Chapter 17: Between the Lines

POV: Evelyn Harper

The morning air carried a crispness that hinted at autumn's arrival. Inside the library, the quiet hum of activity should have soothed me, but I couldn't shake the tension coiling in my chest.

James Calloway had a way of doing that to me.

He'd walked in earlier, all polished charm and smooth words, like he owned the place. Which, in some ways, he did—or at least he thought he did.

"Evelyn," he'd said, flashing me a smile that had probably won him dozens of elections. "You're doing an incredible job with this event. The town owes you a debt of gratitude."

"Thank you," I'd replied, keeping my tone neutral.

"But," he'd continued, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone, "I trust there won't be any… last-minute surprises?"

It wasn't what he said that got to me—it was the way he said it. Like I was a child being reminded not to spill juice on the carpet.

"Everything is under control," I'd said, forcing a smile.

"Good," James had said, resting a hand on my desk. "Because, as you know, this event reflects not just on the library, but on the town as a whole. And, of course, on my office."

He'd left soon after, but the condescension lingered, wrapping around me like a too-tight sweater.

"Deep in thought?"

I startled at the sound of Theo's voice, looking up to see him leaning against the counter, a cup of coffee in one hand and a smirk on his face.

"You have a habit of sneaking up on people," I said, narrowing my eyes at him.

"I prefer to think of it as a skill," he said, setting the coffee in front of me. "And judging by the look on your face, I'm guessing it's been one of those mornings."

"James was here," I said, sighing.

Theo raised an eyebrow, his smirk deepening. "The mayor? What did His Royal Sliminess want?"

"Don't call him that," I said, though I couldn't help the laugh that bubbled up.

"Fine," Theo said, sitting on the edge of my desk. "What did Sir Pretentious McSmarmypants want?"

I shook my head, but the tension in my chest eased slightly. "He just came by to 'check in.'"

"Let me guess," Theo said, leaning back. "He gave you one of those passive-aggressive speeches about how much is riding on this event and how it's a reflection of his office."

I blinked. "How did you—"

"It's his signature move," Theo said, crossing his arms. "The guy couldn't care less about the library. He just likes to make himself look good."

"You're terrible," I said, trying not to laugh.

"Terribly accurate," he said, grinning. "Seriously, Evelyn, why do you let him get to you? He's just a glorified PR manager with better suits."

"He's not that bad," I said, though even I didn't sound convinced.

"Do you actually believe that, or are you just trying to justify your terrible taste in men?"

I flushed, glaring at him. "I do not have terrible taste in men."

"Oh, really?" Theo said, raising an eyebrow.

I hesitated, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. "I used to have a crush on him."

Theo's expression froze for a split second before he burst out laughing. "James? Seriously?"

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. "I knew I shouldn't have said anything."

"Oh, no, please continue," Theo said, his laughter subsiding into a wide grin. "This is fascinating."

"I was a kid," I said defensively. "We grew up together. He was older, confident, charming… It was easy to look up to him."

"Let me guess," Theo said, leaning forward. "He smiled at you once, and it was game over?"

I glared at him, though my cheeks were burning. "I hate you."

"No, you don't," he said, smirking. "But seriously, Evelyn, James? You can do so much better."

The sincerity in his tone caught me off guard, and for a moment, I didn't know what to say.

We moved to one of the large work tables, where the scavenger hunt plans were spread out between us. Theo's teasing had done its job, and the tension I'd been carrying all morning felt lighter as we dove into the details.

"Okay," I said, pointing to one of the clues. "'Hidden among the tales of old, a clue awaits the brave and bold.' Is this too easy?"

Theo tapped his chin thoughtfully. "It's not bad, but it's missing something."

"Like what?"

"Me," he said, grinning.

I groaned, tossing my pen at him. "You're ridiculous."

"And yet, you keep me around," Theo said, catching the pen and twirling it between his fingers.

"Barely," I muttered, though I couldn't hide my smile.

The afternoon slipped by, the library growing quieter as patrons trickled out. Theo stayed longer than usual, helping me refine the scavenger hunt routes and double-check the volunteer assignments.

At one point, I caught him watching me, his expression unusually soft.

"What?" I asked, pausing mid-note.

"Nothing," he said, shaking his head. "Just… you're kind of amazing, you know that?"

The comment caught me off guard, and I felt my cheeks heat. "Where's this coming from?"

"Just an observation," he said with a shrug, but the warmth in his eyes made my heart flutter.

I quickly looked away, focusing on my notes. "Well, don't let it go to your head."

"No promises," Theo said, smirking.

By the time Theo left, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting the library in a warm, golden glow. I stood at the window, watching his tall figure disappear down the street, my thoughts swirling.

Theo Sinclair had a way of making me feel like I could take on the world—and like I didn't have to do it alone.

And for the first time in a long time, that thought didn't terrify me.