Chapter 3:

Crossing the Line

I waited until the bookstore lights dimmed and the last customer left before crossing the street. My hands were shaking as I pushed open the door. James was behind the counter, locking the register. When he saw me, his whole face softened into that warm smile I had come to love.

“Stella,” he said softly, walking toward me. “You came.”

“I told you I would,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. “I could not stop thinking about it all day.”

He locked the front door with a quiet click, the sound making my pulse race. The bookstore felt different at night warm golden...