The bookshop blues

The scent of old pages and fresh coffee greeted Emily as she unlocked the glass door to Chapter & Verse, the quaint bookshop that had become her second home. The morning sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the rows of bookshelves. Emily loved this place. It was her haven, her escape from the chaos of the world—and her reminder that her simple, peaceful life was exactly what she wanted.

"Morning, book whisperer," teased Anna, Emily's best friend and part-time assistant, as she walked in with a steaming cup of coffee. Her red curls bounced as she grinned, her sharp hazel eyes full of mischief.

"You're late," Emily said with a mock frown, placing her hands on her hips.

Anna rolled her eyes. "Five minutes, Em. You're lucky I even showed up before noon. Some of us enjoy sleeping, unlike you, Miss Up-at-6-to-Greet-the-Sun."

Emily smirked. "Some of us also like to keep the shop running, you know, so we can pay the bills."

Anna plopped the coffee on the counter. "Speaking of bills, how's your landlord situation? Still threatening to increase the rent on this cute little library?"

"It's a bookstore, not a library," Emily corrected for what felt like the hundredth time. "And yes, Mr. Greedy Landlord is still on my case. If he thinks I'm giving up this shop, he's sorely mistaken. I'll sell handmade bookmarks if I have to."

Anna snorted. "Oh, I'd pay to see that. 'Get your exclusive Emily-designed bookmarks! Only slightly overpriced!'"

Emily threw a crumpled receipt at her. "Ha-ha. You're hilarious. Now, grab the inventory sheet. We have a long day ahead."

Meanwhile, across town in the sleek, glass-walled boardroom of his company's headquarters, Ethan Cross sat in his usual commanding position at the head of the table. His dark suit was immaculate, his tie perfectly knotted, and his sharp blue eyes scanned the room like a hawk surveying its prey.

"John," he said without preamble, leaning back in his chair. "What's the status of the bookstore proposal?"

John, his secretary and childhood confidant, adjusted his glasses. "I reviewed the property. It's small, quaint, and definitely not up to your usual investment standards. Are you sure about this?"

Ethan's lips curled into a smirk. "Positive. Sometimes, it's not about the property. It's about the person managing it."

John raised an eyebrow. "And this 'person' wouldn't happen to be the same woman you saw at the gala last month, would it?"

Ethan chuckled. "She has no idea who I am, does she?"

John sighed. "Not a clue. Which makes me question why the mighty Ethan Cross is interested in a bookstore owner who, as far as I can tell, lives paycheck to paycheck."

Ethan leaned forward, steepling his fingers. "She's different, John. Not like the women I'm surrounded by—those who care only about status and luxury. She's...refreshing."

John tilted his head. "So, what's the plan? Swoop in and buy her out? Sweep her off her feet with your charm and wealth?"

Ethan smirked again. "Not exactly. Let's just say I'll give her an offer she can't refuse. But first, I want to see how far her pride will take her."

John shook his head, muttering under his breath. "Arrogant as ever."

Back at the bookshop, Anna was halfway through reorganizing the romance section when she paused, holding up a book with a ridiculous cover featuring a shirtless man.

"Em, look at this. Why do all romance novels have the same cliché covers? What is it with abs and brooding stares?"

Emily glanced over, rolling her eyes. "Because that's what sells, apparently. Although, if I ever met a guy like that, I'd probably run in the opposite direction."

Anna snickered. "Oh, come on. You've got to admit, a brooding billionaire sweeping you off your feet wouldn't be the worst thing."

Emily gave her a dry look. "I'd rather have a guy who sweeps the floor without complaining."

Anna laughed so hard she nearly dropped the book. "You're hopeless, Em. Absolutely hopeless."

Before Emily could respond, the bell above the door chimed, signaling a customer. She turned, putting on her warmest smile—and froze.

Standing in the doorway was Ethan Cross.

Ethan's sharp gaze swept across the shop, taking in the cozy atmosphere and the faint scent of lavender that seemed to linger in the air. His eyes landed on Emily, and for a brief moment, he was caught off guard.

She was even more striking up close. Her dark hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, and her simple dress and apron only accentuated her natural beauty.

"Can I help you?" Emily asked, her voice polite but cautious.

Ethan smiled—a slow, deliberate smile that sent shivers down her spine. "I'm looking for a book."

"Well, you've come to the right place," she replied, her tone slightly sardonic. "We have plenty of those here."

Anna, sensing the tension, quickly excused herself to the back room, leaving Emily alone with the enigmatic stranger.

"What kind of book are you looking for?" Emily asked, stepping around the counter.

Ethan tilted his head, as if considering his answer carefully. "Something...unexpected. Something that surprises me."

Emily raised an eyebrow. "That's a bit vague. Care to narrow it down?"

He chuckled. "I like to keep my options open."

Emily rolled her eyes. "Well, Mr. Open Options, feel free to browse. Let me know if you need help."

As she turned to walk away, Ethan said, "Actually, I do have one question."

She stopped, glancing over her shoulder. "Yes?"

"Do you believe in fate?"

The question caught her off guard. She frowned, turning to face him fully. "Fate? Like destiny?"

Ethan nodded, his expression unreadable. "Do you think two people can be meant to meet, even if they come from completely different worlds?"

Emily blinked, unsure how to respond. "I...I think people make their own choices. Fate might bring you to the door, but it's up to you to walk through it."

A slow smile spread across Ethan's face. "Interesting perspective. I'll take it under advisement."

Before she could say anything else, he turned and walked toward the shelves, leaving her staring after him with a mix of confusion and intrigue.

In the back room, Anna was practically bouncing with excitement. "Em! Who was that? He's gorgeous!"

Emily shook her head, trying to shake off the strange feeling Ethan had left behind. "I have no idea. Some customer. Probably just passing through."

Anna smirked. "Passing through my foot. The way he was looking at you? That man's got a plan."

Emily groaned. "Don't start, Anna. He's probably some bored businessman who wandered in here by mistake."

Anna raised an eyebrow. "And yet, you're blushing."

"I am not!" Emily snapped, though her cheeks betrayed her.

Anna laughed, throwing an arm around her friend's shoulders. "Relax, Em. If he comes back, you can thank fate for sending you a brooding billionaire of your very own."

Emily rolled her eyes, though she couldn't deny the tiny flicker of curiosity that had taken root in her chest.