Between the Books - Short Story

The bookstore is warm, filled with the scent of old paper and fresh coffee from the attached café. It’s the kind of place I could lose myself in for hours, wandering between aisles, running my fingers over spines like they hold the secrets of the universe.

And, apparently, it’s also the place where I’m about to have the most embarrassing moment of my life.

Because the second I step backward, completely engrossed in reading the blurb of a book I’ve just pulled off the shelf, I crash directly into someone.

A solid, broad, very warm someone.

The impact sends the book flying from my hands as I stumble, heart lurching into my throat. Strong hands catch my waist, steadying me before I can completely embarrass myself by hitting the floor.

“Easy there,” a deep voice murmurs.

I freeze. His hands are still on me, warm through the layers of my coat. Slowly, I turn my head, and...

Oh.

Okay.

The universe is playing games with me today.

The man holding me upright is unfairly attractive. Dark coat, messy brown hair, sharp jawline, and the kind of smirk that should come with a warning label.

His hands tighten slightly before he lets go, his gaze flicking down to where my book now lays sprawled on the floor between us.

“Guess that one wasn’t a keeper,” he says, a teasing edge to his voice.

I scramble to step back, clearing my throat as I reach down to grab it. “I was just… testing gravity. You know, making sure it still works.”

A low chuckle rumbles from him, and I absolutely do not have a full-body reaction to it.

“I see,” he says, clearly amused. “For science, right?”

I roll my eyes, gripping the book like it’s a lifeline. “Obviously.”

I expect him to walk away then, but he doesn’t. He tilts his head, scanning the shelf beside me, eyes narrowing as if he’s searching for something. Then, just as I shift to step away, he reaches for a book—his fingers brushing against mine in the process.

A jolt of something sharp and electric zips up my arm.

I swear he notices. His eyes flick to mine, the corners of his mouth twitching like he’s debating whether to comment on it.

I clear my throat. “So… big reader?”

He grins, and it’s devastating. “Only when I run into people conducting science experiments in bookstores.”

I bite back a smile, but I can’t stop the warmth spreading through my chest.

Then, before I can think better of it, I ask, “What book were you looking for?”

He lifts the one in his hand, a deep red cover with bold letters, and turns it toward me. “Something bold. Something intriguing. Something that catches my attention.”

I blink. The way he says it, his voice dipping slightly, has absolutely nothing to do with the book.

Before I can formulate a response, he steps closer, lifting the book up between us as he leans in slightly.

And then...

“Excuse me,” an older woman huffs, squeezing between us to grab a book from the shelf.

I practically jump away, my cheeks heating as I realize how close we had gotten.

The stranger, who I now realize I still don’t have a name for, lets out another low chuckle, but he doesn’t step back. Instead, he turns slightly, keeping the book in his hand but shifting it just enough to partially shield us from view.

“Tell me,” he murmurs, voice dropping just for me. “Do your experiments usually involve kissing complete strangers, or is that an exclusive experience?”

My breath catches.

I should walk away. I should laugh it off. But there’s something in his eyes, in the teasing way he’s holding that book like it’s the only thing keeping him from closing the space between us.

And right now, in the middle of a quiet bookstore, surrounded by stories full of adventure, romance, and daring choices...I want to take the risk.

So I step forward, just enough that the book between us isn’t necessary anymore.

And, for the first time in my life, I decide to stop overthinking.

The End

Now that’s a really adorable “meet cute”. Should I continue this story? Let me know in the comments!