1
Mimi
For five weeks I’ve been waiting for this release, and it’s finally here. It’s finally time. I stroke the glossy hardcover book, fingers rising and falling over every groove on the embossed lettering. My tongue dances across my lips as I press my back into the plastic chair of the break room and take in its beauty. I usually save this sort of behavior for the privacy of my own bedroom, but when your favorite author puts out a new release after three years of radio silence, it’s a-okay to devour it in public, on your lunch break, at the Brooklyn Public Library.
A shiver runs through me as I suppress a giggle. One of the perks of being a librarian is getting your hands on books before anyone else. My sandwich sits in front of me, unwrapped. My peppermint tea steams from its cup.
“It’s just you and me, baby,” I whisper to my book. “For forty-five minutes. You and me.” I take a deep breath and crack open the spine, taking my time reading the author’s note and dedication. The only bad thing about a new book is knowing that it’s going to eventually end. Everything good does. But I won’t think about that now. Instead, I’ll sit back, relax, and enjoy this moment. And I’ll ignore the footsteps growing closer outside the break room door.
What the … ?
I specifically timed my break so that I would be back here alone. I take a deep breath and shake off the agitation. My eyes dance over the page, eager to start this new adventure. But I don’t have the chance to get past the words, “Chapter One” before laughter resounds from the hall just outside the door. Low, deep, and definitely male. My heart rate quickens, teeth gnashing into my lower lip. The footsteps come to a halt, followed by his distant, echoey voice, pinging against the cavernous hallway.
The heel of my Dansko sandal beats rapidly against the cement floor. Maybe if I remain patient, the person will keep walking? I take a deep breath and wait for the clicking feet to pass me by.
No such luck. The hard soled shoes shuffle to a halt right outside the door, then he speaks. “I’m finishing up at the library and will be another hour, at least.” The man’s throaty laugh penetrates the silence. I have no idea who he is, but if he’s a patron he definitely cannot be back here.
My lips purse, nostrils flare; The fairy patience passed me over at birth. I lean forward, teeth gnashing into the sourdough bread I now cannot enjoy, and wash it down with a sip of my tea. “I don’t know if that’s even a possibility today, my man,” he continues. I re-read the first sentence, trying to block him out. “I’ve got three other engagements to which I’m already committed.” Another laugh follows.
I rip off my glasses, put my book down on the table, and run my tongue over my teeth to make certain there’s no bits of bread between them. The chair skids beneath me when I stand, mumbling to myself. “It’s my only break all day, and dammit if I want to read I should be able to do it in peace.” My hand twists the handle and I pull the door open, mouth ajar, ready to chew someone a new one. But I stop short when I see who’s on the other side.
He turns to me in what feels like slow motion. One hand in the pocket of his dark jeans. His cornflower blue eyes beam in my direction, golden specks spattered within. His light denim button down clings perfectly to his massive arms, giving him a herculean quality. Combine that with his hulking frame, and the longish, wavy dark hair hanging down to his chin, you’d think I’d just walked straight into a Marvel movie.
Gulp!
I don’t know what to say. I’m out here for a reason. If only I could remember why.Why? Why? Why?Then it hits me. “No phones out here.”
Oh my God, I’ve turned into a quintessential librarian at the absolute worst time. Groovy.
“Hey, Brett?” The modern day Conan says through pursed lips. “I’m going to have to call you back.” I want to run and hide, get back to my book and pretend I didn’t just totally snap at the hottest man I’ve ever been this close to IRL, but when he turns to me his phone’s already half-way into his back pocket.
He steps toward me and I lose all sense of my surroundings. “I didn’t mean to disturb you.” My center clenches, wondering what it would feel like to try and wrap my legs around that trim, tree trunk waist of his.
“It’s okay,” I manage to squeak out, pointing over my shoulder. “I was just on my lunch break.”
“What’s on the menu?” His eyes crinkle at the corners.
I’m taken aback by his response. “Just a quick bite and a new book I’ve been dying to read.” My eyes roll, hands clasped in front of me. If I didn’t sound like a nerdy librarian before …
“Raiden Bringer,” he says extending his gigantic hand. “And I promise I’ll be more considerate in the future when I visit this site.”
“Mimi Roland.” My temperature rises when I slip my palm in his. “What do you mean site?”
“I’m in charge of the renovation of the children’s wing.”
I can’t hide the smile splashed across my face. “That’s so cool!”
“Yeah, I’m very excited about it.” He says, and steps closer. I breathe him in: aquatic, airy and fresh like a day at the beach. “Want to see the plans?” For a moment, I can’t speak. Is this greek god with the slight bump in his nose asking me to go with him? I must’ve misunderstood him. The mischievous look in his eyes softens, and he moves back slightly. “Unless, of course,” his mouth twists. “You probably want to finish your book.”
“It can wait,” I wave my hand through the air, then reach back and close the break room door behind me. Intimidated by Raiden’s—is that even a name?—sheer beauty or not, I refuse to let that interfere with an opportunity to smell him a little while longer. And here I thought the best part of my lunch break was going to be my book. It goes to show, there’s always an adventure waiting for you at the library.
I turn on my heel and walk down the hall with Raiden, willing my shaking knees to keep me steady on my feet.
2
Raiden
She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, and I’ve had my eye on her for quite a while. The day my company signed onto the renovations she was behind the circulation desk, glasses perched on her nose, dark brown hair tied into a messy bun on top of her head. Her hefty cleavage spilled from the top of her blouse as she leaned over to grab a book. I knew I’d run into her soon enough, but I’m dumbstruck by how much more beautiful she is up close.