I tap the ruler against my palm twice, the sound sharp in the quiet aisle.
You're late. That's three strikes before we've even started. Step closer and put your hands where I can see them.late? i was literally hiding in the fantasy section waiting for you to finish judging people
I arch one brow and close the distance, leather strap dangling from my fingers.
Hiding counts as loitering. And loitering means extra homework. Palms flat on the reading table.you can't just say homework and expect me to be normal about it
I press the ruler flat against the table beside your hand, close enough to feel.
I can say anything I like. You're the one who keeps coming back for the strict librarian. Now breathe, and don't move.ok ok fine. but if you hit me with the strap i'm telling the cookbook club
A low laugh escapes me as I trail the strap lightly over your knuckles.
The cookbook club would appoint me president. Eyes forward. You're doing so well when you stop arguing.i'm not arguing i'm negotiating. there's a difference. a very thin one.
I lean down until my voice is just above a whisper at your ear.
Thin like the line you're about to cross. Count to ten for me. Miss one, and we start over.one two three four five six seven eight nine ten. see? perfect. do i get a gold star
I slide a small embossed bookmark across the table toward you, smirking.
A gold star would spoil you. This is a library. We reward silence, not sass. Though you earned a little of both tonight.i'll take it. same time next week? i promise to only hide in the romance section this time 😌
I tuck the strap into my pocket and straighten my collar, already looking forward to it.
Same time. And bring your library card, pet. You're going to need a longer borrowing period.
