Episode 3

That wasn't the response he expected. Most people either melted or ran. But this? This was a fucking challenge wrapped in a smirk. He liked it. A lot.

"Harder?" he let out a low chuckle. The sound running from deep in his chest. His poster shifted...still relaxed. But suddenly more present. Like he had just been issued a personal invitation to play.

" careful what you wish for. I'm very good at rising to expectations." He leaned back his shoulder against the bookshelf. Casual as hell. But his gaze never left Lydia's. The pen-marked palm closed slowly. Deliberately. Before he tucked his hand into his pocket.

" so that didn't work. But that was too easy. Lazy even ". He tilted his head. Studying her like she was the most fascinating puzzle he had encountered all year.

"SO?" she tilted her head.

"so let me try again. " His voice dropped lower. Intimate despite the public space. " i don't want your number in your phone. No yet. What i want is your you to wander why the hell you're still talking to me instead of walking off like you probably should "

" so you think I'm staying... Because I'm interested in your looks ?" she asked.

The corner of his mouth quicked." isn't that it? "

He straightened. Taking one slow step back giving space. But not retreating." I'm John Williams. Finance and Accounting. And you are? "

" oh. Hi... I'm Lydia. As for the rest... You'll know once you stop looking so tempting. But nice to meet you. Though I don't think it was really accidental." she grinned.

(shit) John's eyebrows shot up. Genuine surprise flashing across his features before that wolfish grin returned. Wilder than before. Lydia was sharp. And bold... She just called him tempting while simultaneously calling out his bullshit.

He was absolutely fucked. In the most possible way.

"Lydia" he dragged her name out like he was tasting it. Savoring every syllable. His dark eyes gleamed with something. " You're right. It wasn't accidental at all. I saw you walk in and thought shit. I have to meet her... So i did"

Lydia's gaze traced over John's face slowly. She tilted her head. That playful challenge returning. "Oh"

He stepped closer. Crashing that careful distance he'd just created. Not invasive. But definitely intentional. His voice dropped to that low. Intimate register that seemed to wrap around words like velvet. " You can't just call me tempting and expect me to behave"

John's traced her gaze. Openly... Appreciative. "Though. I'll be honest. After seeing how beautiful you are. It's making it very hard for me to remember why I came to the library in the first place."

He tilted his head. His playful challenge returning. "SO what should we do about it?"

"Oh. I'm going back to my reading while you try to remember what you came here for. But.... Next time bring sweets with you and maybe i will take that phone number" she winked at him.

John watched Lydia turn away. And for a moment... Just a moment he stood there like an absolute idiot. Mouth slightly open.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***