“Oh they do, and if Grams has a chance, you’ll hear all about it,” Gwen said with a smile. “Can you really do magic?” The question popped out before she could stop it. Grams must be rubbing off on her.
Luke grinned. “Sorry, no magic. My teammates came up with it. They think I have a weird intuition thing that helps keep us out of danger. At first, they chose Warlock, but I threatened to kick their asses, and they decided on Merlin.”
“I don’t blame you. I wouldn’t want Warlock for a nickname, either. Are you in danger a lot?” Damn. She was turning into Grams. “I’m sorry, forget I asked. I don’t want you to have to kill me now.” Gwen could stare at him forever, but it turned her brain into mush and stupid stuff kept coming out of her mouth.
He chuckled; it sent shivers down her spine. “You’re safe and much too beautiful to kill.”
At this rate, it would take hours for Gwen’s cheeks to return to their normal color. “Thank you, but you don’t have to flirt to get a discount,” she said with a smile as she placed her reading glasses on the desk.
His eyes darkened to a molten caramel. “I don’t know who you’ve been dating, but they must be blind.”
If he was as good at everything else as he was at flirting, she might be in trouble. His deep voice raised goose bumps on her arms, and her palms dampened. As she watched his lips, she wondered what it would be like to kiss him.
“Nope. I’m just your average, geeky bookworm.” Gwen shrugged. There was no way a guy like him would be interested in her. But he’d definitely fuel her fantasies for a while.
“I’m sorry if I embarrassed you. I’ve been around the guys too much.”
“Nothing to worry about, it’s just me.”
“You should take her out,” Grams said from the other room.
Oh, my God. What is wrong with that woman?
“I’m so sorry…” Gwen ran her hands through her hair before she could stop herself. It was probably standing up in twelve different directions. Attractive.
“I was getting there, Becca, you just needed to give me a little more time,” Merlin said with a twinkle in his eyes.
Why wasn’t there an ejection button? Wait until she told her best friend, Belle, that her grandmother was making dates for her.
“I’m sure you have better things to do.” Gwen gave Grams the evil side-eye through the wall.
“No, I don’t. It’s my first day off in months, and I can’t think of a better way to spend it. Picking your brain about books would be more fun than I’ve had in ages.”
Maybe if she relented and agreed, he’d leave, and she could try to recover some of her self-esteem. “I guess we could go for coffee sometime.”
“You could go now. Gramps and I will watch the store.”
Merlin leaned close to Gwen so only she would hear him. She caught the scent of mint and the outdoors. It was like inhaling sunshine.
“Looks like you don’t have a choice. I promise I don’t bite…much.” Then he winked as he pulled away.
She hadn’t blushed this much since she was fifteen. There was something about him that turned her to mush. She wanted to say yes, even if it mortified her that Grams had pushed him into asking. It wasn’t like it would be a hardship to go out with eye candy like Luke. Plus, if she were honest, she wanted to learn more about him—a lot more.
Besides, Luke was right. If she didn’t go, Grams would spend the rest of the day telling her what a mistake she’d made.
After a quick smile, he said loud enough that Grams would hear, “I have a couple of unicorn books I’ve been hoping to find. We can talk about them while we have our coffee.”
It was the perfect motivation, and somehow, he knew it. Luke Forest was definitely too smart, and that smile… Oh. My. God. There was no way she could resist it.
“Okay, Grams. We’ll be at Beans. Call or text if you need me.”
“I won’t. Have a wonderful time,” Grams yelled from the back room.
Before Gwen could grab her purse, Gramps came out from the back with an enormous grin on his face. God save her from her matchmaking grandparents.
“I’ll talk to her while you’re out, Gwenie-bee,” he said as he dropped a kiss on her forehead. Then he gave Merlin the look over and nodded.
Merlin nodded back—it was probably some kind of military thing. “I’ll bring her back soon.”
“No need to rush,” came the voice from the other room.
