Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

I inhale deeply as I unlock the front door of Paige's Passages, my little slice of heaven nestled in the heart of Lincolnton, NC. The familiar scent of books—paper, ink, and a hint of dust—mingles with the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans. It's a perfume no fancy boutique could ever bottle, and it's all mine.

"Another day in paradise," I murmur to myself, flipping the sign to 'Open' and giving it a little pat. It's a ritual I've kept up since the day I bought this place three years ago, and it never fails to bring a smile to my face.

The early morning sunlight streams through the large front windows, casting a warm glow on the bookshelves. I take a moment to appreciate the view—rows upon rows of books, their spines a rainbow of colors and promises. Each one a world waiting to be explored, a story aching to be told. It's enough to make my bookworm heart skip a beat.

I make my way to the counter, my fingers trailing along the shelves as I pass. "Good morning, friends," I whisper to the books. Okay, so maybe talking to inanimate objects isn't exactly sane, but hey, if anyone's going to understand, it's going to be fellow book lovers, right?

The coffee machine in the adjoining café area gurgles to life, and I silently thank Past Emma for setting it up last night. Present Emma is not a morning person, and the thought of tackling that beast without caffeine is scarier than any horror novel I've ever read.

As the rich aroma of brewing coffee fills the air, I boot up the ancient computer behind the counter. It wheezes to life like an old dog getting up from a nap. "Come on, old girl," I coax, patting the top of the monitor. "You can do it."

While waiting for the technological equivalent of continental drift to complete, I grab a cloth and give the counter a quick wipe-down. The gleaming surface reflects my face back at me, and I pause for a moment. Emma Paige, 32, bookstore owner, and... what else?

My reflection doesn't offer any answers, just shows me the same shoulder-length brown hair, green eyes, and smattering of freckles I see every day. I stick my tongue out at myself, then laugh. "Real mature, Em."

The computer finally finishes its morning stretch, and I log in to check the day's schedule. A shipment of new releases is due this afternoon, and I make a mental note to reorganize the front display to make room. I'm halfway through composing an email to my distributor when the bell above the door chimes.

"Well, well, well," a familiar voice sings out. "If it isn't my favorite bookworm, already hard at work."

I look up to see Olivia sauntering in, her dark curls bouncing with each step. She's carrying a paper bag from Joe's Diner down the street, and my nose immediately identifies the heavenly scent of their famous cinnamon rolls.

"Liv!" I exclaim, making grabby hands at the bag. "You are a lifesaver and a queen among women."

She laughs, sliding the bag across the counter to me. "And don't you forget it, honey. I figured you could use some proper fuel before diving into the day."

I pull out one of the warm, gooey cinnamon rolls, taking a big bite and closing my eyes in bliss. "Mmmm, I think I just fell in love."

"With me or the cinnamon roll?" Olivia teases, her brown eyes twinkling.

"Yes," I reply solemnly, my mouth full of sugary goodness, and we both burst into giggles.

Olivia starts setting up the café area, humming softly to herself. I watch her for a moment, grateful for the billionth time that she agreed to run the coffee shop portion of Paige's Passages. She brings a warmth and vibrancy to the place that perfectly complements the cozy bookstore vibe.

"So," Olivia says, tying her apron with practiced ease, "any exciting plans for today? Hot date? Thrilling adventure? Swashbuckling pirate raid?"

I snort into my coffee. "Yes, Liv. I'm planning to abandon the store, grab an eye patch, and sail the seven seas. Want to be my first mate?"

She pretends to consider it, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "Tempting, but I think I'll stick to serving lattes. Less chance of scurvy. If you find a cute pirate though, feel free to send him my way."

"Spoilsport," I tease. "But no, no exciting plans. Just a shipment coming in later, the usual Tuesday crowd, and I really need to update the community board. It's starting to look like a time capsule from 2010."

Olivia nods sagely. "Ah yes, the famous Paige's Passages Procrastination Board. I was wondering if those flyers for the 2015 Fall Festival were going for a vintage aesthetic."

I roll my eyes, but she's not wrong. The community board, a large cork monstrosity that takes up most of one wall near the entrance, has been a fixture of the store since long before I owned it. It's meant to be a space for local businesses and individuals to post about events, services, or connections, but I'll admit I've been a bit lax about maintaining it.

"I'll get to it today," I promise, more to myself than to Olivia. "Right after I finish this email and check the inventory and?—"

The bell chimes again, cutting me off. We both look up to see Dr. James Thornton walk in, his silver-streaked dark hair slightly windswept. He offers us a warm smile that crinkles the corners of his eyes, and I feel my cheeks heat up slightly.

"Good morning, ladies," he greets us, his voice carrying that gentle tone he probably uses to soothe anxious pets. "I hope I'm not interrupting?"

"Not at all, Doc," Olivia chirps before I can respond. "The usual?"

He nods, then turns to me. "Emma, I don't suppose the new Veterinary Journal has come in yet?"

