Save the Date (Modern Arrangements, #1)

"Thanks," I took a sip. "Dixon one too?"

Celia shook her head. "Nope," then she motioned to Lilli. "Miss I-hate-the-morning is a caffeine addict."

Lilli turned around and made faces at the back of Celia’s head. Celia turned quickly and Lilli plastered a smile on her face.

"I know you’re up to something." Celia pointed at her.

Lilli feigned innocence.

"You staying for breakfast?" Lilli pointed at me with her black plastic spatula.

"No, you don’t have to—"

"That’s a yes," Celia answered. Lilli put three pancakes on a plate and slid them in front of me.

I looked down at the pancakes for a moment before I reached for the butter and syrup. While I was pouring syrup, Dixon finally emerged.

"Yes, pancakes!" He looked like a kid on Christmas morning as he sat down next to me. My eyes almost fell out of my head when I saw the stack of pancakes Celia handed him.

When my eyes met hers, she shook her head.

"I know what you’re thinking and yes, he is a pig." She laughed.

"Hey Lilli makes the best blueberry pancakes ever!" Dixon held his hand up. Lilli moved around Celia to give him a high five.

I chuckled and took a bite. The moan that left my lips rivaled Dixons.

"Holy shit." I closed my eyes.

Dixon leaned in and said into my ear. "Told you, best fucking pancakes ever," he patted my back. "You’ll be begging her for them. They’re like heroin." He chuckled and stabbed a large bite. Celia sat next to Dixon and ate. Lilli hopped up on the counter top with a plate in her lap.

After Dixon and I both ate another plate full, we finally pulled ourselves away from the counter. Lilli started picking up the dishes but I swatted her away. She scowled at me.

"You cooked, I’ll clean up." I collected the dishes from the messy counter tops.

"Did you hear that, Dixon?" Lilli yelled as he stretched out in his chair.

As I walked to the sink, Lilli spun around and the smell of cherries wafted around me. At first I thought it was the pancakes but then came the flowery smell. It was her smell, her scent. I hadn’t dreamt it.





Chapter Six

Dating For Dummies

Aidan

I left Dixon’s apartment before noon so I could get home to do some work. I needed to be showered and changed in time for Maggie’s birthday party.

I didn’t spend nearly as much time as I used to spend with Maggie, having been around her since she was a born. She was always more like a little sister than my cousin. Spoiling her had been a favorite hobby of mine.

After going through some emails, I slipped on a pair of dark gray slacks and a light blue button down shirt. I gathered all of Maggie’s presents and remembered I had one last thing to get. I hurried down to the car so I could make a stop on the way to Viola and Liam’s house.

Pulling up to the curb in front of the first bookstore that was along the way, I quickly got out and ran inside. After I entered and looked around at the different shelves, I started to wander around trying to figure out where I should look. Having no luck on my own, I headed to the cashier’s counter and tapped the bell that was on the counter. I wasn’t prepared to see a familiar face.

I smiled and she stopped short as she walked out from a back room.

Raising an eyebrow at me, "Are you following me again?" Lilli laughed.

"You work here too?" I raised my brow. She nodded.

"What can I do for you?" She walked up to the counter.

"I need to find a book," I started.

"Really? In a bookstore? That’s what you are looking for?" She winked. "Which one?"

"Well, I’m not positive on the name, but it has to do with Vampires, Werewolves, Faeries, Vampire hunters…you know all of that stuff. Oh and it’s the second book that I am looking for."

"Wow, I never took you for the young-adult fiction reading type." Lilli giggled.

"It’s for my cousin, she’s turning fifteen." Jesus, who knew sarcasm could be so hot.

"Uh-huh, sure it is." With a smile she pointed. "Young Adults section, Mortal Instruments series, City of Ashes. They are in alphabetical order."

After finding the sequel, I saw the third book sitting right beside and grabbed it too. Lilli was standing at the counter looking over something and writing as I approached with the books.

"Find it?" She looked up.

I held the books up and got a thumb up from her. Placing the books on the counter, she reached for them.

"So you have two jobs?" I watched her long fingers caress the cover of one book, wondering what her touch would feel like.

"Yep, weekend day job." She scanned the books and punched some keys on the register. Now her mouth had my attention.

"So, how many jobs do you have?" Her mouth was slightly wide with full lips. With her high cheekbones and almond shaped eyes, they made her look exotic.

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