Adrian, book-lover extraordinaire, adores his job at the small community library. He gets to share his passion with other people and help them with all book-related questions and issues. When a big, hulking man walks into the library, looking terrified, Adrian’s skills are tested in a completely different way.<br><br>Manne’s relationship with books is uneasy, to say the least. He’s dyslexic and events in his past have made him fearful of books and turned libraries into his worst nightmare. But when the quirky, bowtie-wearing librarian steps in to help, the experience turns positive.<br><br>Their banter is easy and their chemistry instant. But can an accidental meeting turn into something more? Can someone who has trouble reading ever fit into the life of a man whose passion is the written word?

They Met in the Library

I stand when it feels like the blood in my veins is turning to ice sludge and rub some warmth into my legs, before walking off at a brisker pace this time. I need to warm up.


Soon, I’m entering my favorite coffee shop in town. It’s a cozy little independent place at the end of a street, and all us locals are doing our best to keep it in business and not let any of the huge coffee chains bulldoze over it. I don’t go nearly as often as I’d like since it’s a bit out of my way. To compensate, I’ll splurge today. Buy the biggest coffee and the most lavish-looking pastry they have.


I stomp the snow off my boots, then pull off my scarf and beanie—and running my fingers through my hair to hopefully get rid of the helmet head I’m most likely sporting—as I approach the counter.


A young girl with a bouncy ponytail welcomes me with a genuine smile. “It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?”


I sigh and smile back. “It really is. And holy crap, what are you making? It smells like heaven in here today.”


Chapter 8