Today is the first event in a new series that I set up at the library, and it has to go well. This is my chance to prove to my boss that I can do this job when she retires.
Since I love all things travel, it made sense to pitch this idea of a travel series. Each month, we feature a new location and bring in books set in that location, both fiction and nonfiction. Then we try to get authors who wrote the books to come to the event where they would speak, sign, and sell their books, and answer questions. A win-win, we hope.
The head librarian, aka my boss, loved it. She put me in charge and today is the day. This month's location is Scotland, so the library provided a bunch of fictional books set in Scotland. The popular ones seem to do with Highlanders and time travel or historical Highlanders, but either way, it has brought in more interest to the library.
In preparation, we purchased several nonfiction books about Scotland because I anticipate they will be popular. Though we really scored when we got an actual Scottish gentleman to talk about Scotland and teach us how to make something for dessert called a ‘Tipsy Laird’. And yes, to our delight, he wore a kilt.
“Are you ready to go? Thunder and Lightning are going to meet us there,” Stone calls from the living room to where I'm in my bedroom, getting ready.
“Why are they going to meet us there? I didn't realize they had any interest in Scotland, and I've never seen the two of them pick up a book and read,” I say, slipping on my necklace.
When I step out into the living room, Stone's eyes are immediately on me. Today the weather is a gorgeous Montana day, warm and sunny. So, I decided to wear one of my cute dresses along with my dressy sandals and my hair styled in a high ponytail. Since I'm the one putting on this event, I wanted to look stylish and put together.
“You look stunning. I didn't realize this was such a dressy event,” he says, holding his arms up, showing off that he's in jeans, a t-shirt, and his leather jacket.
I take a moment to enjoy looking at him in the tight t-shirt with his muscular chest. It’s drool worthy. He looks like what he is, a hot biker.
Answering him, I tell him, “It's not, but I figured since I'm in charge, I should look halfway decent. But you didn't answer my question.”
We stand there for a moment, his eyes running over my body, and there's a heat in them that he's not even trying to hide.
Our first and only kiss was just a few days ago, and ever since then, he's been more touchy-feely, but I can still feel him holding back.
“They will be there as protection. We’re expecting a fairly large crowd, so I figured it would be best to have some extra hands-on decks. Besides, a few extra people at the event will make you look good to your boss.”
Well, that's kind of sweet and kind of annoying. I don't know if I should be mad that he's turning this into such a big deal or let it go that he is trying to make me look good to my boss.
I decide to smile and just let it be as I don't want to cause any issues, nor do I don't want to be late.
When we leave, Stone helps me into his truck and the entire way into town to the library, I talk to fill the silence and to calm my nerves. I tell him all about this new series and a few of the speakers that I have lined up over the next few months. He asks me why I picked Scotland first and I tell him how much I love all things Scottish, and I can't wait to visit there someday.
He doesn't seem annoyed. Actually, he asks questions and pays attention to what I'm saying. Even my dad, at this point, would have asked me to be quiet until we got into town, but not Stone. He encourages me to talk and actually seems interested in what I have to say.
“You are so passionate about this that I don't think that it's going to be anything but a success, sweetheart,” Stone says as we pull into the library.
His words shock me momentarily into silence for the first time this morning.
“Thank you. That really means a lot. I'm excited and nervous about this,” I say as we head into the library.
While I get everything set up, Stone stays out of the way. First on my list is to make sure all our books set in Scotland are highlighted for those attending the event.
Since today is a teacher workday, the local schools are out so I'm hoping that lots of parents will bring their kids here. Even older kids who are interested will be welcome.
Next, I set up about around forty chairs in our event space, which would make this the biggest function we've had in years. Then I go and greet our guest author. Happily, I'm able to sit and talk with him for a while before everyone starts showing up.
Stone is in an intense conversation with Thunder and Lightning, who I learned are brothers. They keep glancing over at me, so I’m pretty sure they're talking about me. Every once in a while, Thunder or Lightning will break away from the little group and do a walk around the library.