Gwen couldn’t hold back the eye roll.
Chapter 2
The last thing Merlin had expected when strode into the bookstore was to end up on a date. After the last few months being sent on one mission after another, he’d really needed this day away from post and his team.
The stress of the last mission had affected each of the Delta Team 3 members differently and had left invisible scars. The nightmares were real, and he knew he wasn’t the only one having them. They couldn’t talk about them with anyone except each other, and they didn’t do that either. They were the ghosts of the spec ops community and never mentioned they were Delta. It was a need to know basis only, and most never needed to know.
As he held the front door of the bookstore for Gwen, he wisely hid his grin.
“I’m sorry we forced you into this,” Gwen said as she slipped by him into the sweltering heat.
She was tiny compared to his six-foot-two frame, and as she stepped into the sunshine, her auburn hair shone with gold highlights. When he’d bent down to whisper to her, he’d smelled honeysuckle. It was a scent he was familiar with; the flowers filled the gardens around his family home, and now, she’d be added to that memory. What did surprise him was his need to protect her.
As they walked, he said, “I was serious when I said I wanted to talk to you some more.”
“But it didn’t have to be now. I’m sure you have better things to do than go for coffee with a stranger on your day off.”
“Not at all. I can’t think of a better way to spend my afternoon.”
Beans Café was only a few stores down from the bookstore. Metal tables and chairs nestled under an awning, and he hoped she’d want to sit in the fresh air and breeze despite the heat. “Is out here okay or do you want to sit inside?”
“Definitely out here after being inside all morning.”
“I was hoping you’d say that. As long as the coffee is good, I’m a happy man.”
“Really? That’s all it takes?” Gwen teased as he opened the door to the coffee shop.
“It’s a start.” Merlin grinned.
As he followed Gwen inside, he inhaled the aroma of fresh -roasted coffee and sighed happily. Coffee was another weakness, and he’d learned to appreciate the difference after the shit they drank on deployments. It was more mud than anything. But if the taste matched the scent, it would be heaven in a mug.
“Have you been here before?” Gwen asked as she got in line to place her order.
“No, this is my first time in Lancelot.” After he scanned the menu, he decided on an extra-large black coffee. The stronger, the better.
“I should have realized that since you said you found the bookstore online.”
“The town is tiny. Not what I expected.”
“I’m sure they thought it would grow. I’ve lived here my entire life, and it hasn’t changed much.”
“Tiny? You can say that again. Makes me wonder what Lancelot would think,” Merlin said.
Her laughter caught him by surprise and filled him with joy. “He’d probably demand a do-over.”
“Your usual, Gwen?” the woman asked from behind the counter.
“Yes, please,” she answered.
“Put hers with mine,” Merlin interjected before the woman could ring her up.
At his comment, at least five heads swiveled to give him the once over, including Dee, according to her nametag.
“And what can I get you?” Dee asked as she checked him out.
“The largest black coffee you have and a blueberry scon
e, please. Gwen, do you want anything else?”
“The coffee is enough, thanks.”
Merlin paid the bill and grabbed their coffees.
“Don’t forget your scone,” Dee said, dangling a bag in her hand.
“Thanks. Gwen, can you get that?” Merlin responded.
Dee looked a little put out. Not that he cared. His focus was solidly on Gwen.
The instant attraction that had hit him when he’d laid eyes on her in the bookstore still had his head spinning. She’d bewitched him. The bolt of lightning that had sizzled through his body had almost knocked him over. Merlin wasn’t a monk. He’d dated his share of women over the years, but this was the first woman who’d left him speechless.
There was something magical about Gwen that filled him with wonder and desire from that first moment. Now, he needed to find out why.
Selecting the table farthest from the door, he put their coffees down and held the chair for her. Then he grabbed the other one and placed it beside her, ensuring that his back was to the building. She’d probably think it was so they could chat and not overheard, but after years in spec ops, it was habit to keep his back protected.
