The Rogue Not Taken (Scandal & Scoundrel, #1)

by Sarah MacLean

There was nothing at all uninteresting about her.

To any other young girl, her father’s boxes would have been boring. But to Sophie, they’d been magic.

“I see you, Sophie.”

Every time the woman opened her mouth, he wanted her more.

As though he’d needed a proclamation to notice her. As though he wasn’t keenly aware of her every movement. Her every word.

“You haven’t any idea what I deserve.” There was a beat, and he said, “I know you deserve better than this.”

“Happiness. That’s what books smell like. Happiness. That’s why I always wanted to have a bookshop. What better life than to trade in happiness?”