“I just . . . want that book.” An arm reached between us, and dazed, I looked down to see a petite brunette with glasses that took up most of her face. She seemed unfazed by the fact she’d clearly interrupted an almost clinch. Instead her determined eagle eyes were on the historical romance novel.

Despite my disappointment, I decided I was ultimately grateful for the interruption. I was leaving in two weeks, and there was no point in giving in to this attraction. Neither of us would be happy with a casual physical encounter. Furthermore, I was running out of time to discover what I wanted from life. I did not need a guy muddling up my already confused headspace.

I grabbed the book for the woman, who was straining to reach the shelf, and handed it to her. She gave me a thin-lipped smile and darted away. After a second or two of staring after her, I finally drew up the courage to look at my friend.

Roane’s expression was unreadable.

Uncomfortable for the first time in his presence, I flickered my gaze over his shoulder, looking for something to distract us. Across the room, I spotted a shelf dedicated to Harry Potter.

That would do.

“Ooh,” I said, hurrying across the bookshop. Spotting the first book in the series, I removed it. Roane had followed, as I’d expected, and I turned to him, smiling through the awkwardness. “I have to get this.”

Roane bent his head toward mine to peer at the book. “Have to?”

Our eyes met, and just like that we were much too close for my body to handle. I swallowed hard, wondering how obvious it would be if I physically retreated. Pretty obvious, I guessed. “It’s, uh, well . . . the first book has a different title in the States. It would be cool to own a copy with the original UK title.”

His eyes trained on my mouth as he murmured, “What’s it called in the States?”

“The Sorcerer’s Stone, not The Philosopher’s Stone. Apparently, the publisher didn’t think Americans would associate the word ‘philosophy’ with magic.” I sounded breathless. Most likely because I was.

“Hmm.” Roane wasn’t even listening to my words at this point. His focus was on my mouth, his eyes were hooded, and he was definitely going to attempt another kiss.

Stop him! a voice screeched in my head.

It was the voice of reason.

I jerked away from him. “Anyway, I’m going to go buy it.” Wow, my voice sounded high. Unable to meet his gaze, I strode away toward the front of the store, where I’d seen the cash register.