Moonlit Bond

d the counter, absently straightening a stack of bestsellers, her mind still preoccupied with the strange events of the past fe

ghts. She looked up, a welcoming smile automatically spreading across her

rich, deep brown, slightly tousled as if he'd just run his hand through it. But it was his eyes that caught an

, Emma forgo

tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Good morning," he said, his voice

ringing at how breathy her voice sounded. "Welcom

ust browsing for now, thank you. I'm new

re. "Well, feel free to look around. Let

out the way he moved, a fluid grace that seemed at odds with his rugged appearance. She watched as he

e-organizing the display of local authors. She was so focused on appearing nonchalan

she could see flecks of gold in his green eyes. "I was wonderi

ack of the store. "It's just past the mystery sect

ed the way. "I find small towns fascinating. They oft

air share of tales. Are you planning to stay in town long

yes, I think I'll be around for a while.

. "The old Forrester place? I

able passing through his eyes. "It was a bit of a last-min

" Emma asked, her

mile crossing his face. "Trying to

the right place for inspiration. Willow Creek has a rich history. This book here," she pulled out

ma felt a jolt of... something. Static electricity, she told

se you'd be willing to give me a more personal tour of the town's history?" he as

I could," she found herself saying. "I've lived here all my l

breath catch. "That would be wonderful. Perhaps o

s, especially with the recent strange occurrences in town. But there was something abo

, returning his smile. "There's a gre

ense of excitement bubbling up inside her. For the first time in a long while,

the door that she'd be back in an hour. As they stepped out onto t

unding somehow special when he sai

about the town's quirky residents and long-held traditions. Liam listened inte

café. Liam held the door open for her, and as Emma passed him, she caught a whiff of his scent

nce thought about the strange animal attacks or the unsettling howls in the night. Liam's presence seemed t

eyes twinkling with interest, Emma couldn't help but feel that h