Daphne
I’m working behind the counter at the bookstore when the bell chimes overhead. My mouth opens slightly in surprise when Micah walks through the door. “Hi. I thought you were headed home.”
I can’t stop the smile from spreading across my face when Micah gives me a sheepish grin and then comes to stand on the opposite side of the counter from me. He crooks a finger and leans in.
I scan the bookstore and, not seeing anyone, meet him halfway, touching my lips to his.
“I told you I missed kissing you.” He shoves his hands into his pockets. “You don’t mind that I stopped in?”
I shake my head, another uncontrollable grin tugging at the corners of my lips. “Not at all.”
“So, what do you do while you’re here?” He glances around the store, then swiftly back to me.
“You’re looking at it. I man the register so my parents can unbox new shipments, do inventory, stuff like that.”
He bobs his head for a few seconds, glancing over his shoulder. “Is there anything I can do to help out?”
My. Heart. Melts. Did I hear him correctly? He’s offering to be put to work? “Oh. I mean, you don’t have to do that.”
Dad strides up to the front of the store. After a brief double take, he says, “Hey, Micah. Welcome to our store.”
“Thank you. This is a nice place. I’ve never been inside before.”
“Well, feel free to wander around and have a look.” Dad refocuses his attention on me. “Daphne, your mom and I have to rearrange the storage room. It might take us a while. We had that shipment come in and your mother is stressing because she’s having trouble locating things for customers. I wanted to let you know that we’d be tied up back there.”
“Can I help?” Micah voices his question before I have a chance to say anything.
Dad’s head swivels back toward Micah. “Oh.” He glances at Micah’s big football-playing arms and cocks his head to the side. “If you have the time, sure.”
“I can help with anything heavy. I’m happy to give you a hand.”
Dad extends Micah a hand, and they shake quickly.
“Put me to work, sir.”
“Follow me.”
Micah turns to follow my dad, throwing a wink at me over his shoulder.
If my heart was melting before, it’s a puddle of goop on the floor now. I can’t believe he’s doing this.
I reach under the counter for my book bag and pull my phone from the side pocket. The bookstore is empty, save one older guy perusing the historical fiction section, so I have time to shoot off a few messages.
Me:OMG, you guys!!
Me:Micah just showed up at the bookstore.
Max:Lover boy can’t resist seeing you, huh?
Scarlett:You’re kidding. Xander came over after practice to watch a movie, and he’s already snoring.
Scarlett:Completely wiped out. It was a tough practice, I guess.
Me:Well, you really aren’t going to believe this, then.
Me:He’s in the back helping my parents in the storage room.
Max:Using those fine muscles of his.