The Cautious Cowboy: A Single Dad Romance (Cupid Ridge Cowboys Book 2) by Macie St. James

Author:Macie St. James [St. James, Macie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-04-27T16:00:00+00:00

11

Zoey was almost forty-five minutes early to work the next morning. She wouldn’t be paid for the extra time, but she knew working with only one arm would slow her down anyway. Getting a head start on her work might keep Nan from being upset about that. But when it was ten minutes after they opened and Nan still hadn’t shown up, it became clear all that unpaid work had been for nothing.

Zoey would have to run the place by herself until Nan arrived. No big deal. She went through the opening procedures, unlocking the front door and waiting behind the circulation desk instead of disappearing into the bookshelves to stay out of Nan’s way.

Locals passed in and out of the building throughout the morning, keeping Zoey pretty occupied, but there was plenty of time to think in the life of a librarian. As usual, she spent a lot of the morning thinking about Elijah Knott.

But today, she had something new to think about. For a few minutes last night, she’d been sure he was going to kiss her. He definitely looked like he wanted to, but that could have been her imagination. She’d still been under the influence of whatever it was the doctor had given her before adjusting her out-of-whack shoulder.

In between all those thoughts, it occurred to Zoey that it was getting later and later with still no sign of Nan. She would call her, but doing so could set her off on a rant. Nan wasn’t the type to be touched that an employee was worried about her.

As it drew closer to lunchtime, though, things got personal. Zoey could struggle alone to help customers and shelve books all day, but don’t mess with her lunch break. She’d brought her lunch, but there was a “no eating in front of patrons” rule that applied at this library. In other words, she’d have to sneak in the back and eat while also peeking out every minute or two in case someone needed help.

When the door whooshed open at around 11:30, Zoey breathed a sigh of relief. Lunch was saved. But when she looked and saw who was actually walking through the door, she sucked that breath right back in.

“Elijah?” she asked, hardly able to believe her own eyes.

It was Friday, midday. Shouldn’t he be out roping cattle or checking on crops? Maybe milking some cows? He didn’t even look like he’d been working. He was wearing a plain navy-blue T-shirt and faded jeans, both without a speck of dirt.

“I came to check on you,” he said. “How’s the arm?”

He walked toward the circulation desk. She stayed seated, feeling as though the desk offered her some sort of shield. Not that she was scared of him or anything. She just suddenly felt extremely nervous and like her heart might beat right out of her chest.

“It’s fine,” she said. “It was a little rough sleeping with this sling on.” She laughed. “I had no idea how often I roll over to my side at night.

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