Page 3 of He Loves Me Knot

“That’s the only one.” He pointed at the space on the shelf. “And I was here first.”

She bit her lip.

I can just let him have it. Order one later.

She set the book back slowly, then crossed her arms, settling her weight on her back foot. “Now you’re calling dibs?” She lifted her chin in a defiant dare.

“Yeah, I think I am.” He smiled. With full lips and straight teeth like that, he could be a model. He also had the slightest cleft in his chin.Ugh.He probably is a model.

But random men—even hot ones—didn’t normally get her attention like this.

Random strangers aren’t normally so effortless to talk to either.

“What are you getting the book for?” she asked.

He searched her gaze as though he didn’t quite believe what she was saying each time she opened her mouth. “As a matter of fact, as a gift.”

“For Vivienne?” She’d already admitted to eavesdropping. She may as well have some fun with it.

“No.” He sighed. “For some glorified intern I’m being forced to work with. It’s my attempt to pretend to be nice when, really, I’m an arsehole and will do my best to see her fired in the first month.”

“Ah . . . thetwat.” She tried not to laugh at how forthcoming he’d been. “I appreciate your honesty.” She tugged the book closer toward her. “I’m going to have to go with no. Because my sister recommended this book, I just moved here, and I need to find my way around town. Also, why waste your money on someone you hate and who might not even appreciate it when I will?”

This time he guffawed. “Well, my sisteralsorecommended this book.” He scanned her face, contemplating the situation. Then with a choked laugh, he ran his fingers through his hair and said, “And despite my protests, I’ve been asked to be nice. Books are the only thing I can think of as a neutral gift that won’t cause her to get any ideas about my motivation.”

Her lips pursed. “Hmm.” No doubt, women questioned his motivation for lots of things.

I really should just take the book and go.

But I’m also having fun.

She sighed and let go of the book, then reached into her purse. “All right, we’ll flip for it.”

“Beg your pardon?”

Pausing in her search for a coin, she smirked. “You know. Flip a coin.” She pulled out a quarter. “Heads or tails?”

He crossed his arms. “But I was here first.”

She shrugged. “I didn’t see you holding it. Until someone buys it, it belongs to the store. Heads or tails?”

What am I even doing right now?

Am I flirting?

Yeah, I think I’m flirting. . . with the guy who has at least two girlfriends.

Yet something about him made her want to keep talking to him.

Grudgingly, he nodded. “Fine. Heads.”

She flipped the coin, but it tumbled to the floor between them, then rolled to a stop. They both ducked down to look.

Oh great.

He’d won.

Not that I’m going to give up that easily.