Unwanted Encounters
521 Words
(Valerie’s POV)
The scent of old paper and freshly brewed coffee filled Page & Prose, the cozy bookstore where I worked. It was one of the few places I genuinely liked—quiet, organized, and free from unnecessary drama. Unlike my mornings.
Marrianne had left the house in a foul mood, complaining about everything, from her makeup to the lack of time. Apparently, she had skipped breakfast, which explained her extra level of irritability. Not that she ever admitted when she was the problem.
I sighed, running my fingers along the spines of the books on the counter, when the bell above the entrance chimed.
I barely glanced up—until I felt a presence that made my skin prickle with irritation.
“Didn’t think I’d see you here, kitten.”
That voice. Deep, unimpressed, and carrying an edge of arrogance.
I exhaled slowly before looking up, already regretting it. Leo Bennett stood in front of me, arms crossed, expression unreadable.
“You?” I muttered, placing my hands on the counter. “What, did your cat break into my store this time?”
His lips curled slightly—not in a smile, but something more mocking. “Not yet. But I wouldn’t count it out.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Then what do you want?”
Leo casually tossed a book onto the counter. “Returning this.”
I glanced at the title. The Art of War.
I looked back at him, unimpressed. “Why does it not surprise me that this is the book you borrowed?”
He smirked. “Because you assume the worst about me. Smart choice.”
I huffed, processing the return. “Well, your assumptions about me aren’t any better, so I guess we’re even.”
“Hardly.” He leaned against the counter, clearly in no hurry to leave. “I at least judge you based on evidence.”
I scoffed. “Oh, please. What evidence?”
Leo tilted his head, watching me like I was a puzzle he hadn’t quite solved yet. “For starters, you act all responsible, but I bet you’d rather be anywhere else than behind that counter right now.”
I blinked. That was… annoyingly accurate. “So what? Not everyone gets the luxury of wasting time doing whatever they want.”
His gaze flickered with something unreadable. “True.” Then, as if bored of the conversation, he tapped the counter. “Anyway, I’ll take Dracula. Since you seem to enjoy making assumptions, let’s see if you assume correctly about why.”
I frowned, reaching for the book. “Why? You relate to the bloodsucker?”
Leo chuckled, low and amused. “Maybe.” He took the book from my hands, his fingers brushing mine for half a second. I pulled away first.
“Enjoy your book,” I said flatly.
He gave me one last look before walking out, leaving behind the faint scent of pine and something else I couldn’t place.
I sighed, rubbing my temples. Just my luck. Out of all the people in this town, why did he have to be my neighbor?
- Writer
