Bookstore Barbie: Magnolia Ridge Series Read online

  “Mom had a few more books on her list this week I need help finding.”

  “Oh sure, no problem!” She recovers quickly.

  “And I’m just making sure we’re still on for Friday.” I catch a hint of a blush as she tucks her chin and nods.

  “Yeah, we are.”

  “Good.” I make a show of turning my big body to face the guy at the counter. I finally have the chance to size him up and I’m not shocked he falls short. He’s tall and lean and looks like he could pass for a fitness model, but a pretty face will only get you so far when you’ve got an attitude like trash.

  He looks at me and then at Barbie before pushing the book towards her. “Never mind. I’m going to get it online.”

  He walks out of the store and as happy as I am to see him go, I see her eyes widen and her mouth open as if to call after him. Her face is crestfallen when the door closes behind him and the chime of the bell might as well be laughing at her.

  “I’m sorry about that,” I mumble, thinking I may have just hurt her business. “I’ll take these.” I stack up the books I have in my basket and see a pile next to the register marked as clearance. “I’ll take these too.”

  I slide the pile of books closer to her as if showing her my offerings will somehow make the look of sadness on her face go away. Her eyes widen at the pile as if just now seeing them and she blinks a few times. I grab the ones that other dipshit left behind into my pile.

  She looks up to me then looks away quickly. “Thank you for that. I wasn’t sure what to say to him, but I appreciate you stepping in.” She clears her throat and goes about scanning the books.

  “Don’t worry about it.” I see the total on the register and I pull out a hundred-dollar bill.

  “Oh, I, uh, don’t have that kind of change.” Her cheeks turn the color of her lips and I watch as her straight white teeth sink into them nervously.

  “Keep it. I cost you a sale.” I nod over my shoulder to where the guy left and she starts waving her hand.

  “No, I can’t. Seriously, give me a second and I’ll go find some. I live right above here and I’m sure I’ve got something socked away.”

  I reach out and put my hand on top of hers. “Keep it. I’ll be back.”

  Goddamn if she doesn’t smile so big those dimples come back out again. Those two little indentions have something stirring inside me and I don’t know what to do about it. I grab the bag of books off the counter and make myself walk away. She’s already had one guy try to get in her pants tonight and no doubt she’s not ready for another.

  “Wait, what about Friday?” she calls out to my back and I turn just as I’m about to walk out of the door.

  “I’ll see you then.” I wink at her, then pull my hood over my head as I trudge out into the rain.

  Chapter Three

  Barbie

  “You’re looking cute.” Kayla pushes herself onto the checkout counter, making herself right at home. I move my books out of her way so she doesn't knock them on the floor. I don't have long until I have to close up for the night.

  “Thanks.” I smooth the front of my skirt down. I haven't worn it in forever because there was never a reason. “Where have you been?” I haven't seen her for a few days, but that’s how Kayla operates. She’s here one second and gone the next. My eyes flick to the front door. I didn't hear the bell go off when she came in. It might be broken.

  “Don’t change the subject. Why are you all dressed up?”

  “Maybe I want to look nice.”

  “You’ve got makeup on.”

  “It’s just lip gloss and mascara.” I’m terrible at doing my makeup and Kayla might as well be a professional. I think it has to do with her wicked art skills. I’m lucky I’ve got good skin and don’t have to wear any for the most part.

  “Give it up.” She pushes down the front of my book to look at what I’m reading.

  I blush, not because I’m reading a steamy romance, but because I’m reading a story about a man who falls in love with an adorable bookstore owner. Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but when I came across it this morning I couldn't help but peek inside, which led to me reading most of it in one day. If we hadn't been so busy today I would have already finished it.

  “I have a date,” I finally admit.

  I haven't been on a date in forever, and the last time I tried, it ended terribly. I swear I always end up trapped with the worst men. Lately I’ve been sticking to my bookstore and it’s filled the time just fine. That was until the mystery hero walked in my shop. Now I can’t get him off my mind.

  “A date! With who?” she gasps. “I’ve lived in this place my whole life and I know every single person, so you better spill it.”

  “I don’t know his name.” I cover my face with my hands.

  I was too distracted by other things to think about something like that. The man was built like a truck with his wide size and hulking arms and legs. He reminded me of Paul Bunyan with his beard and how he towered over me. I’m just thankful he sent Mr. Cocky running for the hills. That guy wasn't even the good kind of cocky, the kind that knows what he’s doing and is confident in himself. He was straight-up full of himself and it was obnoxious.

  “You can’t go out with someone whose name you don’t know.” Kayla shakes her head at me. “Life is not a book, Barbie. He could be a killer.”

  “And life is not a crime documentary.” I give her a pointed look.

  “Hey, those are based on real stories. I’m not knocking your books because you know I love a good love story, but we have to stay in reality when it comes to stuff like this.”

  “I know.” I let out a long sigh. “But he was a hero.” I rest my chin on my hands, disappointed because I know I should cancel this date.

  “Okay, spill the whole story,” she demands, and I give her the play-by-play of what happened. Once I’m finished I realize she’s leaning in with a dreamy look in her eyes and she blinks a few times before she sits up. “Okay, wow, that was some real-life romance stuff.”

