“That’s how I felt when the online bookstore took off. When Justin and I decided to open a physical store, it was scary, but we’ve been open almost three years and so far, so good. One of the biggest draws for us is the readings we have twice a month. We offer snacks for the kids and encourage them to dress up according to that night’s theme.” She smiled, thinking about the last one where all the kids dressed up as their favorite Winnie the Pooh character. She turned to Lauren, expecting to see boredom written across her face, but all she saw was interest.
Lauren turned her gaze back to the store. “We also offer all kinds of different parties; receptions, birthdays, baby showers, or whatever a client wants. I don’t have children, but our clients seem to enjoy the parties we throw for them. Do you have children, Ainslon?”
Ainslon almost forgot to breathe when Lauren said her name. “I don’t have human kids, but I do have a cat, Shady McQuinn.”
Lauren nodded. “I lost my lab, Mickey, last year. He was twelve.” She motioned with her head toward the back. “Follow me.” They walked through several aisles and Ainslon tried to avert her eyes from the trousers hugging Lauren’s ass, but failed miserably. As she raised her eyes, the woman working behind the cash register busted her. Her name tag read Carrie.
“Ms. Millán, good afternoon,” Carrie said.
“You as well, Carrie.” She walked over to a picture that hung on the wall, Ainslon following. In it, Lauren knelt on the ground and had one arm around a black lab; a pair of Aviators hid Lauren’s eyes. The smile on her face was breathtaking. Whoever was taking the picture was lucky to have that smile directed at them. “That’s my Mickey.”
“He looks like Oisἱn, my Nana’s dog. He died five years ago.”
“It’s hard when we lose them, but the time we spend with them well makes up for the pain when they are taken from us.” Lauren motioned with her hand to another room and winked. “Let’s check out the chocolate room.”
Ainslon’s head screamed at her to decline and get the hell out, but her feet seemed to have a mind of their own. As soon as they entered the room, the chocolate aroma hit her full force and she groaned.
Lauren laughed. “Would you like a sample?”
“Yes, I would.” She held Lauren’s eyes and sucked in a breath when she took a step in her direction. Did she miss something? They were talking about chocolate, weren’t they?
“Do you have a preference?”
Ainslon wanted to scream, “you,” but clamped her mouth shut. She didn’t trust herself to speak so she shook her head.
Lauren stepped around her and behind the counter. “The filled chocolates are my favorite. There is no better feeling than when you bite into the chocolate and the burst of flavor erupts on your tongue.”
Ainslon shivered and nodded. What was wrong with her? She stepped up to the counter and surveyed the assortment, trying to get her bearings. Chocolates of all shapes and sizes, filled with everything from chocolate to apricots took up an entire level. Her eyes landed on an assortment in the middle row, the fruit filled ones. “I would like to try a fruit filled one.” Somehow her voice came out sounding normal. At least she hoped it did. At this point she didn’t know what the hell she was doing.
“What kind?”
Ainslon grinned. “Surprise me.”
“Turn around.”
“What?” She blinked.
“Turn around if you want me to surprise you.” Ainslon did as instructed. A moment later, Lauren stood in front of her. “Close your eyes,” Lauren said softly.
Ainslon followed Lauren’s instruction.
“Open your mouth,” Lauren said.
Ainslon thought she was going to die when Lauren placed the chocolate in her mouth. The thought did enter her mind to bite down on Lauren’s finger, but she refrained. When she opened her eyes, Lauren had a coy smile on her lips.
The taste of chocolate melting on her tongue was exquisite, but when she bit into the morsel, the burst of raspberry filling was almost orgasmic. The sweetness and tartness balanced with the milk chocolate and dash of sea salt was an amazing experience.
“Wow!” She wasn’t sure if it was the chocolate or the smiling woman standing in front of her that elicited such a response.
“That’s the second time you’ve said that.” Lauren grinned and motioned them both away from the counter. “I take it you like it here.”
