Library
Amber
I walked into the library with confidence, despite the nightmare from the night before. Light lipstick feathered my lips, a necklace rested slightly above my collarbone, and I wore a white blouse with tiny, black polka dots, paired with black, pleated trousers, and low, black heels. My hair was in the classic twist that librarians typically used which felt right since, for all sums and purposes, I was a librarian, my title just didn’t say that. I was just an assistant. In fact, today, I was overdressed. That date yesterday boosted some confidence, and I felt like dressing up. To show myself I was real and this was real. That my nightmares couldn’t hold me.
I waved to Gina and Frankie at the service counter and walked to my area in the fiction part of the library.
Sitting at my desk, I put my lunch box in the cubby, as well as my purse, and got to work. I sifted through books that showed wear and tear and set books aside to be shelved, as well as kept an eye on our website. I loved my job. I loved books, and I surrounded myself with others who shared my passion for them. No other job could give me this.
Halfway through the morning shuffle, I opened a study room someone had reserved then headed back to my desk only to be overcome by those same tingles from yesterday. I searched around for Seth but didn’t find him. No phone calls or texts since I gave him my number last night, but would he really outdo himself and show up here instead?
I did tell him I worked as a librarian. Suddenly self-conscious about something in my teeth or flakes in my hair, I rushed back to my desk, sat in my chair, and pulled out a makeup compact that was hidden behind a book I was reading, and I did a quick check.
My shoulders sagged in relief. Lipstick was good; teeth were fine. To appear to be busy, I went back to my computer. The sensation drew nearer, and I paused my typing to peer around. I didn't find Seth. I did, however, see a man that appeared out of place.
He was striking. His brown hair, which he pulled back into a ponytail, rested at the base of his neck, with loose hair trimming his face, framing out his strong cheekbones. A gray speckled t-shirt, leather bands at his wrists, and a nice pair of blue jeans with stylish ankle boots made it clear this guy knew how to dress.
While I studied him, he spotted me. His eyes zeroed in, making my insides quiver with excitement as he made his approach. If I didn’t know better, it seemed like he was searching for me.
He strolled up to my desk and gave me a blinding smile, letting two dimples peek through. “Hey, do you know where I can find a book?”
I almost rolled my eyes at the comment. Did he not know where he was? “Yeah, I know where you can find a book.” I gestured to the floor where all the shelves of books stood. “We have lots of them. Any book in particular?”
He chuckled and shook his head. “I’m looking for a specific book. It's one my sister-in-law reads. I'm here on business, and I thought I'd pick it up and try it.”
“Okay, what's the title?” I asked, turning to the computer.
“I don’t know… Something about an Academy?”
I turned back to him, raising an eyebrow at his vague answer. “There's lots of books about academies.”
“Well, it's something about Academy, and the first book has a girl on the front but it doesn't show her face.”
“You have to be more descriptive than that.”
He grimaced. “Okay, well, there's another book by the same author. It has beetles in the title, and the cover is red.” He snapped his finger. “Scarab beetles.”
My eyebrows rose, realizing I knew exactly which books he referred to. “Are you talking about CL Stone’s Academy books? And Scarab Beetle books?”
His face lit up. “That's it. That's the one! I wanted to check out the first book. My sister-in-law said it was good, and I’m pretty much up for reading anything.”
My mouth popped open, and I wasn't sure what to say. “You want to check out a romance?”
“Y-yes,” he stumbled.
I turned back to the computer to search for a book I already stashed away for myself. He wouldn’t be too disappointed it was unavailable since he didn’t even realize what genre the book was in.
“It looks like it's not available to check out right now”—because I had it in my desk drawer—“but the first book in her other series is available.”
He tapped his fingers against his thigh. “Sure, can you write down the location so I can grab it?”
“Of course.” I got a pencil and paper and wrote it down, then gave it to him. Our fingers touched as I handed over the piece of paper and sparks flew. I jerked my hand back.
The man's face blanked. “Did you feel that?” he asked, cautiously.
I nodded and gestured to the carpeted floor. “You must've shuffled your shoes across the floor, or maybe it was me and the computer.”
He shifted his stance. “No,” he said slowly. “I think it's more than that.”
He stuck out a hand. “My name’s Aaron.”
Unsure what to do, I did the only thing I could and took his hand. The lightning tingles raced up my arm as soon as our palms touched. An ache once again blossomed in the pit of my stomach.
Gasping, I went to pull away, but he held on. His intense moss gaze kept mine as he shifted his tall frame downward to get closer to me. “You can you feel it.”