“I guess you get coffee here a lot if they know your order?” he asked as he took a sip from his steaming mug.
“I’m a creature of habit, but I love my mocha coffee with cinnamon. And as for how often I go…usually once a day when it’s nice out. It’s about the only time I get out of the bookstore during the day.”
He watched the expressions on her face. She was easy to read, innocent. No shadows filled her emerald-green eyes as they glowed against her fair skin. She held him captive. The light breeze blew a strand of auburn hair across her cheek, and he had to fight the urge to reach across the table and push it behind her ear. “You’re there all the time?”
Gwen nodded and took another sip of coffee. “Yeah. I know I should get out more, but honestly, I love being around the books and the antiques my parents acquire for the store.” Her cheeks got rosy. “There is nothing like the smell of old books, you know? I had to talk my grandparents into adding a storefront to the website. It can get a little overwhelming.”
Redheads weren’t usually his thing, but her the streaks of gold almost made her glow as the sun slanted under the awning. He wondered how she’d respond if he leaned over and kissed the freckles across her nose. Then he stifled his groan as he thought about where else she had them.
“So you get a lot of orders?” Merlin could listen to her soft, Southern drawl forever. She was small-boned but not skinny, and she had soft curves in all the right places. Her silk blouse clung to her, accentuating the curve of her breasts. If he leaned forward just a little, he’d be able to see a hint of cleavage.
She shrugged her shoulders. “Sometimes, it seems to happen in waves. But trying to get all the items in the store cataloged, photographed, and uploaded has been a bear of a job. Plus, my parents are off on another buying trip.”
The wistfulness in her voice caught his attention. “Do you ever go with them on the trips?”
“I did go a few times when I was in high school, but it didn’t go well. My parents prefer to go by themselves,” Gwen said, regret lacing her words.
Merlin figured there was more to the story, but they were just getting to know each other. If he asked a lot of personal questions, he would probably scare her away.
“That sucks, I mean, unless you don’t want to go.”
“It would be nice to go sometimes, but I don’t mind taking care of the store.” She seemed to shake it off as she turned the full fire of her gorgeous, emerald eyes on him. “All we’ve done is talk about me. It’s your turn. All I know is your nickname and that you collect rare books.”
Merlin knew she’d have questions. It was only fair since she’d answered his. Still, he wasn’t sure how much he wanted to divulge. The team knew his background, but he hadn’t shared it with them until they already knew and respected him as a soldier and brother. Would she look at him differently? He decided on a partial truth since they’d just met, even if she did light him on fire.
“You’re right. But I’m lucky. My granddad loved books as much as I do, and we used to shop for books together. That’s where my love of reading came from.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I can’t even imagine how I’d feel if I lost either of my grandparents. But what a wonderful thing to share with him.”
“Yes, it was. He was an amazing man, and I still miss him. It’s been five years, but it still feels like yesterday.”
“What was your favorite book when you were a kid?” Gwen asked.
Relieved that she’d let the family stuff drop, he smiled. This was a no-brainer. “Robinson Crusoe. I remember the first time my granddad read it to me. And the quote, ‘It is never too late to be wise.’ I try to live by that, though it hasn’t stopped me from my share of stupid.” Damn. When did he become a Chatty Cathy? The guys gave him crap all the time for being quiet, and here he was, spilling his guts over a cup of coffee and a blueberry scone.
She smiled and dropped her hand onto Merlin’s and squeezed, sending a jolt of desire up his arm and straight to his groin. But before he could do more than register the feel of her hand, she pulled away.
“I seriously doubt you’ve ever been stupid,” Gwen said, her voice a little breathless.
“I try not to now that I’m an adult, but when I was in high school, all bets were off. I spent a lot of time in detention. My parents had the principal on speed dial,” Merlin said with a grin.
“A bad boy? Maybe I should have thought twice about coming with you for coffee,” she teased.
