The Book

As Emma got closer, she managed to catch a glimpse of the book in Leon's hand. "That book looks familiar," she said, stopping right in front of him. "Oh…" Her eyes widened in surprise as she pointed at the book and then at Leon. "You're reading this book too? Mine is…" She paused, trying to recall where she had placed it after Leon returned it to her in the meeting room last time.

Leon stiffened, his grip on the book tightening slightly. "This… uh…" He cleared his throat, trying to compose himself. "It's the same one, Emma. The book I returned to you before. I've been reading it, too."

Emma blinked, narrowing her eyes as if trying to piece something together. "Wait, you've been reading it? Why?" She laughed lightly. "It's rare to see a man reading romance books."

Leon nodded, his smile awkward. "I told you before, I love reading…"

"But I didn't think you'd read this kind of book," she teased, chuckling as she reached out to take the book from his hand.