I should be annoyed that he's so protective of me here in my own workspace, but instead I find it romantic. Maybe I'm reading the wrong romance books to find this a turn on, but nevertheless, it thrills me.
“I think we're going to need some more chairs,” Thunder says as he walks back into my office.
“We never fill up the chairs. I'm not too worried about it,” I shrug my shoulders, trying not to let how much I was hoping this will be a success.
“Well, the chairs that are there are already full and there's people standing around the room,” he says.
Staring blankly at him, I try to process what exactly he just said.
Then, without a word, I stand and walk into the event space. Sure enough, the chairs are all taken. There are people standing along the wall and kids are sitting on the floor. All I can do is stare shocked at all the people.
Moms have brought their kids who would normally be in school today. We have all age ranges, even teenagers. Looking around, I see some adults, along with a group of older church ladies.
All I can do is stand there in complete disbelief. But only for a moment. Then my brain kicks in and I start asking the guys for help. They bring in chairs from the storage closet and help me get more food and drinks out.
Proving to be a problem solver, Stone places a call to Lily, a wife of one of his MC brothers. She’s a caterer and has agreed to bring in more food because we definitely are going to need it before this is over.
“My goodness, I don't remember the last time I've seen it so busy in here,” Ruby says as she walks in with her husband Orville, the mayor, at her side. It's not every day that the mayor attends an event at the local library.
“Yeah, you and me both! We were drastically under prepared for this kind of turnout,” I tell her as I look around excitedly.
I'm excited that there are so many new people here I even ignore the fact that Priest, Bear, and Six are now standing around, too. But at least they brought their girlfriends with them as well. Even though I remember being introduced to hem at the First Ride, I don't quite remember their names.
The event seems to fly by. Fortunately, everyone is interested in what the speaker has to say, or maybe it’s just his accent. I help him make the Tipsy Laird and we find out it’s like a Scottish trifle made with whiskey. He thankfully thought ahead and brought several prepared ones, both with and without the whiskey, so everyone was able to get a little sample, and we all agreed it was really tasty.
He stayed quite a while, answering questions, and signing copies of his book. I am delighted that today we have had one of the highest rates at the library of people checking out books. All in all, it was a major success, and we even raised a good number of donations for the library. Another added bonus was that people seemed really interested in our future events coming up throughout the month.
Once everyone has filed out of the library, it starts to calm down, and the guys help with the cleanup. Before I know it, the event space doesn't look like it's had an event at all, thanks to them and their help.
After everyone leaves, Stone turns to me. “I’ve cleared it with your boss. You're getting out of work early. We're going to go home and change, and I am taking you out for a celebratory dinner at the Flathead Steakhouse. You deserve to celebrate after everything that you accomplished here today.
That steakhouse is the one by the ski resort, and fairly expensive. Instantly, I have butterflies in my stomach. Even though he says it's just to celebrate, it feels like a date. While I don't want to push my luck, since we’re right here in my office, but without giving it a second thought, I pull him in for a kiss. Because the only way that I really, truly want to celebrate is with another one of Stone's kisses.
He is shocked for a moment, but then his big hands go to my hips, and he pulls me in deepening the kiss. I can feel how hard he is, and I know he's attracted to me and wants this, but I can tell he's also fighting it.
When he grips my hips even tighter, the moan he lets out during our kiss gives me the courage to be bold and push him about what he’s thinking.
Pulling back from the kiss, I ask, “So, is it a date tonight?” Though, suddenly my nerves take over again, but it’s too late to pull the words back.
His eyes search my face like he's taking a moment to regather his thoughts after that kiss. I don't blame him. It seems to have scattered my brain waves as well.
“Do you want it to be?” he asks, intently studying my face.
Biting my lip, I nod my head because I want that more than anything.
His hands are still on my hips, and he hasn't put any space between us. For a very brief moment, he touches his lips to mine again and then speaks.
“Then Addy, I would be honored if you would accompany me on a date tonight,” he whispers against my lips.
“Well, it took you long enough to finally ask. Let's go get ready.” I take his hand in mine and practically pull him out the door.
The sound of his laughter follows us all the way to the truck.