“You have no idea.” Ainslon turned to their left when a woman walked up next to them and slipped her arm through Lauren’s. Lauren melted against the woman’s side with a touch of familiarity and the brilliant smile she displayed transformed her.
Ainslon thought the woman looked familiar. Perhaps she was one of the women in Lauren’s family pictures she’d viewed in her Google search.
Ainslon cleared her throat. “Lauren, thank you for the tour, but I should be getting back. I told Justin I would pick up lunch. He’s probably wondering where I am.”
“Lauri,” the woman said. “I didn’t mean to interrupt. I only need a minute, then you can get back to your friend.” She looked from Ainslon to Lauren.
“Ainslon, this is my sister, Callie. Callie, Ainslon.”
Ainslon held her hand out to Callie. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“You as well.” Callie squeezed her hand.
As soon as Callie released her hand, she took a step back and regarded Lauren. “I do need to be getting back. You brightened my morning, Lauren. Thank you for the tour. I enjoyed myself immensely.”
“Ainslon,” Lauren said, shaking off Callie and taking a step toward her. “She only needs a minute. Are you sure you have to go? I can show you the kitchen and we can sample some of the new chocolates.”
“As tempting as that is, I can’t.” Ainslon hated seeing the disappointment on Lauren’s face, but she couldn’t stay. “I really do have to go. Today is my day to grab lunch, and Justin and Sarah will be wondering where I am. I’ll take a raincheck on the rest of the tour.”
“That can be arranged. Let me walk you out.”
At the entrance door, Ainslon turned to Lauren. “Thank you again.”
“It was my pleasure. You’re welcome any time.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” She would definitely be back.
“So. Who is Ainslon? I can’t recall ever hearing that name before,” Callie asked after she dragged Lauren back to her office and shut the door.
Lauren loved her sister, but at times she could be trying. They’d been mistaken for a couple a few times and she’d wanted to make sure Ainslon hadn’t come to the same conclusions. While she and Callie both had their papa’s brown eyes, Lauren’s complexion and hair were dark like his, but Callie took after their mother with a lighter complexion.
“Who is she?” Callie asked again.
“She owns a bookstore and is looking for Colin’s birthday present.” Lauren paced in front of the window, disappointed that Ainslon had left so abruptly. It took all her restraint not to kiss her instead of giving her the chocolate.
“And?”
Lauren watched the customers down below. “Honestly, there’s nothing to tell. This is only the second time we’ve met.”
“But you want more. Come on.” Callie grabbed Lauren’s hand and dragged her down onto the loveseat beside her. “I could feel the fireworks coming off you two. Boom!” She made an explosion motion with her hands. “Tell me.”
Lauren groaned. “I don’t have time for this. I have to work, and you still haven’t told me why you came by.”
“You can give me a few minutes. You were going to show her the kitchen and you know how much Noe hates to have visitors sprung on him, and the reason I came by isn’t as important as this.”
She knew she wouldn’t be getting out of this without giving her sister something. “Yes, I like her, but she’s doing a job for me right now. That’s it. There really isn’t anything to tell.”
“From where I was standing, she’s interested in you too.”
; Lauren lay her head back. “She’s gorgeous and awkward, and I would really like to get to know her better. I wished she hadn’t left.”
“She needed to get back to work.” Callie pushed on Lauren’s shoulder. “Go on.”
“Her accent sends chills through me. I don’t know what a relationship with her would look like, but I would at least like to have dinner with her.” Admitting it aloud felt good. She and Callie had their differences growing up, but after she graduated college, they’d reconnected, and she couldn’t have a better sister or friend.
“That’s more like it. I can tell you’re taken with her. I haven’t seen you look this way since Gabby.”
“Yes, it’s taken me by surprise. I don’t even know her, and Google was no help. She really doesn’t have an online presence.”
Callie blinked in surprise. “Cyber stalking, are we now? You must really like her. Tell you what. Tonight, we’re going out.” Callie cut off Lauren’s protests. “We are. I’ll pick you up at nine-thirty for drinks.”
