Chapter 7: Emma's POV: A Hot Guy Walks Into a Library... Wait, What Was the Punchline Again?
1617 Words
Chapter 7: Emma's POV: A Hot Guy Walks Into a Library... Wait, What Was the Punchline Again?
Mornings in a library are usually not busy. That works well for me because I am definitely not a morning person. And today, the silence was more than welcome. I slept poorly, tossing and turning the whole night, my dreams filled with monsters in the shadows.
The early morning rays slipped through the narrow slits of my blinds as I grumbled and hit snooze on the alarm. I groaned, dragging myself from the warm cocoon of my bed, resenting the cruel sound of the alarm clock that interrupted my fitful slumber. I sluggishly dressed, threw on some make-up, and tried dealing with my unruly hair before giving up. I gulped down a few swallows of my lukewarm cup of coffee, rushing through my breakfast, the recurring images of the monsters from my dream making me lose my appetite.
I double-checked each street I crossed and scanned every alley I passed by on my way to work. Of course, the sun-filled streets held only familiar faces that greeted me. Another small-town thing - everyone knows you, and you know everyone. No new faces, no strangers, no chances of meeting someone new on the nights out in a bar.
The local baker, Mrs. Johnson, waved at me from her shop, the scent of fresh pastries wafting out the door. Mr. Baker, the old man who owned the antique shop, tipped his hat at me as I passed, his old mutt snoozing lazily in the morning sun. They were as much a part of this town as the cobblestone streets and the quaint little houses, a comforting familiarity in the mundane routine of my life.
Still, as I walked by the familiar stores and shops, I couldn't shake off the prickly feeling on the back of my head, as if I was being watched. So every once in a while, I turned around, trying to be inconspicuous about it, but, of course, saw nothing out of the ordinary. There was no one watching me, following me, or even giving me a second glance.
I sighed in relief when I closed the library door behind me, the odd feeling finally disappearing. The library was my sanctuary, a place of quiet and peace amidst the chaos of my life. The smell of aged paper and ink felt like home. The neatly stacked shelves held countless worlds, countless possibilities. I relished the calm the library provided, the chance to get lost in a good book, a world far removed from my own.
But only fifteen minutes after my shift started, I heard the doors open and someone walking in. I groaned internally, taking another sip of my coffee, silently praying for strength and patience. Then, I put down the shifter romance novel I was reading, put on my best fake smile... and dropped it a second later.
Standing in front of me was the hottest, most handsome, most beautiful guy I'd ever seen. Tall, muscular, with longish brown hair tied into a male bun and incredible dark blue eyes. There was stubble on his strong jaw as if he hadn't bothered to shave for a couple of days.
The deep green T-shirt and jeans did nothing to hide his amazing body. The damned shirt clung to his chiseled torso, the fabric stretching taut over his broad chest. His biceps flexed subtly, revealing a peek of a tattoo that crept from under the sleeve of his shirt. His jeans were worn at the knees, wrapping snugly around his muscular thighs, doing nothing to hide his athletic build.
I found myself wishing to lift his shirt and inspect if he also had a six-pack underneath. And preferably more tattoos.
What the fuuuuck? Who was this guy? He looks like he came straight from my favorite erotic novels.
I think I might have drooled a little. And the moment our eyes met, I forgot how to breathe. Warmth spread through my stomach, making my lower muscles clench.
My heart pounded in my chest, an unfamiliar fluttering in my stomach. I could feel a flush creeping up my cheeks, my fingers trembling slightly as I brushed an errant lock of hair from my face. His presence was overpowering, it radiated an energy that had my senses on high alert, a magnetic pull that I hadn't felt before. My panties felt wet.
Did I just get turned on? By looking at someone?!
It took a couple of seconds for me to register that I was supposed to say or do something. "I, um... hi. Welcome. (Welcome? Wtf was I saying?) How, how can I help you?"
I tried smiling at him, but it probably just looked deranged. I seemed to have forgotten which facial muscles I was supposed to use. All I could think about kissing him, touching him, f*****g him in the middle of the library.
He had to be new in town. I'd never seen him before. I would definitely remember him. In fact, if I knew he existed, I would have searched far and wide to find him. Just to ogle at him, of course. A guy like that would never go for someone like me.
I glanced at my reflection on the computer screen, my messy hair and plain librarian face staring back at me. The outfit I'd thrown together in a rush was no match for his effortless cool. I felt ordinary, plain, even. No way a man like him would ever look my way.
"Yeah, I would like to join the library, please, miss...?"
If I thought his wide shoulders and biceps were distracting, his voice literally made my heart skip a few beats. Daaaamnn. Manly, authoritative, but seductive like warm honey. Perhaps a bit hoarse too?
"Um, yeah, Tompson, miss Tompson. But you can just call me Emma."
"Ah, Emma, then. It's a pleasure to meet you. Please, I would like to join the library if it's not too much trouble."
The sound of my name coming from his lips seemed to please him somehow. Not gonna lie; it pleased me too. Already I wished to hear it more often.
Good god, what was happening? I couldn't look away from him. He looked so big, too big, in this shabby space. It was like he had such a strong aura that made him the most prominent figure wherever he was.
I bet that was really the case. I bet he commanded every room he walked in.
"Right. Well, that won't be a problem. I will need your driver's license and a credit card, please. The annual fee is $23, and you'll need to pay it upfront."
Finally, I managed to sound like a human being again. I pretended to type something on the computer while I was talking. I couldn't risk making eye contact again. He was too attractive for my poor brain.
"Of course, here you go." He took out the cards and placed them on the top of the counter.
I reached for them and read his name out loud. "Mr. Jason Storm?" I asked to confirm.
"Just Jason, please. No need for formalities."
His casual dismissal of formality caught me off guard. I couldn't help but wonder, was he being polite, or was he trying to establish a level of familiarity with me? My mind was a whirlwind of questions and speculations, but one thing was clear. I was in trouble. Big, handsome, charismatic trouble.
He smiled at me again and looked so beautiful doing it that my chest literally hurt. God almighty.
"Sure, Jason. Okay, I see you live in the Wolf's Den. That's the village north of the town?"
He nodded.
That's why I haven't seen him around. He lives in a village in the middle of the f*****g woods. I should hike more often. I should become a nature lover. In fact, I think he just converted me.
"Should I put the same address on your library card?"
"Yes, Emma. Please do."
A literal shudder went through me at the sound of his voice.
"Okay. All done. You can come by tomorrow to pick up your card. In the meantime, can I help you find a book?" I dared one glance his way and found that he was already watching me, his gaze peeling the layers and taking in every little detail.
"I don't really have a preference. And I am ready for something new at the moment, anyway. So, perhaps you can recommend one of your favorites? Maybe the one you were reading before I so rudely interrupted you?"
Jason glanced at the book lying next to my computer, the title on full display. It read "My Alpha Lover" by Cassandra Mikey.
My Alpha Lover. For f**k sake. My cheeks burned from embarrassment. Could I be any more cringe?
"Ah, yes, no, I'm not sure this would be quite up your alley." I fumbled with words, quickly pushing the book out of sight.
He laughed. But I had only a moment to enjoy the amazing, deep sound before embarrassment came back full-on.
"I think you'd be surprised, Emma. In fact, I'm a big fan of Alphas and their lovers. Though I enjoy the lover part more, you know?" His smile was broad, perfect white teeth on full display.
What the hell are we even talking about? I just smiled nervously, trying to gather my wits. "Very well then, if you are into fantasy and shifter novels, follow me. I can show you where to find them."
I turned my back to him, quickly and discreetly wiping my upper lip. I felt too hot inside my skin.
- Writer