  “See! He could tell I was completely uncomfortable with the situation and he swooped right in.” I smile thinking about it. Still, Kayla is right. I didn't know the guy's name and he didn't leave a number.

  I’ve been wondering for two days if he’s really going to show up tonight and the anticipation has been driving me crazy. It’s been the longest two days of my life, but at least I’ve been busy. The coffee idea has actually been working and my customers have been steady. One woman quietly told me she heard about my shop from her knitting group. Word has started to spread and I hope it keeps moving along. It’s made me feel so happy and excited for the first time in forever.

  “Describe him to me. I’ll probably know his name.”

  “He has short dark hair, a dark beard, thick thighs, and the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen. He—”

  “Are you describing a book hero?” When she cuts me off I roll my eyes at her.

  “He wasn't a millionaire. He was in, like, normal work clothes, I think.”

  His jeans were practically painted onto his thighs, and I could see every muscle. What is wrong with me? All I can think about are his thighs and those blue eyes. Eyes I got lost in for far too long. Every inch of his body looked big and solid like he could have bent me over and…okay, I might be reading too much.

  Kayla scrunches her nose like she’s thinking. How could she not know who it was? Furthermore, how have I not seen him around? The man is unmissable and everywhere I’ve gone these past few days I’ve been looking.

  “I can’t think of anyone like that.” She pulls out her phone. “Let me check my high school Facebook group.”

  “Call me crazy but he does not look like the type of man that’s cruising Facebook.”

  “What does he do when he’s bored?” Kayla’s eyebrows furrow together.

  “I don’t know. Chops wood with his bare hands?” I say, making her burst into laughter. Yeah, I’ve been reading too much. Not that I’m going to stop
anytime soon.

  We both jump when the front door to the bookstore flies open and the bell almost pops off.

  “I’m calling the health department!” Missy points across the store. She’s dressed to the nines as usual and I have no idea how she runs around a coffee shop all day in heels. My feet hurt for her.

  “You’re calling the health department on yourself?” Kayla asks, her face completely serious. “OMG, don’t tell me you’ve got cockroaches over there!?” she yells loud enough so anyone outside can hear her.

  My hand flies to my mouth as I try to muffle my laughter.

  “You’re disgusting,” Missy hisses at her. “I’m going to have a little talk with your father.”

  “I’m so scared.” Kayla rolls her eyes. Her father is the chief of police and it’s why she gets away with most of her shenanigans.

  “Hey, if I can’t come in your store you can’t come in mine.” I fold my arms over my chest, not caring if I sound like a five-year-old.

  “What are you even wearing?” Missy actually curls her lip in disgust. I look down at my outfit, wondering what’s wrong with it. My skirt falls right above my knees and I’ve got on a cute strappy top with a cardigan over it because it can get chilly at night. “I shouldn't be shocked your tits are falling out with the crap you sell in here.”

  I drop my folded arms that have pushed my boobs up. She goes from giving me a grossed-out look to looking over the shelves of my bookstore.

  “I think you should leave,” I tell her. I don’t want to say something I can’t take back and I also don’t want to stoop to her level.

  “You’re just mad she’s got tits,” Kayla throws out there, but Missy ignores her.

  “Oh, I’m leaving. I wouldn’t be caught dead in here, but I’ll be calling the health department on that coffee machine.”

  It dawns on me what she was pointing at. “We aren’t selling it,” I rush to say. Do I need a permit to have coffee here if it’s free? I don’t know and panic starts to rise. She could have me shut down, I think. I look to Kayla like she might know.

  “I’ll have this place closed in a week!” Missy turns from the open door and stomps out.

  My eyes widen as she almost runs right into my man. Wait, he’s not mine, but I can’t help what I feel when I see him.

  He jumps back so she doesn't make contact with him. She almost falls on her face, but at the last second he snags her by the arm and helps her to her feet. He quickly lets her go and takes another step back.

  “Don’t want her suing you.” He smiles over at me and then he winks, sending flutters through my whole body.

  “Hi.” Missy’s voice turns breathless and I have no doubt if I could see her face she’d be drooling.

  “Is that him?” Kayla asks, and I look over at her. Her eyes are wide and she’s got a giant smile on her face. I’m guessing she has no idea who he is. I nod my head and wonder how he can possibly be more handsome than I remember.

  “Are you new in town?” Missy takes the thought right out of my head. If Kayla doesn't know who he is, that means he’s new or not from around here. Maybe his mom is. That’s who he said he’d been here buying books for.

  “Kinda.” He looks past Missy and his eyes lock with mine.

  “You should let me show you around.” Missy reaches out to put her hand on his chest but he sidesteps her and comes into my store. “You don’t want to go in there.” She whips back around to face us.

  “My woman’s in here.” He gives me another one of those smiles that has me melting on the inside.

  “Forget what I said. Who cares if he kills people?” Kayla whispers not so softly, and I bite my lip. I’m unable to stop my laughter but now I don’t feel so bad that I was down for going out with a man whose name I don't know.

