Bookstore Barbie (Magnolia Ridge #1) - Alexa Riley Page 0,5

of himself and it was obnoxious.

“You can’t go out with someone whose name you don’t know.” Kayla shakes her head at me. “Life is not a book, Barbie. He could be a killer.”

“And life is not a crime documentary.” I give her a pointed look.

“Hey, those are based on real stories. I’m not knocking your books because you know I love a good love story, but we have to stay in reality when it comes to stuff like this.”

“I know.” I let out a long sigh. “But he was a hero.” I rest my chin on my hands, disappointed because I know I should cancel this date.

“Okay, spill the whole story,” she demands, and I give her the play-by-play of what happened. Once I’m finished I realize she’s leaning in with a dreamy look in her eyes and she blinks a few times before she sits up. “Okay, wow, that was some real-life romance stuff.”

“See! He could tell I was completely uncomfortable with the situation and he swooped right in.” I smile thinking about it. Still, Kayla is right. I didn't know the guy's name and he didn't leave a number.

I’ve been wondering for two days if he’s really going to show up tonight and the anticipation has been driving me crazy. It’s been the longest two days of my life, but at least I’ve been busy. The coffee idea has actually been working and my customers have been steady. One woman quietly told me she heard about my shop from her knitting group. Word has started to spread and I hope it keeps moving along. It’s made me feel so happy and excited for the first time in forever.

“Describe him to me. I’ll probably know his name.”

“He has short dark hair, a dark beard, thick thighs, and the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen. He—”

“Are you describing a book hero?” When she cuts me off I roll my eyes at her.

“He wasn't a millionaire. He was in, like, normal work clothes, I think.”

His jeans were practically painted onto his thighs, and I could see every muscle. What is wrong with me? All I can think about are his thighs and those blue eyes. Eyes I got lost in for far too long. Every inch of his body looked big and solid like he could have bent me over and…okay, I might be reading too much.

Kayla scrunches her nose like she’s thinking. How could she not know who it was? Furthermore, how have I not seen him around? The man is unmissable and everywhere I’ve gone these past few days I’ve been looking.

“I can’t think of anyone like that.” She pulls out her phone. “Let me check my high school Facebook group.”

“Call me crazy but he does not look like the type of man that’s cruising Facebook.”

“What does he do when he’s bored?” Kayla’s eyebrows furrow together.

“I don’t know. Chops wood with his bare hands?” I say, making her burst into laughter. Yeah, I’ve been reading too much. Not that I’m going to stop anytime soon.

We both jump when the front door to the bookstore flies open and the bell almost pops off.

“I’m calling the health department!” Missy points across the store. She’s dressed to the nines as usual and I have no idea how she runs around a coffee shop all day in heels. My feet hurt for her.

“You’re calling the health department on yourself?” Kayla asks, her face completely serious. “OMG, don’t tell me you’ve got cockroaches over there!?” she yells loud enough so anyone outside can hear her.

My hand flies to my mouth as I try to muffle my laughter.

“You’re disgusting,” Missy hisses at her. “I’m going to have a little talk with your father.”

“I’m so scared.” Kayla rolls her eyes. Her father is the chief of police and it’s why she gets away with most of her shenanigans.

“Hey, if I can’t come in your store you can’t come in mine.” I fold my arms over my chest, not caring if I sound like a five-year-old.

“What are you even wearing?” Missy actually curls her lip in disgust. I look down at my outfit, wondering what’s wrong with it. My skirt falls right above my knees and I’ve got on a cute strappy top with a cardigan over it because it can get chilly at night. “I shouldn't be shocked your tits are falling out with the crap you sell in here.”

I drop my folded arms that have pushed my boobs up. She goes from giving me a grossed-out