Lucifer (Brimstone Heat Book 1) by Rayne Rachels

out his hands to her. Without any hesitation she reached up and took his hands. Gently, Lucifer pulled her to her feet.
    “Thank you.” Reluctantly she let go of his hands.
    Lucifer gestured toward the two boxes filled with undamaged books. “Where do you want these boxes to go?”
    “Don’t worry about them. I’ll move them later.” Angie picked up her empty cup and tossed it into the trash.
    “Where do you want them?” Lucifer asked again.
    “Anywhere on the floor behind the counter.”
    “Now, was that hard?” Lucifer stacked one box on top of the other one, and picked up both boxes at once.
    Angie’s eyes widened. She knew the boxes were heavy, but Lucifer picked them up as if they weighed nothing. It was nice having a man willing to do the heavy lifting, and it didn’t hurt that he had a good looking ass either.
    “Did you enjoy the view?” asked Lucifer when he walked back to Angie after putting the boxes behind the counter.
    “I don’t know what you are talking about.”
    “I don’t mind you looking at me. In fact, you can look all you want, and if you would like, I can arrange a private viewing. Clothing optional for both of us, of course.” Lucifer put a finger under her chin and tipped her head up. “Let me take you to dinner tonight.”
    Angie closed her eyes and sighed.
    “Angie?”
    She opened her eyes. “If only you weren’t a cop, then I wouldn’t hesitate to say yes.”
    Lucifer studied her face. “What do you have against cops?” At that moment, his shoulder radio crackled.
    “I think one of your deputies needs you.” Angie stepped back, putting some space between them.
    “I will be back,” said Lucifer. He closed the distance between them and kissed her on her forehead. He turned and walked out of the library as he answered the person on the radio.
    Angie stared after him. She kept telling herself she made the right decision. But she knew she was lying to herself.

Chapter 6
     
    “Miss Gunner, I know you’re my boss, and I probably shouldn’t say anything, but what is going on in that head of yours?” Teri dropped the unopened box of books on top of the counter in front of Angie, causing her to jump at the unexpected, loud noise.
    “What are you talking about?” asked Angie. She looked up from the computer screen.
    “I’m talking about you and Sheriff Fitch, or rather the lack of you and Sheriff Fitch.” Teri leaned on the counter. Propping her chin on her hands, she raised her eyebrows as she stared at her boss.
    “And?” Angie raised her eyebrows and shrugged her shoulders. She stared back at Teri.
    “When are you finally going to give the man a break and go out with him?” Teri stood up and shook her head. “I know you like him. Well, I think it’s a little more than just like him.” She tapped her finger against her lips. “Actually, it’s not a little. It’s a lot! And I know he feels the same way about you. So why haven’t you gone out with him?”
    “I have my reasons.” Angie looked away as she picked up the book she had just finished putting into the inventory and set it on one of the stacks in front of her on the counter. She was seriously starting to doubt the validity of her reasons for not going out with Lucifer Fitch.
    Teri shook her head. “I really think you are making a really big mistake. There’s a connection between you two that most people rarely find, and the sad part is everyone but you sees it.” She picked up a stack of books from the counter. “I’m just saying. You need to go out with him before you lose your chance at happiness. I really like you, and I want you to be happy, and I think the sheriff will make you happy.” She took the stack over to the new bookshelves and started putting the books in their new homes.
    Angie shook her head. She grabbed a pair of scissors and stood up. Using the tip, she opened the box. The rich scent of paper and ink enveloped her as she pushed open the flaps. She loved the smell of new