“Nine-thirty. Couldn’t we go earlier?” She was usually in bed by eleven.
“No. You’re too much of a homebody as it is. Dress nice.”
She didn’t want to go out but knew she couldn’t deter Callie.
By the time nine-thirty rolled around, Lauren was, by no means, ready to go drinking. But she’d dressed nice, per Callie’s instructions.
She paired skinny jeans with a short black jacket, white sleeveless blouse, and her favorite pair of black Louboutin’s. She kept her hair down. She always thought her eyes were her best feature but received the most compliments on her smile.
A text from Callie alerted her she’d pulled up outside. Lauren slipped her license and credit card into the front pocket of her jeans, along with the spare key to her condo. She had no intention of getting drunk, or any intention of losing her purse. That had happened once and she vowed it would never happen again.
She snatched her phone from the kitchen table, locked the door behind her, and walked to the elevator. The ride down was quick, and she waved at the night guard, Bruce, as she stepped out onto the busy street. She’d bought the condo eight years ago, when this part of town was still growing, for a little under six hundred thousand.
A few months ago, Ollie had tried to get her to sell because the market had boomed, encouraging her to find a place closer to her store. Ollie tried tempting her with the price of close to four million, but she loved the condo and had no plans to sell it. At least, not at this point in her life.
She climbed into Callie’s car and buckled in.
“At least it’s not workwear.”
Lauren rolled her eyes. “Where are we going?”
“NightCrawlers.”
She should have known since it was Callie’s go-to bar. It was in the top three of the most popular bars in the city. Every other Saturday, they had live music, and a signature drink on the weekends. She hadn’t been there in a few weeks and the closer they got, the more her excitement grew. Maybe this is what she needed.
Once inside, they were escorted to a table for two and their drink order quickly taken. Lauren slipped off her jacket and Callie whistled.
“See, that’s what I’m talking about. The ladies and gentlemen will be all over you. Just send the men my way.”
“You’re married.”
“I’m joking. I can admire a fine-looking man, but Jeffrey knows he has my heart.”
Callie and Jeffrey, married for close to twenty years, had a fifteen-year-old son named Charlie.
“I’m surprised Jeff didn’t come with you tonight.” Lauren took a sip of her apple martini, letting the flavors dance on her tongue. Tonight, she was starting off with a martini before moving on to the craft beer on special that night. Tonight’s choice, the Blushing Cowboy, was a salty, sour German beer made with coriander and strawberry. She couldn’t wait to try it.
“He declared it a father and son bonding night. They’ve been playing classic Mario for hours and were expecting pizza when I left to pick you up.”
“That sounds like fun.”
“I know, but we needed some time together.” Callie reached across the table and enfolded Lauren’s hand. “I’ve missed spending time with you.”
“I’ve missed spending time with you also.” The moment she looked away from Callie, her eyes locked with Ainslon’s, whose eyes were locked on hers. She was seated with three other people, a man and two women. “Mierda.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Ainslon’s here. Why is it that I keep running into her?” Lauren gulped down half of her drink.
“Slow down, tiger.” Callie turned toward Ainslon, then back to Lauren. “Go say something to her.”
“You can’t be serious. She practically ran from my store today. I’m sure the last thing she wants is to see me and she’s with people. Maybe one of them is her date.”
“Not likely, the gentleman has his arm around one of the other women, so that’s probably his date. The other woman looks familiar.” She squinted, then snapped her fingers. “She works at Brew and Bake.”
“So, you don’t know if they’re dating?”
“No, but it won’t hurt to say hello.”
“I don’t know.” Lauren finished her drink, then ordered a Blushing Cowboy, fried mushrooms, and pulled pork sliders. She might as well drown her sorrows in good booze and food.
“They’re just now getting their appetizers. You have time.”
An hour and twenty minutes, two beers, and two appetizers later, Lauren still hadn’t worked up the nerve to approach Ainslon.
