Fangs, Fate & Other Bad Decisions novel Chapter 128

Chapter 128

It’s just past lunchtime on Monday when I stroll into Harley’s bookstore, the faint jingle of the bell above the door greeting me. I’m used to the cold, sleek modernity of Thane’s world, but stepping into this place is like walking into another dimension. The warmth, the coziness, and the chittered charm hit me immediately. It feels…human. Simple. There’s no pressure to impress, and no polished exterior to uphold–just books. coffee, and the kind of soft atmosphere that makes you want to linger longer than you originally intended.

It’s the complete opposite of Thane’s penthouse and offices, and for a second, it’s almost jarring. I’m not used to such unassuming spaces. For a second, I stop just inside the door and adjust the bag of takeout I brought for Harley and me, I could’ve had this delivered to her, sure,

but

where’s the fun in that?

I step deeper into the bookstore and immediately take in the familiar scent of coffee and paper that lingers in the air. It’s a warm and inviting space. Welcoming. It’s nothing like the high–rise penthouse or boardrooms I’m used to. As my gaze sweeps over the shop, I spot Harley tucked into a back corner, reading a book. But it’s the bouquet of flowers on the front counter that catches my attention next, and a smile tugs at the corner of my lips. C

I know exactly who those are from.

“Harley,” I call out, and start walking toward her.

She looks up when she hears her name, and her eyes Micker in surprise when she sees it’s me, before her usual sarcasm kicks in. “Griffin. You stalking me now, too? You know, it’s one thing when Thane does it, but now you as well?”

Her tone is light, but I catch the subtle softness in her eyes. She’s teasing, but there’s something else behind it, something a little warmer.

1 raise an eyebrow at her, leaning casually against a nearby shelf. “I come bearing lunch.” I say, holding up the takeout bug. “If you’ll have me.”

She eyes the bag with a skeptical glance but doesn’t refuse. “You might have to convince me.

I chuckle as I hand the paper bag to her. “Well, I’ve got something good for both of us. I thought you might want to skip your usual boring lunch

Harley rolls her eyes at me, a smirk tugging at her lips as she peers inside the bag and then replies, “If you’re trying to bribe me, Griffin, I’m pretty sure there are easier ways.”

Grinning

at

at her, I deadpan, “And here I thought food was the way to your heart. Guess I’m learning more about you by the minute.”

Before she can reply, though, I hear footsteps approaching from behind me, An older woman with eccentric, brightly–colored clothes and a bold energy walks up to where we’re still standing between the shelves, and her eyes immediately catch mine. She’s got this confidence about her that’s impossible to miss.

“Oh, my,” she says, eyeing me with a playful grin. “I didn’t expect to see someone as handsome as you around here.”

I smile, intrigued by her personality already. “I could say the same about you.”

Gemma looks me over with a knowing look, then gives me a playful wink. “A pleasure, Griffin. I can tell we’re going to get along just swimmingly.” She laughs, then gestures in Harley. “You here to steal her coffee? Or are you the mystery man that sent her that?” she asks as she points back to the bouquet at the front of the store.

She looks me up and down with a mischievous glint in her eye, then adds, “If so, I wish I were twenty years younger….”

lucky guy that’s pending you flowers, Harley? The one that has you smiling!

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