Stranger Danger: Butterflies In My Belly.

Hayley

I was in my office currently working on a project when I suddenly remembered that I was supposed to step out and get some books for the kids. Looking at my wrist-watch, I saw that it was almost time for lunch.

"Mary, can you please cut off all appointments later for this afternoon? I will be stepping out this afternoon to get some things from the bookstore." I told her through the intercom.

"Sure ma'am but you are supposed to have a meeting with Mr Sterling at two O'clock. Should I reschedule it?" Damn I totally forgot that I had a meeting with him. Mr Sterling was one of my top clients and had been with me for seven years. I possibly couldn't reschedule our meeting.

"Yes, do that please. And move any other appointments to tomorrow." I was sure that I wasn't going to be coming back on time.

"Okay ma'am, is that all? Would you like to add anything else?"

"No, that would be all Mary. Thank you." After I clicked off the intercom, I closed all applications on my PC and set it to sleep mode. I also picked my keys and purse and then exited the office.

The heat that enveloped me when I stepped out of the car was out of the world. I had to quickly lock the doors and moved briskly entering the store. New York was just so freaking hot nowadays.

"Hey Hayley." The receptionist at Barnes and Nobles greeted me. I have known Reginald for quite some years now as I was a frequent shopper here.

"Hi Regina. How are you?" Reginald disliked being called by her full name. She preferred the shortened form. Probably because of my brother Joe, he always teased her when he accompanied me to the store. I should probably let her know that Joe was going to be back in town. But should be later as that might sour the mood.

" How are those adorable kids of yours?" Most people that meet Autumn and Wynter always fall in love with them and Regina was no exception.

Back then when they were still small, Regina and her coworkers would take them off my hands and let me do my shopping without any distractions.

"I guess that you are getting your regulars?" She winked at me making me laugh. Yeah, I was obsessed with reading smutty and spicy books . The ones that make toes curl, thighs clench in shock and pressure and make someone take a breather because they couldn't handle the hot sex scenes.

"Yeah and some of these books on the list." I handed her the list and watched as she perused through it.

"For your regulars, you can check out the new arrival section. And then for these ones. Christy might be able to help you with it."

"Thank you so much." I made my way to the new arrivals sections to make my selections. After that, I moved to the children's section to grab some storybooks and poems for the kids.

Weirdly, Autumn had an unexplained obsession with listening to poems and fairytales while her brother was more of a superhero fanatic. Though I made a routine whereby they to exchange their interests because I can't handle reading two different books on the same day for them. I had tried that and it ended badly.

"Oh my gosh. You scared me." I yelped clutching my chest in fright.

"I'm sorry." The strange man apologized. And damn was he good looking.

You should at least let me know you were there. " I was rendered speechless for the second time when I took a look at my intruder. No, the intruder would be correct.

"Let me help you with that." He knelt down to help me pick up the books scattered round the floor.

"Thank you." I fumbled picking up the ones I could reach and glimpsed

"Hmmn, rare combination of books children books and that." His eyes sparkled with amusement as he got a glimpse of my spicy romance book, Lethal Vows by T.L Smith.

"I.." I flushed deep red in embarrassment. What an asshole! It wasn't my fault that I loved reading smutty erotic books. Everyone had their own guilty pleasures and I won't be ashamed of mine.

"I was just teasing you, my sister is a die hard fan of romance books. Are you a teacher?" He straightened helping me up.

"Umm no. Why do you ask?" I frowned. Did I look like a teacher? I was dressed casually.

"The combination of the books." He pointed out.

"Oh no. It's for my kids." I smiled.

I noticed that his smile dimmed when he heard that I have kids. Oh he properly thought that I was married. Why would be concerned that he would think that? Because I think he's the first man that I have found attractive after everything with Kyle.

"Oh no, wait. I'm not married. I am kind of married about to be divorced. Oh my gosh. It's complicated." I groaned at my clumsiness spilling for my life story.

He laughed, at least he hasn't run off. But why would I be happy if he hasn't run away?

"You are cute. I am widower with a wonderful daughter. My name is Gary Steele." He held out his hand for a handshake. Holy molly! He had a daughter? And he was a widower? I totally feel pity for his late wife, she must be turning in her grave everyday to leave this specimen of a man alone on earth.

Jesus! What was wrong with me?

"My name is Hayley Banes." I shook his hand firmly.

"Hayley. nice name." He smiled displaying a cute set of dimples. I must have died and gone to heaven. His late wife was definitely turning in her grave.

"Then would you like to give me your number?" What? He wanted to take my number? Meaning he finds me attractive?

He laughed at the comical look on my face.

"I guess it's too early for that. I can.." I cut him off.

"No, it's fine. It's totally fine." I shook my head inwardly kicking myself. Amber wouldn't chastise me if I told her how hot Gary was.

"Okay, here you go." He handed me his phone to put in my details.

"Let me dial it. You know to make sure it's your real number?" I giggled when he winked at me. This man was really smooth.

My phone rang out.

"Okay, that's my number. You don't mind if I call you later, do you?"

"No, of course not." I shrugged.

"Then I will. I will be leaving you to continue with your shopping." He smiled warmly back pedaling.

"Okay bye." I watched him swagger till he disappeared from view. And damn was watching him walk away a good view.

The smile never left my face even when I got to the office. But it got dampened when I saw the message on my phone.

Kyle: I just wanted to remind you that the event is tomorrow. I will be picking you up by 7pm. Wear something nice.

And that was enough to remind me of my complicated life.