I shake my head, trying not to get lost in his kind hazel eyes. "Not yet, I'm afraid. But it should be in this afternoon's shipment. I can set one aside for you if you'd like?"

"That would be wonderful, thank you." His smile widens, and I swear I feel my heart do a little flip. Get it together, Emma!

As James makes his way to the non-fiction section, Olivia sidles up to me, a mischievous grin on her face. "You know," she whispers, "he's single, he loves animals, and he reads. Sounds like the perfect man for a certain bookstore owner I know."

I feel my face flame up. "Shush, you," I hiss back. "He's just a customer."

"Mm-hmm," Olivia hums, clearly unconvinced. "A customer who comes in almost every day, always asks for your recommendation, and looks at you like you hung the moon."

Before I can formulate a response that doesn't make me sound like a stammering teenager, the bell chimes again. This time, it's Lucas Fisher who strolls in, his laptop bag slung over one shoulder and a notebook clutched in his hand.

"Morning, all," he calls out cheerfully. "Olivia, I'm going to need a triple shot today. An idea struck me in the middle of the night, and I couldn’t fall back asleep. I’m going to have to scrap and rewrite a chunk of this book, but it’s going to be worth it."

Olivia gives him a mock salute. "Coming right up."

Lucas turns to me, running a hand through his artfully tousled blond hair. "Emma, my muse, please tell me you have a quiet corner where a struggling artist can work his magic?"

I laugh, gesturing to the cozy nook in the back corner, complete with plush armchairs and a small table. "Your office awaits, Mr. Fisher. Try not to terrorize the other patrons with your dramatic sighs this time."

He clutches his chest in feigned offense. "I'll have you know those sighs are an integral part of my creative process but I guess I can try to at least pay attention to when other customers come in. No promises though when there’s no one else in here." Then he winks and makes his way to the nook, already pulling out his laptop.

I shake my head, smiling despite myself. Lucas has been a regular since he moved to town six months ago, allegedly to find inspiration for his next great American novel. So far, he seems to have found more inspiration in Olivia's lattes than in anything else, but his charm and wit make him a welcome fixture in the store.

As the morning progresses, more regulars trickle in. Mrs. Henderson, looking for the latest cozy mystery. The high school English teacher, Mr. Brooks, picking up his preorder for a class set of "To Kill a Mockingbird." A group of college students, armed with textbooks and determinedly hopeful expressions, claiming the big table for a study session.

It's nearing lunchtime when I finally make my way over to the community board, armed with a stack of new flyers and a determination to bring it into the current decade. I'm in the process of removing an advertisement for a long-closed restaurant when something catches my eye.

It's a pale blue envelope, tucked behind a flyer for yoga classes. My name is written on the front in an elegant, flowing script. Curious, I pluck it from the board and open it.

My heart nearly stops as I read the contents:

Dearest Emma,

Your smile is brighter than the sun,

Your laugh, a melody unsung.

In this small town, you're the one,

Who makes my heart feel young.

Each day I see you in your store,

Surrounded by the books you love.

I long to tell you, more and more,

You're a gift sent from above.

For now, I'll admire from afar,

And hope that someday you'll see,

That in my eyes, you are a star,

And mean the world to me.

Yours always,

Your Secret Admirer

I feel my cheeks burning as I re-read the letter, my mind whirling. A secret admirer? Me? This has to be some kind of joke, right?

I glance around the store, half-expecting to see someone watching for my reaction. But everyone seems absorbed in their own activities. James is deeply engrossed in a thick medical text. Lucas is furiously typing away on his laptop. Even Olivia is busy, chatting with a customer as she prepares their drink.

My heart is pounding as I carefully fold the letter and slip it into my pocket. I don't know whether to feel flattered, excited, or terrified. Probably all three.

As I make my way back to the counter, my mind is trying to work out who this could possibly be. Who could have written this? How old is it? And more importantly, what am I going to do about it?

The afternoon rush has settled into a comfortable lull, and I find myself constantly touching the pocket where I've stashed the mysterious love letter. It feels like it's burning a hole through my jeans, begging to be read again. But I resist, partly because I'm still not sure how to feel about it, and partly because I'm afraid I might have hallucinated the whole thing.

I'm restocking the Young Adult section when the bell chimes again. I peek around the shelf to see Noah Chen shuffle in, his oversized hoodie making him look smaller than he is. He heads straight for the sci-fi and fantasy section, his dark brown eyes darting around nervously as if he's afraid someone might catch him enjoying books.

"Afternoon, Noah," I call out, smiling as he jumps slightly at the sound of my voice. "Anything I can help you find today?"

He turns to me, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "Oh, um, hi Emma. I was just, uh, wondering if the new Brent Markinson book is in yet?"

I shake my head, feeling a pang of regret at the disappointment that flashes across his face. "Not yet, I'm afraid. But it should be in this afternoon's shipment. Want me to set one aside for you?"

His face lights up, and for a moment, I'm struck by how it transforms him. When he's not hunching his shoulders or hiding behind his chestnut bangs, Noah is actually quite handsome in a less polished sort of way.

