Love In The Mist

Chapter 3 New Beginnings in St. Ives Part 3

Ji-Ah's POV

He held me firmly, yet gently, as though I were a delicate leaf blown by the wind, and for a moment, I was utterly still. Stunned. And then, I couldn't help but notice—the sheer presence of him. His muscular arms stretched beneath the loose fabric of his shirt, their strength undeniable.

"Ah, I'm so sorry—thank you," I stammered, flustered, the flush on my cheeks betraying me. I quickly averted my gaze, but not before it lingered a moment too long.

"It's alright," he replied, his tone a mixture of confusion and concern. Then, following my gaze, his eyes dropped to his arms, his posture shifting as he suddenly became aware of the attention.

"I didn't mean to stare, I... you're clearly quite the... um, workout enthusiast," I fumbled, "I mean, no—what am I saying? I'm just flustered from the fall. I—I'm rambling. Sorry, sorry," I blurted, eager to escape the embarrassment, but before I could make my exit, his hand gently gripped my arm, pulling me back to face him.

His eyes flickered down to the hand still holding mine, and then, as though realizing the proximity, he quickly released it. "Sorry, I didn't mean to..." he murmured, his words trailing off into an awkward silence.

I could sense his discomfort. But there was something in his voice, a quiet vulnerability, that softened the moment. "It's just that I'm the owner of this store, and I wouldn't want you to leave because of that... I'll get you some water, and you're welcome to browse at your leisure. We have a wonderful selection—often praised, actually," he said, stumbling slightly over his words.

Ah, I thought. He's just as human as the rest of us, shaken by this fleeting, awkward encounter. It was a comforting realization that put me at ease. Embarrassment has a way of equalizing us all.

He returned moments later, offering a glass of water. His broad shoulders and athletic build seemed to carry the weight of the world effortlessly—an image of elegance, even in the mundane act of bringing me a drink. Hot guy running a bookstore—what a charmingly perfect scene.

As I wandered through the aisles, I absentmindedly picked up a random book, hoping to make my way to the checkout counter where I could indulge in more conversation with him. I could hardly wait.

When I finally approached the register with the book in hand, he took it from me, but then stopped, staring at the cover with a puzzled expression. My heart skipped a beat, and I looked down at the book in horror.

The title, bold and unapologetic, read: Lured by Desire. The cover art featured a nearly naked woman with exaggerated curves, her body tangled with a man in a seductively violent pose.

I swallowed hard. "It's, uh, for my brother," I said quickly, my voice far too high-pitched to be convincing. My mind scrambled for an excuse, but brother? Really? Was that the best I could come up with?

"Oh, progressive," he remarked, a chuckle escaping his lips, but his gaze lingered on the book longer than necessary, and I felt the heat of shame rise in my cheeks.

Desperation to escape crept in. "I—um, I'm new to town. Just moved here from Korea a couple of weeks ago." I fidgeted, my eyes darting around as though I might find an escape route.

His curiosity piqued. "Ah, so you're new! That explains it. What brings you here? A work trip or...?"

"Actually, I moved here to start fresh," I explained, "Looking for work, you know. Anything really. Waitressing, dog walking—nothing too ambitious. Just something to pay the bills and enjoy a slower life." I avoided mentioning my old corporate job, a part of my past I was eager to leave behind.

"Well, funny you should mention that," he said, his eyes brightening. "I'm actually looking for someone to manage the store. Typical inventory checks, register work... Would you be interested?"

I blinked, stunned. "That... wow, that would be perfect. Should I bring a resume or... do you want to do an interview?"

He smiled—a warm, genuine smile that lit up his face. "When can you start?"