Chapter 5: Book Club

Luke sat across from me in the bookstore. He has been coming here almost everyday now. He had a cup of coffee while I sat across from him enjoying my book and occasionally helping a customer that needed it. He looked puzzled about something today.

“Kiara, tell me more about your family,” he said. His voice sounded casual but he was regarding me carefully.

I smiled, closing my book and placing it on the table between us. “Well, I grew up here. We lived a pretty quiet life, but I loved it. My parents were both avid readers, so we spent a lot of time in the bookstore and other libraries.”

He nodded, looking intrigued. “That sounds lovely. And what about your extended family? Do you have any siblings or cousins?”

My smile faltered for a moment. When I was younger I always wondered if my parents didn’t take me to see their families because they were embarrassed that I was adopted. That was never the case, but I was a kid back then. “No , I don’t have any siblings. And as for cousins, I’m not sure. My parents never really talk about their families much.”

Luke raised an eyebrow, sensing that there was more to the story. “Really? That’s interesting. Have you ever tried to find out more about your family history?”

I shrugged, feeling a little uncomfortable. I never liked speaking about my birth parents. It’s not that I had any bad feelings toward them, I was simply never curious. I loved my parents that raised me and they loved me. That was enough for me.

“Not really. It’s never been a priority for me, I guess.”

He nodded and sipped from his coffee, not taking his eyes off me. “Kiara, do you know what I do for a living?” He walked casually.

I looked at him, a little surprised but the question. “Um, not really. You mentioned that you’re a CEO, but I don’t know much more than that,” I said sheepishly.

Luke raised an eyebrow, looking a little skeptical. “Really? You don’t recognize me from anywhere?”

I shook my head, feeling a little confused. “Should I?”

Luke studied me for a moment, it seemed he was trying to gauge my sincerity. “My company has been in the news a lot lately. Are you sure you haven’t heard of me?”

I frowned, feeling a little put on the spot. “I’m sorry, Luke. I really haven’t. I’m not very up-to-date on business news.”

Luke nodded and let out a laugh. “Okay, no problem. I just figured since I’ve been in the news so much lately you might have heard of me.”

I smiled. I was worried he thought I was pretending not to know him, but he seemed like he believed me.

“Well, I’m sure you’re very successful, whatever it is that you do.”

Luke smiled back, a little amused. “I like to think so. But enough about work. Let’s talk about something more interesting. What is your favorite movie genre?”

“I really love old classic films,” I said, taking a sip of my latte. “You know, like Casablanca and Gone with the Wind.”

Luke raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Really? You strike me as more of a modern action movie kind of person.”

I snorted, shaking my head. “Well, I do like those too, but there’s something about those old movies that just draws me in.”

He nodded, seeming to take in my words. “I can see that. So, what’s your favorite book?”

I thought for a moment before responding. “I don’t know if I could pick just one. I love so many different kinds of books, from romance to mystery to fantasy.”

Luke leaned forward, seeming genuinely interested in what I had to say. I blushed under his attention.

"I love classic literature," I said, running my fingers over the spine of my Jane Austen novel. "Pride and Prejudice is one of my all-time favourites."

Luke nodded in agreement. "I can definitely appreciate a good classic. But I have to admit, I'm more of a sci-fi guy myself. Have you read Dune?"

I shook my head. "No, I haven't. What's it about?"

"It's a space opera about a desert planet and a young hero who rises up to challenge an evil empire. It's a really fascinating story with a lot of political intrigue and action," Luke explained, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm.

"That sounds really interesting. I'll have to check it out."

We continued to talk, sharing our favourite authors and genres. Luke talked about his love of Ray Bradbury and Isaac Asimov, while I gushed about my admiration for Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte.

As we talked, I couldn't help but feel a sense of connection with Luke. Despite our different tastes in literature, we shared a common love of books and the stories they contained.

"It's amazing how books can transport you to another world," I said, looking around at the shelves surrounding us.

Luke nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Yeah, it's like each book is a doorway to a new adventure. And the best part is, you don't even have to leave your chair to experience it."

I smiled, feeling warmth spreading through my chest. I had never met anyone like Luke before, someone who shared my passion for books and storytelling. My feelings for this man have been increasing more with every day that passes. I couldn't help but feel a little nervous about what our relationship would bring, but I was also excited for this strong connection with someone I felt drawn to.