My silence seems to finalise an answer for her as she mumbles that she takes it as a yes. After her persistent insisting, I hesitantly reach out to take another copy of the book but frown when her hand stops me.
"Why are you taking the paperback?? Let's find you the hardcover." She extends her hand and I mindlessly reach to take it.
I practically melt at the word 'hardcover', eyes wide in disbelief as I watch her locate the version on the nearby shelf. All I can focus on is how pretty she is in the dim bookstore light, and how her hand still grasps softly onto mine.
"God, I love you." The syllables carelessly flee my lips before I can stop them. Realising what I just said out loud, my heart skips a beat.
Amusement shapes her face, "What'd you say?"
"Uh, nothing."
I tag along behind her like a loyal puppy as she makes his way to the counter to pay. It seems a little fantastical; I haven't even picked up her name. Mari scans the barcode of the book, not-so-discreetly passing me a sneaky wink.
"Ooh, it's someone's lucky day."
"Shut up." I glare, hoping she was oblivious to the meaning of Mari's words.
"Enjoy~" She says in a singsong voice, sliding the hardcover over. She's still side-eyeing the female who's doing a great job pretending not to acknowledge it.
Clutching the gifted book gratefully in my hand, I gaze back at her.
"I don't know how to thank you."
"Hmm.. you can repay me by going on a date with me. How about over there?" She points with her head in the direction of the built-in Starbucks at the other end of the store.
YOU ARE READING
love woven through pages
عاطفيةShe smiles, "Oh my god, I love that book, it's one of my favourites. I'll buy it for you." "What?" I blurt out with wide eyes. Her eyes sparkle, "You know how people buy people drinks at bars? Since we're at a bookstore, I'll buy you that book inste...
