Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 89183 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89183 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
They disposed of their garbage in a nearby container and then headed for the bookstore.
She felt like she was floating on air. Though they’d gotten off to a rocky start in the airport, he was obviously trying hard to make it up to her by being charming and friendly. Also, she couldn’t deny that her companion was magnetically handsome.
Of course, he was completely out of her league. He’d made that perfectly clear in high school, and now that he’d matured, he’d obviously become extremely successful. He had an air of wealth about him, and considering the way he gave crisp instructions over the phone, he had a staff of minions at his beck and call. Besides, even if she’d thought she might have a chance with him, she’d sworn off men forever.
But that didn’t mean there wasn’t a little part of her still thrilled by being with Malcolm Sullivan today.
Okay, so her exhaustion from the flight was clearly playing into her emotions. But the truth was, she was having a wonderful time with him. He hadn’t said anything about what had happened in high school—and he certainly hadn’t apologized—but perhaps that was for the best. There was no point in stirring up an old hornet’s nest. High school was a million years ago. They had both been teenagers, and most teenagers did super dumb stuff. Especially in front of their peers. He surely hadn’t meant what he’d said to her at prom. And even if he had—well, what did it matter after all these years? The best thing was to focus on how thrilled she was to be on Elderflower Island, how much fun it was going to be to stay on his houseboat, and how they’d even shared a couple of laughs today, especially after his dance on the roof of his boat.
He pointed out the pub, and then she spotted Mari’s bookstore across the street, on the riverside. The painted sign above the door said Elderflower Island Books, and she could see a window full of titles she’d no doubt want to read. As she drew closer, she saw that the building dated back to 1883. Excitement filled her at the idea of meeting the woman she’d been emailing with for a couple of months now. Mari had explained that she’d inherited the bookshop and was looking for new ways to add value. When she read a blog post Josie had written about her work, Mari had contacted her, and they’d soon begun chatting like old friends about the books they’d loved and new releases they couldn’t wait to read. Then, finally, Mari had asked if she could hire Josie to come to London to help her create a space where she’d hold reading retreats. Naturally, Josie would lead the first one.
She hadn’t stopped to think about it, but had enthusiastically agreed. She’d set up reading retreat spaces in a couple of hotels, a spa, and a library, so she felt confident in her ability to give Mari exactly what she wanted.
“Wow. I absolutely love it,” she told Malcolm. She felt like a broken record, but it was true. She was loving everything she’d seen since she’d landed. The only thing she hadn’t loved was when Malcolm had been so grumpy, and she’d realized that her past had possibly come back to haunt her. But as she’d just told herself, there was no point in getting in a funk over bad memories of things that had happened a long time ago.
“This is exactly the way I’ve always pictured a British bookshop,” she continued. “With ivy growing down old stone walls and pretty window displays crammed with books.” She sighed. “I have a feeling I’ll need yet another suitcase when it’s time to go home.”
“It even comes with a black cat that sleeps on the counter after Mari lets it in in the morning,” Malcolm informed her.
Grinning from ear to ear, Josie said, “I’ll have to take pictures of that so I don’t forget it after I’m gone.”
She already knew she was going to miss Elderflower Island when she left. It wasn’t practical to even dream of staying, so she wouldn’t waste her time lamenting that.
The door opened, and a pretty woman with a tumble of auburn hair and a huge smile stepped out. “Josie. I’m Mari. Welcome. I’m so glad you’re here. It’s wonderful to finally meet you in person.”
When Mari opened her arms, it felt perfectly normal for Josie to walk into them. As two major bibliophiles, it was like greeting a long-lost friend, all because they shared a love of books.
“I’m so happy to be here, Mari. I love absolutely everything about the island so far. Malcolm’s houseboat. How gorgeous the island is. The sausage roll I ate from the Elderflower Café. The classic British pub across the street. And, best of all, your bookstore.”