Pages of You

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

That evening before my shift, I waved at the Graysons and made a beeline toward the cafe. I found Chiron sitting on the couch with one leg propped on the other, a thoughtful look on his face while he stared at his phone. I quickly assessed to ensure he wasn't holding a drink and pounced.

"Boo!"

Chiron's head shot up from his phone, and his eyes widened in surprise when he saw me. He blinked, a startled expression on his face, and then a crooked smile formed as he threw an arm around my shoulder, pulling me close.

"Petite coquine," he murmured, shaking his head at me and putting his phone away so he could focus on me. "What are you doing here? I thought you were off today?"

I leaned against his arm and nodded, "I was! But someone called in, and they needed me to cover the reading circle for the 4 PM slot. What time are you off?"

"Depends," He said, lifting his chin. "What time are you off?"

"I'm only needed for an hour. So 5 PM." I said, looking at my watch. "I should go and get ready, actually. I just wanted to stop by and say hi."

Chiron removed his arm around me, letting me get up from the couch. He looked at me with appreciation as he stood up with me and nodded towards the displayed pastries, "Pick something you want. On the house."

I raised a brow at him and grinned, practically skipping to the register and looking at all the pastries laid out. Chiron walked behind the counter and put on his apron and hat. A small smile played on his lips as he gazed at me.

I glanced at him and then returned to the display, placing my hand on my chin and a thoughtful expression on my face. "Which one is your favorite?"

"The chocolate croissant stuffed with hazelnut spread seems to be a popular one." He said without hesitation.

My eyes narrowed at him. His grin deepened, the dimples on his cheeks distracting me.

I shook my head, "Your second favorite then."

He took out a small paper bag and tongs. He eyed me for a second and then opened the back of the protective case, choosing a multi-layer pastry. The shape of the pastry reminded me of a flower — a rose.

I breathed in sharply, almost inaudibly. His eyes flickered back to me after he put the pastry inside the paper bag.

"Kouign-Amann," Chiron said, rolling the top part of the bag and handing it to me. "It's a buttery pastry, like a croissant with caramelized sugar. I think you'll like it."

"Thank you," I said softly, my face feeling warm. Did he choose that pastry for a reason, or am I just overthinking things? "I'm sure it's delicious."

Chiron tucked the tongs aside, and a moment of hesitation flickered across his expression, his lower lip gently caught between his teeth as if he had more to say but refrained. He cleared his throat and motioned towards the library's children's section. "So, what book have you picked for the reading circle this time?"

"The Secret Garden," I replied, feeling myself perk up even more because I was excited about this week's selection. "It's one of my all-time favorites."

Chiron's eyes sparkled with interest. "Oh yeah? Save me a spot. I'll be there."

My heart raced excitedly, and a strange mix of emotions surged. I rocked back and forth on my heels, looking at him with surprise. "Wait? Shouldn't you be here with—" I waved toward the cafe.

"It's been very slow today," He shrugged nonchalantly, leaning a hip against the register as he looked at me. "And I'd rather be with you."

I stared at him, sensing a blush creeping onto my face. A soft chuckle escaped my lips as I cast my eyes downward so he couldn't read whatever emotions were displayed on my face. Whatever I felt towards him felt so foreign, but all I knew was that I longed to hold him close.