Bookstore Barbie (Magnolia Ridge #1) - Alexa Riley Page 0,14

my thighs bringing me pleasure unlike anything I’ve ever known.

“Don’t step on me!”

I scream as I jump back and drop the books in my hand. My heart pounds and I think for a second it stopped beating. “You scared the crap out of me,” I tell Kayla as I let out a breath and bend down to pick up my books and make sure they’re okay. I don’t know how I’ve managed to not damage any in the last twenty-four hours. “What are you doing ducked under my desk?”

I look toward the front door and realize I didn't hear the bell go off. I think it might be broken. Shaw fixed the lock on the back door and now it engages on its own when it’s closed. It’s nice to not have to worry about locking it.

“I’m hiding.” She glances at me as if to say isn't that obvious? Kayla does the weirdest stuff sometimes so this shouldn't shock me.

“Have you ever hidden from anything in your life?”

She looks up, thinking about it. “Nope.” Turning on her knees, she peeks over the top of my desk. “I think it’s clear.” She jumps up and sits on my desk.

“So I hear the big hot guy was seen leaving your place this morning.” Oh my god, this town loves to gossip. “I also heard that you were busted getting it on with him in your store.”

Kill me now. Never mind, don’t. There are so many things I want to do with Shaw before I die. I’m not going anywhere and as I move, I can still feel his release between my legs.

“Don’t change the subject. Why are you hiding?”

Kayla swings her legs back and forth. “Should I get us some lunch?”

“And go out there to be spotted by whoever you’re hiding from?”

“Good point. I’ll watch the store and you get us lunch.”

Romeo jumps up for his petting from Kayla.

“I’ll get us food if you tell me who you’re hiding from.” I give her a look that says if everyone can know about my life, surely I can know about my best friend’s.

“Just someone back in town. I’m avoiding him.”

“Who?” I push, because her evasiveness on the subject is only making me more curious.

“What are you, the police?” She purses her lips together.

“I met the police here. I think they gossip, so yes, I guess I am the police.” How else did everyone know my business around here? I guess it could have been Missy.

“Touché.” Kayla hops down off the desk. “I really don’t want to talk about it.”

For the first time ever Kayla looks defeated so I let it go. I’m not going to push if she’s not ready. I wonder if it’s the same someone who broke her heart that she never talks about.

“Strawberry shake?” I offer, knowing those always make her happy. How could they not?

“You’re the best.” I grab my purse from behind the desk. “This doesn't mean we aren't talking about Shaw when you get back here.” She wiggles her eyebrows and a small smile forms on her lips. I know I’m going to have to cave if it perks her up. “I did some digging and found some stuff about him.”

“I’ll hurry back then.” I head out, stopping at the front door to check on the bell. I open the door a few times and nothing sounds. The bell is still there but it’s not ringing. I smile because I know if I grab a new one from the hardware store Shaw will put it in for me. He said he was coming back later, that he needs to check in on his mom and answer some work emails and calls.

I head out of the bookstore toward the diner that sits at the end of the road. I’m not in a giant hurry like I told Kayla, but I really don’t think she knows anything about Shaw that I don’t. We spent hours talking last night. I didn't know you could learn so much about someone so quickly, but I felt like I’d known him for years. He put me at ease and I found myself easily opening up to him.

Not only that, he brings out a side of me that’s deep down inside. One that I thought I’d only have in my fantasies when I lay in bed and thought about what sex would be like. I didn’t think I’d ever be able to ask for the things I want. Last night and this morning with