"Really? That would be amazing! Thank you, Emma. You're the best."

I feel my cheeks warm at his earnest praise. "Happy to help. Feel free to browse while you wait. I know you've probably read everything in the sci-fi section twice over, but maybe you'd like to try something new?"

He nods, that adorable blush creeping back onto his face. "Maybe... do you have any recommendations?"

I'm about to launch into a passionate pitch for my latest favorite read when Olivia's voice cuts through the store.

"Em! Can you cover for me for a few? I need to run to the bank before it closes for lunch."

"Sure thing, Liv!" I call back, then turn to Noah with an apologetic smile. "Duty calls. But how about I put together a little selection for you to look through? I'll leave them on the comfy chair in the corner, okay?"

He nods eagerly, and I can't help but feel a little surge of affection for this shy, sweet guy who lights up at the mere mention of books.

As I make my way to the café area, I see Olivia hanging up her apron. "Thanks, hon," she says. "I shouldn't be more than fifteen minutes. Think you can handle making a latte without burning the place down?"

I roll my eyes at her. "I'll have you know I'm a woman of many talents. Go on, get out of here before I change my mind."

She blows me a kiss and heads out, leaving me alone with the hiss and gurgle of the espresso machine. As I'm wiping down the counter, my hand brushes against my pocket, reminding me of the letter. I glance around the store. It's quiet - Noah's buried in a book in the corner, Lucas is apparently stuck once again if his sighs are anything to judge by, and the only other customer is Mrs. Henderson, who's practically part of the furniture at this point.

Before I can talk myself out of it, I pull out the letter and read it again. The words make my heart flutter just as much as they did the first time. Who could have written this? I run through the list of suspects in my head.

James? He's certainly charming and kind, but poetry doesn't seem like his style. Lucas? He's a writer, so the flowery language wouldn't be out of character, but it feels a bit too... sincere for his usual flirtatious banter. Noah? The thought makes me pause. He's always so quiet and nervous around me, but there's a depth to him that I've glimpsed in our conversations before.

I'm so lost in thought that I don't hear Olivia return until she's right beside me.

"Earth to Emma," she says, waving a hand in front of my face. "What's got you so spacey? And what's that you're reading?"

I jump, nearly dropping the letter. "Liv! I didn't hear you come in."

Her eyes narrow suspiciously. "Clearly. Now spill. What's going on?"

I hesitate for a moment, then hand her the letter. "I found this on the community board earlier. It's... well, read it yourself."

Olivia's eyes widen as she scans the contents, a grin slowly spreading across her face. By the time she finishes, she's practically vibrating with excitement.

"Oh. My. God. Emma! You have a secret admirer! This is so romantic!" She clutches the letter to her chest, sighing dramatically. "It's like something out of a movie. Or one of those romance novels you pretend not to read but I totally know you do."

I feel my face heat up. "Shh! Keep your voice down," I hiss, glancing around to make sure no one's paying attention to us. "And I don't know what you're talking about. Those books are... research. For customer recommendations."

"Uh-huh, sure," Olivia says, clearly not buying it. "So, who do you think wrote it? Ooh, let me guess!" She taps her chin thoughtfully, eyeing the customers in the store. "It's got to be one of your regulars, right? Someone who sees you often enough to be thoroughly smitten."

I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant even as my heart races. "I have no idea. It could be anyone. Maybe it's just a prank. It’s been so long since I cleared this off that maybe the person who wrote it has given up or moved away."

Olivia fixes me with a look that clearly says she's not buying my act. "Emma Paige, don't you dare try to downplay this. This letter is genuine, heartfelt, and utterly adorable. And you deserve every word of it."

Her sincerity catches me off guard, and I feel a lump form in my throat. "You really think so?"

"I know so," she says firmly, squeezing my hand. "Now, let's figure out who our mystery poet is, shall we? We've got Dr. McDreamy, who pops in here daily for his coffee even though there are two others closer to his office. Mr. Brooding Wordsmith in the writing nook," she gestures to Lucas, who's dramatically running his hands through his hair as he stares at his laptop screen, "and our shy guy in the corner," she finishes, pointing at Noah, who's curled up in an armchair, surrounded by the stack of books I left for him.

I can't help but laugh at her descriptions. "You've been watching too many rom-coms, Liv."

She grins unrepentantly. "Maybe, but you can't deny that any one of them could be your secret admirer. The question is, which one do you want it to be?"

Her question catches me off guard. I hadn't really thought about it that way. "I... I don't know," I admit. "They're all great in their own ways. James is so kind and steady, Lucas is charming and fun, and Noah... there's just something about him, you know? He has a way of making you feel like he just gets you with no effort required."

Olivia nods sagely. "Well, my dear, it seems you have a mystery to solve. And as your best friend and self-appointed wingwoman, I volunteer to help you crack this case wide open."

I groan, but I can't keep the smile off my face. "Why do I have a feeling I'm going to regret this?"

"Because you're smart," Olivia says with a wink. "But trust me, this is going to be fun. Operation Secret Admirer is officially underway!"