Learning to Love Slowly

Book Recommendations and Jane Austen

Almost a year ago...

You had been searching for the hard copy of your favorite book forever and there it was, right on the shelf. Just as your hand was about to touch it, another, bigger one, intercepted it by grabbing it first. Somehow, so focused on your goal of getting that fucking book, you had missed the six-foot-four buff guy next to you. Anger boiled in your chest and you started to say something, but, when that guy looked at you your mouth clamped shut.

The guy had the prettiest smile and summer green eyes you had ever seen. Absolutely out of your league, but you took the chance to stare before gathering the courage to get that damned book.

"It's a good book." Fuck, you hadn't meant to make him want to read it.

His voice was low when he spoke, "Yeah? I've been looking to expand my bookshelves."

"What kind of books are you into? Maybe I could recommend some," You offered, hoping that it would dissuade him from buying that book.

"Jane Austen, Alexandre Dumas, Shakespeare, Poe–To name just a few."

You bit back a smile, but couldn't help the words that came from your mouth, "Well read but a bit pretentious."

Once the words were out of your mouth you automatically started to follow them with apologies, but the guy laughed a little. It was a low rumble that started in his chest before bubbling up his throat. It was quick, but it made your cheeks feel hot. "You're not wrong."

For someone so big, physically and height-wise, he was really soft-spoken. You turned back to the shelves and plucked The Song of Achillies off one of them. "It's a good book. A retelling of the Illiad and the relationship of Achillies and Patroculous."

He took the book from your hands and looked at it before handing you the one you had been eyeing the entire conversation. "You could have just asked for it."

"Huh?"

"That book." He pointed to the ones in your hands.

Blushing at the realization of what the guy meant, you then laughed at yourself. "I'm sorry. You're right, I should have." In a moment of courage, you also told him your name. You had already made yourself look like a fool, so there was nothing to lose now.

"Jason."

You smiled. "Nice to meet you, Jason. I can give you a few more recommendations if you like, and even tell you some great hidden away bookstores, too."

Jason eyed you for a moment before nodding slowly. Luckily, he had thought you were cute, too. Especially since he could now see you without the mask on.