Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 50006 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50006 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
“Are you kidding? Ninety percent of the novels checked out from the library are romances. I pride myself on reading as many books on our shelves as I can. Do you like spicy or sweet romance?”
“Oh, come on. Really? You read romance novels?” Tiffanie grinned at him.
“I do. I’m even thinking of starting a romance book club for men. Smart guys want to be aware of what their love interests enjoy—reading about at least,” Phineas told her with a knowing look.
She might have felt weird about talking to Phineas about fantasies, but he didn’t come off as creepy at all. Finding him down-to-earth and personable, Tiffanie had enjoyed flirting with him a bit at Essie and Zander’s engagement party. Of course, he was as handsome as the men she imagined in those steamy stories.
“I love that idea. I’ve heard of men’s book clubs like that before but thought they must be fictional.” Tiffanie tapped her chin as she debated whether she should accept his offer. Why not? “Are you up for a challenge?”
“Let me have it,” he answered with twinkling eyes.
“How about a golden retriever boyfriend who’s fun to be around? Lots of laughs. Bonus points if he turns out to be a dominant lover in bed.” Her face burned as she added that last part, but at this point, Tiffanie had already revealed way too much information about herself.
“Daddy Dom, okay?” he asked.
“Daddy Dom?” she repeated before she could stop herself and glanced down at the tote bag over her shoulder. Was Biff peeking out to clue him in? No, her stuffie was behaving.
“Yes. Have you read any books in that genre?”
Taking a chance, she nodded. “Oh, yes,” she said nonchalantly, as if his offer hadn’t made her heart skip a beat.
“Perfect. I have a couple of book recommendations for you.” He studied the cart and pulled out a battered paperback. “This novel is quite popular. One reader has checked this story out at least twenty times. You’d better snatch this copy before she returns to grab it again. Another you might like is that book with the bright pink spine on that third shelf.”
Tiffanie accepted the one he offered before scanning the area he indicated. She tapped a book that fit his description. “This one?”
“Definitely. You’ll have to tell me what you think of my suggestions. That will help me fine-tune my recommendations.”
The idea of having an excuse to talk to him in the future sent a happy thrill through Tiffanie. “Do you work in the stacks often?”
“As soon as I can get my administrative duties completed, I pitch in around the library. I enjoy being with books. Anything else I can help you with?”
She smiled sheepishly. “Ivan asked me to check if he could get the latest in a series he’s devouring.” Tiffanie quickly shared the information, not wishing to monopolize his time.
“We have a waiting list six months out for that one. I finished my personal copy. I’d be glad to lend the novel to Ivan. Would you mind walking with me to my office?”
“Oh, I don’t want to take your book.”
“Why not? Ivan doesn’t dog-ear the pages, does he?” Phineas teased.
“He doesn’t,” she promised.
“Then I’m glad to share it. Follow me.” Phineas waved her after him as he led the way with the cart. He parked the cart at the end of a row. “My office door opens on this hallway. Now you can come chat when you’re finished with those two.”
His office door stood open as if he invited all patrons to stop in and visit. The enormous desk was piled with organized stacks of papers and books. A few knickknacks decorated his office, giving the space a personalized, homey atmosphere. She’d enjoy coming back to talk to him here. Tiffanie could tell a lot about a person by the things they surrounded themselves with.
Phineas opened a drawer and pulled out a garishly colored hardback. “I love these books. Such a fun concept. I hope Ivan enjoys it.” He opened another drawer and took out a couple of bookmarks. Tucking them inside, he handed the book to Tiffanie.
“Thank you. You’ve absolutely made my day,” Tiffanie said, feeling the truth in that statement.
“Then my job is complete.” He picked up a business card from a holder on the desk and held his contact information out to her. “Here’s a bookmark for you. My cellphone number is on there if you want to talk while the library is closed.”
“Oh, I won’t bother you in your free time,” she said quickly.
“Please do. I enjoy chatting with you.”
“I do too,” Tiffanie said honestly before realizing that statement sounded like she liked chatting with herself. “I mean, it’s fun to speak with you as well.”
The intercom on his desk buzzed. The speaker announced, “Phineas, could you answer a call from the bookstore?”