Page 51 of The Enemy Plot
She looks at me for a second, probably trying to think of a witty retort, but her face breaks into a grin. “Fine. You were right. So, how does this work?”
“Eager to get started, huh?”
“Are you kidding? I was born for this,” she says, stretching her arms above her head. “Bring it on.”
I just laugh as I pull out the pieces of paper from my pocket, which list all the books we’ll have to find.
She studies the list, eyes glimmering with anticipation. “Okay. So, we have to find:
A book with a character who shares your date’s name
A book cover that features your favorite color
A book set in a place you’d like to visit
A children’s book that you love
A book written by an author who shares your initials
A book with your favorite animal on the cover
A book that you think your date might enjoy
A book with a story that resembles your relationship with your date
A book that reminds you of your date
A book cover model that reminds you of your date.”
When she finishes, she drops her arm and looks at me.
I frown, suddenly not feeling so confident. “What? Too hard?”
She quirks an eyebrow. “How long do we have to find all these?”
“Well,” I say, glancing at my watch. “It’s seven, and the store closes at eight. So, until closing?”
“Okay. And are we taking pictures of the books or actually bringing them? Because that wouldn’t be very nice for the booksellers.”
“Good call. A picture is good. And if there’s a tie, the first one back to the front of the store wins.”
She rubs her hands. “Okay. Let’s do this.”
I bump my shoulder against hers. “Don’t think I’ll let you win.”
“I don’t need you to go easy on me.” She pokes my bicep. “I’m going to kick your butt, Deacon Collier.”
It takes everything in me not to grab her hand, bring her close, and kiss her senseless. But we’ll save that for after the hunt.
We step into the bookstore, and Alice almost makes a run for it. This woman really means business. Looks like I have to bring my A-game. I’m sure Alice already has an idea for most of the books on her list, being a bookseller. Plus, she’s probably been here before, leaving me with a huge disadvantage.
But even if I meant what I said—that I’m not going to let her win—I also wouldn’t mind losing. Either way, I’m on a date with Alice tonight, and that’s already a big win in my book.
Books.Right. Let’s try and find these books. I pass in front of a New Release display and grab the first book I see that has a blue cover. Favorite color, check. I don’t see anything else here that could fit the criteria, so I try to locate the Romance section. I’m pretty sure I’llfind a book she’d enjoy there. I’ve also seen plenty of covers at her store with animals on them.
As I meander toward the Romance section, I pass in front of the Children’s Books. I snap a picture ofTreasure Island,which I used to read with my mom, andAlice in Wonderlandfor Alice’s character name. I realize this is actually working to my advantage. No famous Disney character is named Deacon. At least, not one that I know of.
I browse the shelf for an author with my initials, but no luck so far. I do spot a children’s book with a dog on it, so I take a picture.