  Missy’s face scrunches as she scowls. “This isn't over.” She stomps back toward her coffee shop and I realize that woman is never going to like me.

  “She’s such a drama queen.” Kayla jumps down from sitting on my desk. “You got a name?” She holds her hand out.

  “Shaw.” He takes hers in a quick shake.

  “Oh, you’re Cora’s son.”

  “That’s me.”

  “I’m Kayla. The best friend.”

  “It’s nice to meet you.” Shaw looks over the top of her head to me. “Is she going to be a problem?” He cocks his head to the front door Missy just walked out of.

  She might be, but I keep that thought to myself. She’s my problem to deal with and I don't want anyone else facing her wrath. She’s growing worse by the day but I’ll figure it out.

  “She was born a problem.” Kayla rolls her eyes again. “I think she’s full of shit about the coffee machine, but I’m going to look into it.” She points one of her purple nails at me. “You don’t let it stress you out. Worse comes to worst, we take the coffee machine out of here.”

  “Thanks.” I can always count on Kayla to make me feel better. For the short time we’ve known each other we’ve become close. “You kids have fun.” She smirks as she walks out the front door of the shop, leaving me alone with Shaw. I suddenly feel extra shy because I can’t believe he really came.

  “I’m still open for another thirty minutes.” No one is here but it feels wrong to close up early.

  “My mom sent me with another list.” He pulls a piece of paper out from his coat pocket, making me smile.

  Searching for a bunch of books sounds like the start to a perfect first date.

  Chapter Four

  Shaw

  “Have you read all of these?” I eye the shelves before I glance back to her.

  She nods and looks away as her cheeks turn pink. “I’d say most of them. Some I’ve got on my list of what to read next so I will eventually. Besides, how could I tell people my favorites if I don’t know anything about them?”

  “Which one is your favorite?”

  She gasps and covers her mouth like I’ve spoken some kind of sacrilege. “I could never pick a favorite. That would be like picking my favorite child.”

  “Do you have children?”

  “Well, no, but it’s what I imagine it would be like.” She laughs when I raise an eyebrow at her and then grab a basket.

  “Why don’t you help me fill this list and you can tell me what you like about them?” I hold the paper out to her, and when she reaches for the basket I hold on to it. “I can carry this, you lead the way.”

  It’s also a shameless reason for me to look at her rounded ass as she moves in front of me. When she walks towards a row of books, my eyes move down her shoulders and to her nipped-in waist, then to the flare of her hips. The rest of her shape is hidden by the skirt, but I have the urge to run my hands under it and discover it for myself.

  “Shaw, right?” she says, and I look up to see her smiling at me.

  I clear my throat because I’m pretty sure she just caught me ogling her ass. “Yeah, that’s right. And you’re Barbie?”

  “Yeah, well, Barbara actually, but people call me Barbie. I think maybe because it seems less old-fashioned.”

  “Which do you prefer?” We come to a stop at the end of the bookshelf and she begins to run her finger down the spines of the ones in front of her.

  “I don’t think anyone’s ever asked me that.” She smiles up at me as she retrieves the first book. “I think people just assume I don’t want to be a Barbara, but honestly it’s the reason I own this place.”

  “How so?” I take the book from her and when I do, my fingers brush against hers. She’s so warm and soft and I have the urge to slide my hand up her arm. I don’t want the feeling of her skin against mine to stop.

  All week I’ve been anxious and on edge thinking about her. I wanted to come back to the bookstore, but between the few jobs that I’d taken around town and things my mom wanted help with, I’ve been distracted enough to force myself to chill out.

  I knew if I came back earlier I would come on too strong. It’s a problem I’ve had my whole life,
just never with women. When I see something I want, I go a hundred miles an hour until I get it. Laying eyes on Barbie was way beyond anything I’d felt before and I knew going in full throttle would be a bad idea.

  “I lost my parents when I was young and was raised by my mom's sister who never wanted children. As soon as I was able to, I moved out on my own and was getting by for a couple of years. Then one day I got a call from an attorney saying that I had a grandmother I’d never met or even knew of that died and left everything to me. I found out that I was named after her, but only so my father wouldn’t be cut off.” She shrugs as we walk to another stack of books. “She left me a letter and from what it said, my father used me as a weapon, rationing out my visits in exchange for what she could give him. Then after they died and I went to my aunt, she refused to let me see her because of the lies her sister had told her.”

  “That’s awful.” I take another book she hands me, and this time when our fingers touch they linger for a moment longer. “Did she not reach out to you after you left your aunt’s house?”

  She shakes her head. “She died a long time ago, but her attorney was instructed to wait until I was eighteen and had left my aunt’s before giving me the money. She didn’t want her to try and take it from me or say it was owed to her.”

  “It sounds like she loved you very much.”

  She looks up at me with her dark brown eyes rimmed with thick black lashes. “I think so.”

  “And that’s why you like the name Barbara?”

  “Yeah, I think now because it means so much to me.”

  I step closer to her and smile as I cock my head to the side. “I think it suits you.”

  Her cheeks redden and I want to touch her so badly I can’t make myself stop. My hand comes up and I graze just the knuckle of my finger along her chin.