“Brainy is the new sexy,” Holly said with a wink.

“Someone’s been watching far too much Sherlock.” Becca stared at her friend as she tapped her pencil on the open notebook. “Come on, we have a paper due next week.”

“Well, I blame you. It was your bright idea to go back for refresher courses.” With a pointed look, Holly turned to glance around the library. “We’re the only people in the library today. Everyone else is outside enjoying the gorgeous spring weather.” She pouted.

“I promise I’ll treat you to a tall glass of ice water when we’re done.”

Holly stuck out her tongue. “Make that a Pina Colada and you’ve got yourself a deal.”

A flicker of movement behind one of the book cases caught Becca’s attention. Before she could open her mouth, Holly jabbed her with a pencil.

“Now who’s the flighty one?”

“You’re right.”

The duo turned their attention back to their books. After a few long moments, Becca scratched her head in frustration. “I’ll be right back. I need a reference book for this.” At Holly’s nod, she stood and wandered in the direction of the classic literature section.

She meandered down the aisle tracing her fingertips over the spines of the books. If only she could absorb their knowledge through touch, it would make her life so much easier. Becca scanned the titles and found a few pertaining to the topic of her essay. Sliding one from the shelf, she savored the weight of it in her hand and the scent of the crisp pages.

“Can I help you find something?”

The interruption startled her, but not as much as the deep tenor of the voice behind her. The book tumbled from her hands and landed with a thud on the floor. When she bent down to pick it up, she hazarded a glance at the man who’d interrupted her moment of solitude.

Her gaze kept traveling up as she stood. Hot damn, he’s tall. Piercing green eyes, slicked back raven hair, and an infectious smile completed the picture. He tilted his head to the side. “Sorry about that. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

Becca clutched the book to her chest. “It’s fine…no harm done…I’m, well, yeah. I’m fine.” She winced at the way she stumbled over her words.

“Are you looking for something specific?” he asked, his smile unwavering and his eyes dancing with humor.

“Anything that can help me write a twenty page essay on Jane Austen.”

“Well most of the books that can help you with that are on this shelf.” He tapped his finger near the books she had just been perusing. “I think we have a few back at the circulation desk that are ready to be reshelved.”

When he turned, Becca hesitated for a moment, if only to let her gaze take in the full view of his back. Broad and lean, his build suggested an active lifestyle, but his choice of profession piqued her curiosity.

“How long have you worked here?” she asked when the curiosity took control of her mouth.

“Five years,” he replied over his shoulder.

“How come I’ve never seen you here before?”

He stopped and turned. Becca nearly collided with him. “I normally work in the back. I’m just filling in at the front desk today. But I’ve seen you around.”

Becca stared at him, her jaw hanging open like a gaping codfish. Collecting her wits, she smiled. “So you like books then?” She hedged the comment hanging in midair between them with a parry of her own.

“Intelligence is sexy.” He smiled and resumed walking toward the front counter.

“Fucking Cumberbatch…I’m gonna kill him if I ever meet him.” She huffed and chased after the man who reminded her vaguely of the famous British actor.

 

Wow. I’ve always loved the library, and intelligent men. What do you think? Are smart boys sexy? I have a feeling this one will be continued tomorrow. Stay tuned.

❤