"what kind of books are you looking for?" Noah whispers behind me.
I run my fingers over the various shelves and the spines of the books.
"something classic, you know me.." I laugh quietly. he grins and rests his chin on top of my head.
"Did you ever finish Beowulf ?" Noah asks.
"four times" I laugh. "I think I'll get this one though." I show him the green book lined with gold trim
" the picture of Dorian gray , what's it about? " he asks leaning against to bookshelf.
"well, it's about a guy, Dorian, who essentially sells his soul for eternal youth. " I smiled.
"hmmm , have you read it before?" Noah asked.
"yeah, but not in a really long time." I clutch the book. "I find solace in re reading old books. And In you, my love." I step closer stepping on my tiptoes.
"you are my comfort love; so let's be the cliche couple that kisses in a bookstore." Noah plants a smiley kiss on my lips causing me to laugh.
"kiss me again." I say not breaking the eye contact between us.
Leaning closer, our breaths mingled, teasingly close yet not quite touching. Every fiber of my being yearned for his lips, and as if sensing my desire, Noah closed the gap between us. Our kiss was a delicate dance of tenderness and longing, a perfect fusion of passion and restraint. The aroma of ink and paper mingled with the intoxicating scent of Noah's cologne, creating a sensory tapestry that would forever be etched in my memory. In the embrace of the books, I felt the weight of their stories and the power of their words, as if they whispered secrets of love and devotion.
"What about the fans? Won't they be upset that we are getting married?" I stop.
"Then they aren't fans. they are haters." Noah grabs my face gently.
Reluctantly, we finally pulled away, our lips lingering, reluctant to part. Our gazes met, silently conveying the depth of our connection. With a mixture of longing and anticipation, our whispers filled with dreams yet to unfold.
Leaving the sanctuary of the bookstore, our hands still entwined, we embarked on our journey home. But the magic of that stolen kiss remained with me, a cherished memory that would forever be imprinted on my heart, reminding me of the love we shared amidst the bookshelves, a love story uniquely our own.
by the time we'd gotten back to the house, jolly had finished the bookshelf.
just how I'd pictured it.
"This is amazing. Jolly , thank you." I tiptoed into a hug.
"You like it, yeah?"
"Like it? I love it." I say with teary eyes. "Thank you." Turn to the shelf , studying it. Thinking of what books to put on it.
Jolly and Noah had both sat down on the couch behind me.
I sat adding the books, rearranging them.
with every book that I placed on the shelf , the ring on my hand caught my attention.
I couldn't wait for the time ahead of Me. of us.