anything back, and set the phone down, intent on starting my day of stock lists, rearranging displays, and dealing with entitled Karens who want to preach to me about the written porn I sell at my store.

But not even a minute later, a reply pops up, and I’m honestly a little surprised by how fast he responds.

Doom Daddy: Good. But they’re just flowers. So don’t get used to it. But if it helped brighten your day. I’ll gladly take credit for

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify