Page 9 of Twice as Tempting

Chapter 5

Kelly had just opened the bookstore on Monday morning, when Emma walked in balancing a bag from the Clarkston bakery and two steaming cups of coffee.

“You’re an angel,” Kelly said, relieving Emma’s burden. “I knew you wouldn’t be able to stay away for long!”

Emma had just given birth to Ava a few weeks ago, but as the owner of A New Chapter, she was having a difficult time staying away. “I promised Zack I would only stay for a few hours,” she said. “Just long enough to get a few things done and to talk to you about Damian.”

“What about Damian?” Kelly said while she reached into the bag and pulled out a cinnamon sugared donut.

“Well, how did it go on Friday night? We haven’t had a chance to talk since then, and I’m dying to know.”

“Not much to say,” Kelly replied before she bit into the yummy goodness of the donut.

“Oh, come on. You two sat outside for quite a while alone, so there must be something to tell.”

Kelly rolled her eyes. “And you thought I was the hopeless romantic!”

Emma fished a double chocolate donut out of the bag and waited for her friend to spill. She didn’t have to wait long.

“Damian and I called a truce. We’re going to play nice at least up through your wedding, but that was all we agreed to. Nothing else.” Kelly knew that she sounded disappointed, but Emma was her best friend, and there was no reason to hide her feelings.

“I wouldn’t call living in your apartment complex nothing!”

Kelly almost choked on her donut. “Wait, what? Did he already get a place?”

Emma smirked. “Yep, and he happened to mention that he’s in the building directly across from yours. You two are going to be neighbors!”

Kelly’s eyes grew as big as saucers. She had known it was a possibility, but now that it was a reality…

“So, what do you make of that? Out of all the possible residences in the Clarkston area, he chooses to live right next to you!”

Kelly was afraid to be optimistic. “I’m sure he chose the apartment because it was within his budget and he was anxious to have a place of his own. It has nothing to do with me.”

“Hmm…we’ll see,” Emma said and wiggled her eyebrows.

“Em, I know you would like it if Damian and I got back together, but don’t hold your breath. I’m afraid that ship has sailed. Besides, I’m dating Ken, remember?”

Emma cocked her head to one side. “I thought you weren’t sure about him. How can you date a guy who’s into healthy living when you’re sitting there eating a donut?”

Kelly giggled. “There’s nothing wrong with eating healthy, but if I indulge once in a while, Ken doesn’t have to know.”

“Says the queen of cheeseburgers and fries.”

“You’re one to talk!”

“I know, but at least Zack doesn’t mind. Anyway, I think it’s awesome that you and Damian are going to be neighbors.”

Before Kelly could respond, the front door chimed, and in walked Mrs. Simmons, an eighty-year-old grandmother who happened to be one of their best customers.

“Good morning, Mrs. Simmons. How can we help you today?” Kelly asked and gave her a bright smile.

“You can help me by starting that romance book club we talked about,” she replied gruffly.

“Romance book club?” Emma asked, directing her inquiry at Kelly.

“While you were busy having a baby, Mrs. Simmons asked me to host a romance book club meeting at the store. She and several of her friends are interested.”

“I think that’s a great idea! I wish we’d have thought of it sooner.”