“Go on, Lauri, I have faith in you.”
She knew Callie was goading her, and it was working. “You’re right.” She took a deep breath, made to stand, but sat back down when Ainslon and another woman moved to the dance floor. The other woman looked familiar, but Lauren couldn’t place her. Ainslon laughed as the woman dipped her, then spun her around the dance floor. Great. Just great.
“So,” Callie said, throwing a twenty on the table. “How about we get you home? I’ve only had one drink since we arrived.” She slipped her arm through Lauren’s. “You’re obviously not ready and that’s fine. I’m sorry for pushing you.”
“It’s all right. I know you meant well, and I am tired.”
“We do have to get up early for the farmers market tomorrow.”
“I can’t wait.”
Callie rolled her eyes and escorted her toward the door. On the way, they passed by Ainslon and the woman. Ainslon smiled at her but quickly turned her attention back to her dance partner.
For some reason, Ainslon had made a deep impression on her. Now she had to get her body to catch up with her mind. The last thing she wanted to do was to rush into anything, but she also didn’t want to miss her chance. Hopefully, tomorrow she could come up with some sort of game plan.
Ainslon let Alice, a barista at Brew and Bake, steer her around the dance floor. After the dance, they made their way back to their table. Ainslon flopped into the booth as Easton left the table to dance with Alice.
She couldn’t get the sight of Lauren out of her mind and knew tonight her dreams would feature Lauren in that top. She accepted the beer Justin handed her.
“So, that’s Lauren,” Brandy said. She and Justin had been dating for a little over eight months and they seemed to make a good match. Ainslon had never seen him so happy.
“It was.”
“Do you know who the woman is that was with her?” Justin asked.
“Her sister. Lauren introduced us when I was at her store.” She took a sip of her beer. The Blushing Cowboy was amazing, and she would be ordering it again when it was offered.
“She’s beautiful,” Brandy said. “You should have asked her to dance.”
“I’m with Brandy on this one,” Justin said. “All she could do is say no.”
“No, she could have also called off our business dealings. In case you’ve forgotten, I am doing a job for her.”
> “I haven’t forgotten, and from what you’ve told me about her, she doesn’t strike me as the type to do something like that.” Justin finished his beer, stood, and held out his hand for Brandy. “Dance with me.”
Once Justin and Brandy left to dance, Ainslon buried her face in her hands. She kept her eyes closed even as she heard a body plop down in the seat across from her.
“You look troubled,” Easton said.
She looked up and into Easton’s eyes. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”
Easton rested her elbows on the table. “Yes, you do. You like her. Just let it ride. What happens will happen. This is what? The fourth time you’ve seen her in the last few weeks. You’re bound to run into her again.”
“I know, and that’s what scares me.”
“Don’t be scared.” Easton stood and held out her hand. “What you need is to dance out your insecurities.”
It always helped when they were teenagers, so why not now. Ainslon finished her beer and stood, slipping her hand into Easton’s. “Let’s do this.”
Bright and early Saturday morning, Ainslon arrived at Edna’s house. Twice a month, they visited the farmers market and Ainslon would never miss it.
She’d made it home relatively early the night before but had tossed and turned for a good hour, thinking about Lauren. She tended to overthink things but couldn’t help it. Her nana always said overthinking would be her downfall.
The farmers market first, then her thoughts could stray to Lauren later.
Before she could even get out of the car, Edna was walking down the steps. Ainslon jumped out, kissed her on the cheek, and opened the passenger side door for her.
“Stop staring at me, dear. I’m not dead yet.”
“Nana.” She groaned. “I wish you wouldn’t say things like that.”
“It’s no secret I’m old.”
“I know.” After fifteen minutes of driving, Ainslon flicked her blinker and pulled into the semi-full parking lot. After shutting off the engine, she unclipped her seat belt, climbed out, then opened the passenger door. “Ready to get started?”
First Edition Romance Page 5