I gulped, my body in overdrive. He scared me now. I wasn't sure what to do. “Yes. Can I have my hand back, please?”
He released me and took the piece of paper. “I’ll go check this out and be back.”
I nodded, what else could I do? Putting my hand in my lap, I wished the tingling sensation would leave. Who was this guy, and what was going on?
Before the man came back, Lane came into the library, giving me a wave as he walked to the back room to put his stuff away before coming back to relieve me for break. I grabbed my purse, readying myself and hopeful I could get away before Aaron came back.
Lane came toward me, giving me a bright smile. “Ready for break?”
He was an every day, nice kind of guy. On time, helpful, and well liked here at work. It also helped that he was young like me and had an eagerness to please. Maria would name him the keeper she wanted me to have, minus the rich part.
“Always am,” I quipped, slipping out of my chair to let him take my place.
“If it wasn’t for the fact that I’m here so you can take your breaks, I’d say you didn’t like me.”
I rolled my eyes, adjusting the strap of my purse on my shoulder. “I like you just fine, Lane.”
His eyes grew serious. “Then, have dinner with me tonight.”
“Can’t,” I answered, walking off.
“Can’t, or won’t?”
I didn’t bother answering because even though I was busy tonight, I wouldn’t go out with Lane, even if I were free. It wouldn’t be fair to him, giving him hope that he had a chance when I wasn’t into him like he was with me. Things would’ve been easier if I had been, though.
My body didn’t react like it had with Seth and Aaron. Tingles all over, the feeling of need and wanting. I experienced none of that with Lane. If I could, I would keep both Seth and Aaron and not choose. And by the books Aaron was interested in reading, that might be in my future… A woman could only hope. Maybe dream would be the better word. I shook my head and scolded myself. Come on, Amber, you can’t consider such ideas! I could never have that. Things like that just didn’t happen.
I went to the break room and brooded, then stared at my phone, willing Seth to text or call, but my phone stayed silent.
***
Finishing my mid-morning break, I returned to my desk and relieved Lane, thanking him.
He mumbled something under his breath and went off toward the front desks where he worked the rest of the time with Gina and Frankie.
My attention shifted when someone came to the desk asking for help. When I pointed them in the right direction for the genre they wanted, my eye caught Aaron in one of the cushion chairs off to the side in front of my desk. His sat with his ankle crossed over one knee, leaning back as he read a book, but not just any book. It was the one he’d been looking for, the one I had stashed in my drawer for myself.
How did that happen?
I opened my drawer and discovered my copy of the book missing. Looking back to Aaron, I felt cheated. How did he get it? I was only halfway through, and there were umpteen other books I had to read. I could’ve bought it on my Kindle. It was probably free on there, anyway. My shoulders drooped. I guess I could do that, but there just wasn't anything like reading a book when you could hold it in your hands, sweeping each page to the next, devouring the story, the poetic words written on a page. I turned my attention back to Aaron and found him strolling my way, waving the book in the air when he got closer.
“I found it.”
My lips pressed together in annoyance. “I see that.”
As if he knew my struggle on keeping my surprise hidden, he gave me a wide smile. “It was in your desk drawer. Lane, who took over for you, found it when a chick came over and asked for a pencil. When I mentioned it was the book I was trying to find, he let me have it.” He handed it back to me. “I hope you don't mind.”
I spluttered, “Mind? It's okay. I didn't realize it was in there.”
His eyes twinkled, not believing me. “I'm sure you didn't.”
I blushed, trying to look anywhere but at him as I took back the book. “Thank you.”
He shoved his hands into his pockets and got to the real reason he was standing around. “Look, Amber. I think there's something going on between you and me. Something special. I'd like to explore it more. Will you go on a date with me tonight?”
My shoulders drooped with disappointment. “I’m sorry, I can't tonight. I’m doing something.”
Not in the least detoured, he asked, “How about tomorrow night?”
I cracked a smile. “Tomorrow night is girl’s night.”
“Can’t win, can I? How about lunch? You have to eat sometime.”
I let a chuckle escape. “Are you serious?”
His expression sobered. “As serious as chocolate cake.”
I snickered. I did like chocolate cake. “Okay, you've earned it. My lunch break is at one. You bring me food, I’ll let you eat in the lunchroom with me.”
His eyebrows rose. “What kind of food do you like?”
I shrugged. “There’s a Pete’s Fish and Chips around the corner. I like them.”
His face relaxed into a smile. “I’ll be back around one with your food, honey.”
I shivered at his endearment. “I’ll be here… Hungry.”
Biting my lip as he chuckled and walked off, I couldn’t help but admire his walk. Strong and steady.