Chapter 128
It’s just past lunchtime on Monday when I stroll into Harley’s bookstore, the faint jingle of the bell above the door greeting me. I’m used to the cold, sleek modernity of Thane’s world, but stepping into this place is like walking into another dimension. The warmth, the coziness, and the chittered charm hit me immediately. It feels…human. Simple. There’s no pressure to impress, and no polished exterior to uphold–just books. coffee, and the kind of soft atmosphere that makes you want to linger longer than you originally intended.
It’s the complete opposite of Thane’s penthouse and offices, and for a second, it’s almost jarring. I’m not used to such unassuming spaces. For a second, I stop just inside the door and adjust the bag of takeout I brought for Harley and me, I could’ve had this delivered to her, sure,
but
where’s the fun in that?
I step deeper into the bookstore and immediately take in the familiar scent of coffee and paper that lingers in the air. It’s a warm and inviting space. Welcoming. It’s nothing like the high–rise penthouse or boardrooms I’m used to. As my gaze sweeps over the shop, I spot Harley tucked into a back corner, reading a book. But it’s the bouquet of flowers on the front counter that catches my attention next, and a smile tugs at the corner of my lips. C
I know exactly who those are from.
“Harley,” I call out, and start walking toward her.
She looks up when she hears her name, and her eyes Micker in surprise when she sees it’s me, before her usual sarcasm kicks in. “Griffin. You stalking me now, too? You know, it’s one thing when Thane does it, but now you as well?”
Her tone is light, but I catch the subtle softness in her eyes. She’s teasing, but there’s something else behind it, something a little warmer.
1 raise an eyebrow at her, leaning casually against a nearby shelf. “I come bearing lunch.” I say, holding up the takeout bug. “If you’ll have me.”
She eyes the bag with a skeptical glance but doesn’t refuse. “You might have to convince me.
I chuckle as I hand the paper bag to her. “Well, I’ve got something good for both of us. I thought you might want to skip your usual boring lunch
Harley rolls her eyes at me, a smirk tugging at her lips as she peers inside the bag and then replies, “If you’re trying to bribe me, Griffin, I’m pretty sure there are easier ways.”
Grinning
at
at her, I deadpan, “And here I thought food was the way to your heart. Guess I’m learning more about you by the minute.”
Before she can reply, though, I hear footsteps approaching from behind me, An older woman with eccentric, brightly–colored clothes and a bold energy walks up to where we’re still standing between the shelves, and her eyes immediately catch mine. She’s got this confidence about her that’s impossible to miss.
“Oh, my,” she says, eyeing me with a playful grin. “I didn’t expect to see someone as handsome as you around here.”
I smile, intrigued by her personality already. “I could say the same about you.”
Harley laugh lightly, then leans her back against the shelf behind her. “Griffin, meet Gemma. Gemma, this is Griffin.”
Gemma looks me over with a knowing look, then gives me a playful wink. “A pleasure, Griffin. I can tell we’re going to get along just swimmingly.” She laughs, then gestures in Harley. “You here to steal her coffee? Or are you the mystery man that sent her that?” she asks as she points back to the bouquet at the front of the store.
She looks me up and down with a mischievous glint in her eye, then adds, “If so, I wish I were twenty years younger….”
1 leugh Lighdly, catching onto her innuendo. “I’ll have to keep that in mind. Thanks for the compliment, though.”
ria, tapping Harley on the shoulder as she moves to grab something from the shelf to her left. “Careful, Harley. You better hold onto
y love to trach him a thing or two.”
Harley watches the two of us banter, and I can’t help but notice the small, contented smile her face; it’s obvious the’s happy were getting aling,
ng, and I can’t deny the fealing it gives me, being accepted so easily into her world.
Geruma turns to get back to work, she looks at Harley with a raised eyebrow, and her tone is suddenly light and trasing
lucky guy that’s pending you flowers, Harley? The one that has you smiling!
Chapter 128
Raising an eyebrow, and clearly enjoying myself, I cryptically answer Gemma before Harley can, “If you ask me, I’m guessing it’s from a guy who spends his free time thinking about work, and who thinks a bouquet is the most personal gesture he can manage.”
Harley’s cheeks flush slightly, but she plays it cool. “You’re a real piece of work, Griffin,” she mutters, but there’s no bite to it.
I raise my hands in mock surrender, enjoying our repartee. “Guilty as charged.”
Gemma leans in, clearly intrigued by this whole situation. “Is Griffin the same guy from last week, Harley? You know, the one who was always lurking in the back of your mind and had you all mushy–brained?”
Harley rolls her eyes, clearly unamused by Gemma’s relentless teasing. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
I grin, crossing my arms over my chest. “Maybe she’s just trying to keep things private. You know, not all of us are as open about our personal lives.”
Gemma, however, is clearly having too much fun with this. She glances between us, a playful smirk pulling at her lips. “Sure, sure. But I know for a fact that Harley’s definitely not the type to be caught smiling over just anyone.”
“Would you stop?” Harley mutters, shaking her head as she tries to hide her smile, though it’s obvious she’s not entirely annoyed by our attention.
