Author’s Note: The following is a deleted scene from the upcoming book Merry Snowmas. Since the main female character is a librarian, I thought it would be fun to include a discussion on books. And it was, but the scene still didn’t make the cut. Merry Snowmas is a later in life love story between two widows, Bennett and Virginia. This marriage of convenience with its side of snow-bound forced proximity will be available in November of 2025.
Bennett winked at me as he picked up his hardcover book. I recognized the title—the latest from the inventive storyteller, E. K. Blackwood.
I hadn’t read it yet. Dystopian novels weren’t my go-to reads. But the library copies of the debut novel were never on the shelf for long.
“Do you like the book?” I asked. The leather couch under me squeaked as I shifted..
“It’s good, though I don’t completely understand what’s going on. The island. NannyBots. Avery.” Bennett half-smiled, shaking his head.
“Sounds like a true dystopian. Those books suck you into a world you don’t understand, but can’t ignore.” I smiled, remembering my first glimpse into The Hunger Games and the world Katniss called home. Not all dystopian novels were bad. I made a mental note to add E.K. Blackwood’s book to my TBR pile.
Maybe Bennett would let me borrow his copy.
Maybe we can fill the empty spaces on these shelves together.
Maybe…
“What’s your book about?” Bennett interrupted my imagination running away with the possibilities.
My cheeks flushed, and I bit my lip. It’s a romance that hits too close to home.
“Ginny,” he growled. “Are you reading a spicy book?” He leaned in, attempting to see the cover of the book in my lap.
I tilted the novel in my hand toward the arm of the couch. His cedar scent wiped all thoughts of the story from my mind. The way his eyes roamed over me warmed my insides more than words on a page. Heat rose in my cheeks.
He raised his eyebrows and tilted his head, setting down his book between us. He reached up, his thumb tracing along my cheekbone. The gentleness of the touch sent tingling sensations radiating down my neck.
I closed my eyes and leaned into his palm, enjoying his warmth. His fingers tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, lingering on my neck.
I shivered and licked my lips—all thoughts of books gone.
Spoiler Alert: Bennett is very distracting.
Boris jumped up between us, breaking the moment with his cry. The cat bumped Bennett’s elbow, and he dropped his hand, scratching my tabby’s chin. Boris curled up in his lap, completely ignoring me.
Traitor.
Bennett grinned and said, “You don’t have to tell me. What you read is your choice. No judgment from the peanut gallery.”
I looked down and blew out a sigh. I had nothing to be embarrassed about. I flattened the book onto my lap so that the cover was visible.
“It’s not spicy, but it is a romance—at least this one is. The series started with them hating each other. They were restoring a chateau when they found this necklace, which led to some magical moments with history woven into the storyline.” I could… should have stopped there.
But I didn’t.
“It’s the story of how one woman grieves the loss of her husband and how she finds love again.” Our eyes met, and my skin tingled with the vibrations of his hum.
“I hope it has a happy ending,” Bennett said.
Us or the book, Bennett?
He held my gaze for a moment longer before he picked up his book. A smirk danced on his lips. My heart stuttered, and my midsection fluttered.
“Me, too,” I said, hoping he caught my meaning.