And of course, there was the intimacy we shared. The care and trust behind it.
I glance at Killian as he drives, his handsome profile bathed in moonlight. There’s so much depth to him that I’m only just discovering.
Back at our place, we linger in a close embrace. “Let’s keep making a difference, together,” I murmur.
He smiles and kisses me tenderly.
My heart feels full.
Tonight, with Killian, I literally saw stars, both in the sky and in the heights of passion we reached. But it’s clear I have much more to learn about this intriguing man.
The thought fills me with anticipation for what comes next.
It’s going to be hard for any of the guys to top this night.
I can’t wait to see what Jayden has up his sleeve.
Chapter 42
Dylan
Theintoxicatingandunmistakablescent of aging paper fills my nose as I trail my fingers along the spines of books, their leather bindings smooth beneath my touch.
Jayden’s voice floats back to me as he regales some tale of a prolific romance author, his enthusiasm evident.
I can’t help but smile, enjoying this glimpse into his interests.
“And here we are,” he announces, sweeping his arm towards a cozy nook tucked away in the back. “The romance section. Take your pick of any that catch your eye.”
Feeling like a kid in a candy store, I excitedly scour the shelves. There’s so much to choose from, each book holding an entire universe of plot and characters… entire worlds between the pages.
While I’m looking, Jayden excuses himself and comes back armed with two coffees.
“You spoil me!” I say as he hands me one, and I inhale the heady scent of roasted beans before taking a long, satisfying sip.
“Don’t let me distract you,” he says, gesturing back at the books with his muscular, tattooed arm.
My god. Between the vast collection of books—the sight, the smell, the possibilities, this delicious cup of coffee, and this delicious tattooed rugby player who is spoiling me, I’m just about melting on the floor.
I pick out a couple of books I’ve been hearing good things about, as well as a few from authors I’ve never heard of before. I let the covers and the blurbs on the back guide me. The common theme is strong female characters, and men who would burn the world down for them just because they asked them to. A bit of spice and a happily ever after never go astray, either.
Jayden looks on with amusement, seeming to enjoy my facial expressions when I flick through a book and find the odd bit of smut.
I scan the titles, my gaze landing on one that makes me smirk. “How about this one?” I say, plucking out a book featuring a scantily clad woman gripped in the arms of multiple men. “Mafia Menage,” the title reads.
Jayden raises an eyebrow, a grin playing on his lips. “Well now, looks like someone’s ready to dive into the deep end. Should I be worried...or intrigued?”
I let out a laugh. “Maybe a bit of both. I suppose it depends on how well you handle a little competition.” I flash him a coy look, enjoying our flirtatious banter.
He steps closer, his voice lowered to a husky whisper. “Competition gets my blood pumping. But when it comes to you...” His fingers brush my wrist, sending a shiver through me. “I don’t like to share you with mafia men.”
My breath hitches, heat rising to my cheeks. Oh, the promises in those words. I have a feeling things are about to get very interesting between us. And I can’t wait to see where this adventure leads.
I’m drawn from my thoughts as Jayden gently takes the book from my hands, sliding it back onto the shelf.
“I think that’s enough adventure for now,” he says with a playful grin. “Wouldn’t want to get too carried away before dinner. Speaking of which... let’s pay up and get out of here.”
Jayden leads me to the front of the store, where the bookseller looks surprised and pleased by the tower of books we place on the counter. He wraps them with care, pointing a couple out as new favorites.