Page 2 of Truth and Temptation
When you layer in the suffocation I constantly feel from having to step into Ryder’s shoes at the company and set aside my own plans and dreams, yeah, you could say I don’t hold back when it comes to extracurriculars. Sometimes, the only moments I feel like I can truly breathe are when I’m paragliding over the ocean or skiing down a double black diamond.
Opening the texting app on my phone, I fire off a message to Jacob. He’s from Vancouver Island, so if anyone is going to know somewhere to rock climb, it’ll be him.
WYATT: Hey where’s a good place to climb around here? I’m gonna go crazy if I don’t get outside soon.
JACOB: There are better ways to release all that pent-up energy my man…
I roll my eyes at his not so subtle innuendo. It’s exactly the kind of one-liner he likes to throw at me whenever he thinks I’m heading down a dark path.
WYATT: Right. And I’m on a work trip, not looking for a girlfriend
JACOB: Who said anything about a girlfriend?! I’m just pointing out that getting laid might make the trip a hell of a lot more enjoyable. How long has it been, anyway? Was it Marika in Mexico?
WYATT: The fact that you keep track of my sex life is disturbing.
JACOB: Well someone’s gotta make sure you don’t go so long you forget how to use your dick.
WYATT: Thanks. I think. So back to my question – where can I climb?
An hour later, I’m locking the door behind me, having arranged for my climbing gear to be shipped overnight from my apartment in Vancouver. Hopefully, it’s here in time for me to head out tomorrow, after I go to Westport and check on how things are going at the store in preparation for the opening.
Fall on the West Coast is fucking incredible, when it’s not raining, that is. The leaves are changing, it’s cool and crisp, but not too cold, and there’s a relaxed feel in the air. Then again, compared to Toronto or Vancouver, any time of year on the island feels relaxed.
The neighborhood is full of older homes, but they’ve all been maintained really well. Swing sets are in the front yards, and the few people who are outside all wave or smile as I walk past. The fresh air is helping to keep my exhaustion at bay, but I’m in need of something stronger. Here’s hoping Dogwood Cove is big enough to sustain a Starbucks, although I don’t remember seeing one on my drive in.
The downtown hasn’t changed much. Low buildings line a quiet street that wraps around a square grass area with a gazebo in the middle. It’s like something out of a cheesy movie. A glance around doesn’t reveal the familiar green and white sign that is a beacon to coffee addicts everywhere, but I do notice something else that’s different.
A bookstore.
The name on the awning is Pages, and underneath it says Bibliophiles Welcome. Catchy. Just next to it is another new business, and my mouth instantly starts to water.
The Nutty Muffin Bakery boasts a handwritten sign out front, stating Apple nut muffins — two for one, today only. Sounds good to me. I push open the door, surprised at just how busy it is for the time of day. Almost every seat is taken and there’s a short line waiting to order. I join the lineup and take out my phone to scroll through some news headlines while I wait.
“All I’m saying is, the reviews on it are mind-blowing. It might help you!” The loudly teasing voice comes from behind me.
“Serena, could you please refrain from talking about intimate products in public?”
A grin stretches across my face at the obviously disapproving response. Whoever said it was trying to be more discreet, but I’m close enough to hear anyway. I want to turn around, but something tells me my contribution to whatever the conversation is about might not be welcome.
“Paige. Relax. No one knows we’re talking about B.O.B’s.”
I tense my shoulders to stop from laughing. I’m starting to get an idea…
“Regardless. This is inappropriate conversation for a place of business.”
Now I’m really curious to see who speaks so formally. The voice doesn’t sound old, just old-fashioned, I guess you could say. Suddenly, a pretty brunette comes out from behind the counter. “What are you two doing waiting back there? Sebastian has your stuff up front.” She flashes me a quick smile. “Sorry, sir. We’ll be right with you.
I lift my shoulders in acquiescence as she turns and walks back to the front counter, followed by two other women who must be the intimate product ladies. One is petite, with long blonde hair, the other is taller, also with long hair, only hers is a bit darker, with a slight red hint to it. I missed seeing their faces because I was staring at my phone, trying not to be too obvious with my checking them out. But judging by their outfits, I can tell that the taller one is Miss Old-Fashioned. Blondie is decked out in colourful leggings, some filmy sort of wrap skirt, and a tight-fitting sweater, whereas the other one is in black pants and a light collared shirt, with a cardigan on top.
Now that their backs are to me, I watch the women interact with the male barista at the front as he hands them two reusable cups. There’s a familiarity to their interactions, making it clear they’re regular customers. The brunette from earlier comes out from what I assume is the kitchen area and hands them each a paper bag.
“There’s lunch and a muffin. Paige, did that paperback copy of Heartbeat come in yet? I’m dying to read it,” she asks, and like a lightning bolt, a connection forms in my head.
Paige, Pages, books.
The irony of everything is not lost on me. Here I am, the wealthy heir to a bookstore chain fortune, standing in a small-town coffee shop, eavesdropping on a conversation about vibrators or dildos, if I’m not mistaken, between a prim and proper bookstore owner and her friend.
The women turn to leave and I finally get a glimpse of their faces. My eyes travel over blondie, or I guess Serena is her name, categorically noticing her attractiveness. Then I land on Paige, and fuck.