He should have left it there, lighthearted and easy, but he couldn’t. Something kept telling him not to let her get away. “I’m glad you did come. You’re a breath of fresh air after spending so much time with my team.”
Her gaze met his for a moment before lifting her cup for a sip. “Me, too.”
He guessed she was in her late twenties, but her innocence was palpable. His brain told him to back off, that she wasn’t like the women he usually dated. Gwen was a keeper, the ones he’d avoided dating. But that didn’t stop him from wondering how her lips tasted, and how her naked body would feel against him. He was in way over his head.
His phone saved him as it vibrated. As he pulled it out of his pocket, he adjusted his jeans so the zipper wouldn’t leave a permanent mark on his flesh.
He checked the message. So much for time off. Maybe it was divine intervention. After sending a quick reply to Commander Rouvin “Roe” Turano, his CO, to let him know he was on his way, he looked over at Gwen. They hadn’t been sitting there long, but he was more relaxed than he’d been in months. He’d even laughed—not usually part of his modus operandi.
“I’m sorry, but I’m afraid I have to get going. I really enjoyed chatting with you.” He hoped she knew he meant it. There was something special about Gwen. Even though it would be dangerous for him to let her into his life, especially after what happened with Zip, he wouldn’t be able to stay away from her.
“Work?”
“Yes, unfortunately. It happens. So much for my week of leave.”
“It’s okay. I probably should get back anyway.” Gwen gave him a shy smile.
“I’ll walk you back to the bookstore. I saw a book I’d like to get, too.” He could have waited or even bought it online, but he wasn’t ready to leave yet. It wouldn’t take him that long to get back to Ft. Hood. Another few minutes shouldn’t matter.
“Which one?” she asked as they put their cups in the dirty dish bin by the café’s door.
“Life of Merlin, by Thomas Heywood. I’ve been looking for it for ages. Do you know if it’s the first edition?”
“Yes, it is. Excellent choice. The book has some light foxing and tiny holes in the text, but considering it was published in sixteen forty-one, I’m not surprised.”
“You know that off the top of your head?” Every minute that passed, he was more in
trigued. How was she still single? Or maybe she wasn’t? Although the way her grandmother kept pushing for them to get coffee should mean she was available. Either that or Grams didn’t like the guy she was dating.
“I love all the Arthurian books. I’ve read it several times. It’s been in the store for a long time. Maybe it was waiting for you? My grandparents found it when they were still doing the buying for the bookstore.”
“Are you sure you want to part with it?” As much as he’d love to own it, he hesitated to take it away from her.
“Yes, I’ve read it, enjoyed it, and now, it’s time to share it. That’s why we do this. It would be horrible to hoard all the books.” She gave Merlin a sideways glance as he opened the door to the bookshop, and she entered, once more sliding under his arm. “I have a feeling it just found the perfect home.”
After taking the book out of the cabinet, she wrapped it carefully in acid-free, brown paper and tied it with a string just like they would have a hundred years ago. It was expensive, probably more than he should spend, but he’d been looking for that edition for at least five years. It sucked he wouldn’t have time to read it until he returned from whatever mission Roe had for them.
Gwen slid the wrapped book into a canvas shopping bag with Camelot Rare Books and Antiquities printed across the front
“Thank you for having coffee with me, and for this,” Merlin said as he lifted the bag off the counter. “I’m glad I visited Lancelot today.”
“Me, too,” she answered with a smile.
As much as he wanted to stay, he couldn’t stall any longer. Roe and the team were probably already waiting for him on post. With a quick smile, he headed for the door.
He got halfway to his truck before he turned around and went back. Gwen was back behind the desk with her laptop open. When he stepped inside and she looked up at him, a jolt of desire rooted him to the floor, just like earlier.
“Did you forget something?”
“No, I mean yes. I was wondering if we could exchange numbers. I’d really like to see you again.” It was crazy, and he felt awkward like a teenager on his first date, but he hoped she’d wouldn’t turn him down.
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