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keep it low key. You know…”
    “I know, I know. I can’t freaking wait!”
    I propped my arm on the window and rested the side of my head on my fist. “I don’t have much. Just my bedroom stuff, and my parents have some old couch in the basement. One U-Haul trip should do it.”
    “Call Evan. Tell him to round up some hotties to help us carry it all up the stairs on Saturday.”
    I could think of one particular hottie I’d like to see. His arms flexed as he carried a heavy box. Yes, please! “Uh, yeah. Okay. I’ll text him as soon as we get off the phone.”
    “Go do that now. I’ve got a date.”
    “A date? You’re leaving town soon. Long distance relationships never work.”
    She giggled. “It’s with Jake. A goodbye of sorts before we go our separate ways.”
    Jake. Her on again, off again boyfriend throughout high school. I’d always liked the guy, but he wasn’t the right fit for Kristy.
    “Have fun. Talk to you soon.” I disconnected the call.
    Glancing at the clock, I decided I’d just go to work early. I opened the messaging app and texted Evan while I was thinking of it. Moving this weekend. Think you and some friends can help? Party that night at my place.
    I figured the mention of a party would entice him.
    I left my car and started to walk toward the bookstore. Today wasn’t as hot as usual. The weather was overcast and I had a feeling it might rain soon. Which meant one of two things. The store would be dead, or it would be crowded with people not interested in books as they waited for the storm to pass.
    My phone dinged from a new text. Evan. I’m free. Let me talk to Pete.
    I cringed at the thought of Pete being in my place. But I supposed I was going to have to get used to him. As long as Evan was living with him, Pete wasn’t going away.
    * * *
    “Get out of here.” My boss, Ms. Clara, stared at a notepad as she adjusted her glasses. “I’ll close up. This place is dead.”
    Yay! I was so ready to get out of here. While the storms had passed, it was soaking wet outside and book shopping was the last thing on anyone’s mind. While I could probably use the hours since I was taking the big step of moving out, I also worried if I sat here much longer, I’d begin alphabetizing the shelves.
    “All right. Have a great evening.” I collected my things from under the register counter.
    She barely looked up. I guess whatever she was reading had really captured her attention. Pushing the door open, the cooled air welcomed me. The air smelled sweet and clean, and was just one of those scents that needed to be bottled up and turned into a fragrance.
    “I’ve been waiting for you.”
    A shiver went up my spine as I spun around. “Gabe.”
    He walked toward me, hands in the pockets to his dark jeans. “I’ve been camping out at the coffee shop waiting for you.”
    I tried to suppress my grin, but failed. He’d been waiting on me. Total squeal moment. “You know, if you’d just ask me for my number, I might give it to you.”
    “Oh yeah? I might have to, since you’re playing hard to get.”
    Hard to get! As if! I didn’t have a real reason as to why I hadn’t come to him, other than I didn’t want to be desperate.
    “I’ve got my bike. Want to go for a ride? I’ve got a bit before work tonight.”
    My heart raced hard. “You’re in luck, I got out of work early.”
    “Come on.” He winked and headed toward his bike.
    To say I was happy Gabe sought me out was an understatement. I was giddy with joy. And as he turned to hand me the helmet, I thought I might faint. How could a guy so hot be interested in me? I put the helmet on and it fit perfectly, as though no one had worn it since I had—a good sign.
    Gabe slid onto the bike and patted the seat behind him. “You’re not chickening out, are ya?”
    “Hell no.” I placed my hands on his shoulders as I climbed on.
    He laughed the whole time. I was glad I didn’t have to stop touching him. Instead, I got to slide my