Chapter 31

“You still owe me a coffee and a book talk.”

For a second, panic flashed in Jules’ eyes, then he nodded. “Okay, how about tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow would be awesome. I finish at four.”

“I…oh…I don’t get off until six.”

Nix wiggled his eyebrows. “Want to get off sooner?”

“Phoenix!”

He laughed. “Sorry, couldn’t help it. I can help youif you—”

“Phoenix!”

The blush spreading on Jules’ cheeks made him laugh harder. Before he could escape, Nix stepped closer and wrapped his arms around him. He breathed in deep, wanting to scent Jules, and bent so his mouth was close to his ear. “One day, Jules.”

He held on to the embrace for a second longer before he stepped away. “Will I see you at work tomorrow?”

Jules’ eyes were wide as he nodded. 16

“What’s up with you?” Jenny frowned at Jules where he was sitting at his desk. He was trying to reschedule some readings he had planned for later in the week, to the following week when the paint job in the children’s section should be completed.