Page 10 of Read Me, Baby
“And I love you,” Hazel answers.
I smile, their deep friendship and shared secrets evident from their interaction. Intent on getting her talking, I say, “So, obviously, Magnolia Point is the place to be now. I know you said you just got here, but has anything grabbed your attention yet that you need to see?”
“Besides me, of course.” Maverick jokes, puffing out his chest and smoothing his hand down it. I throw a chip at him.
She laughs and shakes her head then responds, “Taste of Magnolia looks cute. I love a fun food truck. I’m meeting Mrs. Holly at Deja Brew tomorrow, but other than that, I haven’t had a moment to really look around. I’m just relying on Hazel's direction right now.”
“If you like tacos,” I say smoothly, “I know just the place to take you.”
Her big sunglasses hide her eyes but I have no doubt she's shooting daggers right now considering I basically just asked her out.
I smile at her then add, “The music is fun, and the place is always busy. It’s a good spot to people watch.”
Wes tosses a thumb my way. “This guy is all about the local scene. Loves his go-to spots, so he’s always quick to want to introduce someone new to them.”
I shrug. “It’s what you’re supposed to do.”
“You’ve lived here all your life?” Nina asks.
“Yep,” I say. “All three of us have.”
“Oh, the trouble you used to stir up,” Hazel says with a laugh. She pokes at Wes’s ribs and continues, “I’ve heard quite a few stories about you all in your teen years.”
“Mrs. Holly has a big mouth.” Wes says good-naturedly.
“She’ll tell you anything you want to know about Magnolia Point,” I add helpfully. “She’s been here forever, she knows everything about everyone, so if you want to check up on me, you know where to go.”
“And who says I want to check up on you?” Nina retorts, and Hazel laughs boisterously.
“Ohh!” The guys razz me, but I wave them off.
“Since I’m going to be working so close to you at the library I figured you’d want to know who’s above you.” I pause then add quietly, “Or under you.”
Her lips twitch at my innuendo and my heart races, but then she says, “I think I'm more than capable of finding out what I need to all on my own. But thank you for the little tip.”
She bites her bottom lip at her little joke and it’s the cutest fucking thing ever.
Nina Amoré is someone I’m definitely going to enjoy learning more about.
CHAPTER 9
NINA
“Good morning, roomie,” Hazel drawls as I enter the kitchen.
“Good morning, bestie,” I respond as I grab the juice from the refrigerator and pour a small glass.
Hazel sits at the table clutching her cup of coffee, and she looks up at me as she asks, “What's the plan for today?”
“I’m heading out to see Mrs. Holly for coffee at Deja Brew. She wants to go over some things for the book club.”
“Are you feeling better about the library?” Hazel asks as I sit in the chair opposite her.
“No, But I guess I have to be okay with it.”
“You’re going to be great. But while you're with Mrs. Holly, make sure you get the scoop.” She pauses, eyeing me over her mug before adding, “She knows everything you want to know about people in town.”
“Hazel. It’s been a week. Why are you trying to marry me off?”