Fighting for Keeps (Rocky River Fighters 2)

Amelia glanced over to see a short, auburn haired woman walking toward her, a pleasant smile on her face. She was also heavily pregnant, Amelia noted as the woman came out from behind the counter.

“I’m looking for the self-help books,” she told the woman as she came to stand beside her.

“Follow me,” she said, turning and gesturing for Amelia to follow. “I’m Ellie, by the way.”

“Amelia. Pleasure to meet you, Ellie.”

“I’m gonna guess from your accent you’re not from around here,” Ellie said, a twinkle in her eyes as she glanced back.

Amelia let out a startled laugh. “Yeah, the English accent is a bit of a giveaway, isn’t it?”

“What brings you all the way to Eagle Creek?” she asked, coming to a halt in front of a smaller bookcase.

“My uncle passed away. I came when I got the call about his heart attack, and I’m trying to figure out what to do with his ranch.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry. Your uncle must have been Jerry Anderson.”

Glancing at Ellie in surprise, she shook her head with a soft laugh. “I forget sometimes what a small town this is.”

“Yeah, everybody pretty much knows everybody else. Is there a particular book I can help you find?”

Amelia felt herself flushing as she glanced at her feet, but really, there was no reason not to come clean. Ellie would see when she rung her purchase up, anyway.

“I’m looking for a book on seduction. There’s a man here I’m interested in, and well—I have no experience in it.”

Ellie looked at her, mouth forming an O of surprise. “Oh, well, I don’t think I have anything specifically about seduction, though I do have some dating books. But if you’re looking to learn about seduction, maybe some romance novels could help.”

Nodding thoughtfully, Amelia decided that could work. She grabbed one of the dating books, then followed Ellie to the section with romance novels, eyes widening at the huge selection in front of her. She had no idea romances were this popular.

“Do you have any recommendations?” she asked Ellie, not knowing where to start. A few moments later, with three romances, as well as the dating book in hand, she followed Ellie to the cash register. “This is a really beautiful store.”

“Thanks,” Ellie replied, flushing with pleasure. “I worked hard to make it inviting.”

“You own it?” she asked, impressed. Ellie nodded, and Amelia hesitated for a moment, but Ellie had been helpful, so she went for it. “Do you know where the best place to find casual clothing is? And maybe a place where I could get some makeup?”

“Sure. Fancy’s Boutique has the best selection of clothes, as well as a great selection of makeup. You can’t go wrong there. The store is just a couple buildings down from here.”

“Thanks,” Amelia told her with a smile. “You’ve been very helpful.”

“Any time. And feel free to come back if you need anything else, whether it’s book related or not,” Ellie replied with a smile.

Nodding, Amelia gave her a smile before she turned and left the store. She had one more stop to make before she could head home, and then some reading to do. Eager to get started, she put her books in the car, and set off at a brisk pace toward the boutique.

Later that night, Amelia closed the romance book, fanning her cheeks. Goodness, she never imagined there were books out there containing content like this. She enjoyed reading it, but she honestly couldn’t see herself ever doing or saying things like the women in those books.

She was twenty-five, but she had hardly any experience, and what she did have, she never wanted to repeat. She had sex once, when she was in college, but it had been quick, messy, and rather uncomfortable. Of course, she didn’t intend on having sex with Seth, but she did want to be seductive enough to get him to talk.

Hey baby, want to work in my lab and read a scientific treaty, probably wouldn’t do the trick.

Standing from the chair with a sigh, she decided she would wash the clothing she’d purchased today before reading the dating book. There would probably be more advice in there, but she didn’t see it being as interesting as the novel.

She loaded the washer and then changed into her pajamas before opening the fridge, looking for something to eat. Even the food here was weird, and a wave of homesickness washed over her. She picked up a jar of dill pickles that had been in there when she arrived, and unscrewed the lid, sniffing at the contents. Recoiling at the vinegary smell, she hastily screwed the lid back on. How Americans could eat some of this stuff, she’d never understand. Longing for some take-away of chicken curry, she reluctantly got out the fixings for a sandwich.

She definitely wanted to go home, for a decent meal, if nothing else. But as much as she missed England, she wasn’t going to leave until she had what she wanted. She needed to know what the fighters from Rocky River really were.

“All right, who pissed Jax off?” Ian said, hands planted on his hips as he eyed Seth.

“Hey, it wasn’t me. Not this time,” he replied defensively over the sound of Jax beating on his drums.