Page 61 of The Enemy Plot
“Sorry, it’s been a busy couple of weeks. And I just did what any good brother would.” He shrugs. “I didn’t say anything bad about him, though. I like Deacon; he’s a good dude. But I thoughtyouhated him.”
“And Hayley didn’t want to give you the time of day,” I say with a forced smile, remembering how many times Hayley turned my brother down before they finally started dating. “Things change.”
He raises his hands. “Wow, okay. I was just asking. Take it how you want, but I’m happy for you. At least he supports our team.”
“Ha ha, very funny.”
“No, but seriously, sis.” He places a hand on my shoulder. “He seems like a good one. I hope it works out.”
I swallow the lump that’s rising in my throat. “Thank you.”
Frankly, I can’t imagine things not working out with Deacon. He’s everything I want in a man, and once you get past his grumpy shell, he’s the ultimate cinnamon roll. I know we’ll work out. I can just feel it.
As the customer Hayley was helping exits the store, Maxime walks up to her, kissing her all over the face in the grossest possible way and forcing me to avert my eyes.
Eventually, he tears himself from Hayley and heads out. Lola enters at the same time.
“Hey.” I smile, stepping over to her. “How was school?”
“Good,” she says with a bright smile. “I finished my last book, so I need a new one.”
“Already?” Hayley blurts, clearly impressed. “You’re a fast reader.”
“Yeah. You just got that book yesterday,” I add with a chuckle.
“It was amazing.” She sighs. “I don’t think I’ll ever find another one that hits me the same way.”
Hayley and I both chuckle. That’s a feeling we know all too well. Fortunately, it’s never true.
“I have a rec for you,” Hayley says, hopping over to the Contemporary Romance section. She climbs the ladder and picks a book from the top shelf.
“Have you read this one?” she asks, showing the cover to Lola.
Lola shakes her head, and I nod in approval. Lola will definitely like it.
“It’s got a friends-to-lovers situation, a little bit of grumpy and sunshine, and the girl does the grand gesture in this one. It’s a terrific read.”
“Wait, girls can do grand gestures too?” Lola asks, her eyebrows scrunched.
“Of course.” Hayley nods. “It really depends on the story.”
“Okay. Well, I’ll take it and let you know if I liked it.” She smiles, accepting the book from Hayley.
“Sure. See you tomorrow.” Hayley winks, and Lola and I laugh.
“Probably. Reading is pretty much all I’m allowed to do since I can’t go out with my friends, so . . .”
“Well, it sounds like the perfect evening, if you ask me.” Hayley offers a warm smile.
I nod. “Nothing better than a good romance novel and a cup of cocoa.”
Except maybe kissing Deacon, but I keep that to myself.
24
Mature
Deacon