𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℝ𝕠𝕒𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕌𝕤

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝔽𝕠𝕦𝕣 | ʙᴏᴜɴᴅ

Hudson

The library was unusually quiet for a Monday morning, the kind of stillness that made every creak of the old wooden floors and every rustle of a page turning echo through the space.

I was behind the front desk, methodically sorting through a stack of returned books, the familiar task calming my racing thoughts. The smell of old paper and polished wood filled the air, a scent that had always brought me comfort.

The front door swung open, the soft chime above it signaling the arrival of a visitor.

I glanced up, and my heart skipped a beat. There he was-Colton, strolling in without Chuck. His leather jacket was slightly scuffed, his black clothes clinging perfectly to his solid frame, and his helmet casually tucked under his arm.

The usual group of girls who spent more time whispering and giggling than actually reading immediately took notice. Their heads swiveled toward him, eyes wide and filled with a mixture of awe and infatuation.

Colton was swarmed, as usual, a small crowd forming around him as he walked in. He hadn't noticed me at the desk yet, and for a moment, I just watched him, trying to steady the fluttering in my chest.

Sara, one of my oldest friends and the shyest person I knew, approached Colton with a hopeful look on her face. She was clutching a stack of books to her chest like a shield. "Hey, is Chuck with you?" she asked, her voice barely audible over the murmur of the library.

Colton shook his head, his trademark charming smile lighting up his face. "Nope, just me today," he replied smoothly. Then, almost as an afterthought, he added, "Actually, I was wondering if you guys are hiring. I could use some extra work and thought maybe the library could use a bit more masculine energy to keep things balanced."

I couldn't help but grin at his joke, though my nerves were buzzing. It really was ridiculous being the only guy working here...

Sara hurried off to find Mrs. Thompson, the head librarian, leaving Colton to finally notice me.

His eyes met mine across the room, and for a brief second, the world seemed to pause. He gave me a small nod, and I returned it, feeling both excitement and anxiety bubbling up inside me. Awkwardly, I lifted my hand and gave a little wave from behind the desk. It felt silly, almost childish, but when he smiled back at me, a warmth in his eyes that I hadn't expected, my heart skipped another beat.

A few minutes later, Mrs. Thompson emerged from her office, her sharp eyes taking in Colton's appearance with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. She was a no-nonsense woman in her early sixties, with silver hair tied back in a neat bun and glasses perched on the edge of her nose. Her expression softened slightly as she approached him.

"So, you're looking for a job, huh?" she asked, her tone neutral but her eyes curious.

"Yeah," Colton said, leaning casually against the counter. "I could use the extra hours. I've always liked the library, and I saw a flyer out front a few days ago about needing help with reading books to kids a few times a week. Figured it couldn't hurt to ask."

Mrs. Thompson raised an eyebrow, considering him. "We could definitely use some help with our elementary school read-aloud sessions. Five times a week, four hours each, with four different reading sessions. If you're up for it and can keep the kids engaged, I can offer you the part-time position."

Colton's grin widened, the charm practically radiating off him. "That sounds perfect. Thanks, Mrs...?"

"Mrs. Thompson," she said, nodding, though I could see the faintest hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.