Page 20 of Twice as Tempting

Chapter 8

Kelly felt relieved when the workweek started up again. Instead of focusing on Damian’s comings and goings from their apartment complex, she turned her attention back to the bookstore. In between waiting on customers, placing orders, and shelving books, she began to plan her first romance book club meeting.

Her first order of business—selecting the book, which was not an easy task given the wide variety of romance novels to choose from. She decided to steer away from erotica, because she didn’t want to offend anyone’s sensibilities, but she wanted a story with at least a little sass!

Kelly was examining the array of possibilities laid out before her on the bookstore counter when Ken came strolling in. She quickly reassembled the books into a neat pile and shoved them aside.

“Hey, Ken,” she said and greeted him with a smile.

“How’s it going?” he asked, giving her a genuine smile in return.

She did like the guy, and it wasn’t his fault that Damian had swooped back into town just when she and Ken were getting to know each other.

“Not bad. What brings you in today?”

“Well, I could lie and say I’m here to buy a book, but I won’t.”

“Ok…”

“Look, Kelly. I really like you, but I can’t tell if you feel the same. I thought so at the beginning…but then something changed.”

“Yeah, I know, and I’m sorry about that. Something came up, and I got a little distracted, but I like you too.”

A warm smile spread across his face. “So, should I ask you out again?”

Why not? My infatuation with Damian is just that—an infatuation. Maybe, with Ken, it will be different. Maybe I haven’t given him a fair chance. “Sure. Ask me again.”

Ken cleared his throat noisily. “Kelly, will you go out with me on Saturday night?”

“Yes,” she said.

“Great. I’ll call you later in the week, and we’ll make a plan.”

Just then, the door chimed, and in walked Mrs. Simmons. “Sounds good,” Kelly replied and then nodded toward her customer.

Ken took the hint and turned to leave, passing Mrs. Simmons on the way out.

“Good-looking young man,” Mrs. Simmons said when she approached the counter. “But not as good-looking as that other fellow.”

Kelly was confused. “Which other fellow?”

“That dark-haired, broody man that has a body like Adonis.”

Kelly’s eyes widened, and she let out a loud laugh. “You mean Damian?”

“I don’t know what his name is, but I’ve seen him in here before, and he’s one fine specimen.”

“Mrs. Simmons!”

“What? I’m not dead yet!”

Kelly giggled again but decided to change the subject. “So, I’m trying to select a book for our book club meeting. Got any suggestions?”

“You’re the expert, dear. I’ll leave it up to you, but choose something spicy. It’ll keep people coming back!”

On Wednesday evening, Kelly pulled into her apartment complex at the same time that Damian was getting into his truck. He looked up and waved while she pulled into her parking spot, and then waited for her to get out.

“Good timing,” he said when she stepped out of the car.