Chapter Seventeen: Big Plans

EMILY GALINDO HAD BIG PLANS FOR THE TOWN OF SANTO PADRE. She wanted to make a name for the small town, make it known for more than the town that Miguel Galindo ran, or the town that The Mayans controlled.

Emily wanted so much more for the town that she called home, but in order for her plans to work she needed the help of Ezekiel Reyes. There was a deep, painful  history between the Galindo woman and Reyes man. A history that Emily wasn't sure was fully behind them whenever the former high school sweethearts saw each other.

The small bell jingled above Emily's blonde head as she entered 'Dahlia Books'. The small book store had once been a favorite spot of hers and EZ's when they were younger. Old Ms. Vega who owned the store had taken on the role of Santo Padre's grandmother. She welcomed everyone with open arms, and Emily certainly felt the loss when Gunilla had passed away.

"Hi, welcome to Dahlia Books. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Emily eyed the brunette behind the counter, a smile on her face as her green eyes looked over Emily. This had to be Selena Vega, the new owner of the store and Gunilla's granddaughter. It was shocking to say the least when Emily first heard about Selena. In all of her years of knowing Gunilla Vega, she had never mentioned anything about a family of her own.

"Oh, hi." Emily said as she placed a sweet smile on her face. "I just can't believe this place is open again. I've been meaning to come check it out since the reopening, but life has been hectic." The blonde laughed as though she were old friends with the brunette.

"I use to spend a lot of time here with an ex in my high school days."

The bookstore did have a nostalgic pull on Emily, but that's not the real reason she wanted to check out the shop. EZ had mentioned his growing relationship with the new owner and Emily wanted to see what was so great about this Selena Vega that just the mere mention of her brought a smile to EZ's face.

"Well, I hope you enjoy it." Selena smiled genuinely.

"I'm sure I will." Emily smiled before wandering down the various aisles full of books.

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EZ WALKED INTO DAHLIA BOOKS, A SMILE ON HIS FACE as he watched Selena finish cashing out her last customer of the night. The growing relationship between them had EZ smiling a lot more these days.

The Reyes man liked Selena a lot, and he could confidently say that. But, this recent meeting with Emily had stirred up some memories for him. EZ knew he didn't feel romantic feelings for Emily anymore, those feelings were long gone, but the what ifs still played in his mind from time to time.

"You know you don't have to come here every night." Selena laughed as her green eyes watched EZ lock the shop's door. "You could just always meet me at my house." The brunette painted out as she began counting the money in the register.

EZ let out a chuckle as he closed the blinds. He had taken it upon himself to at least try and be at the bookstore every night when Selena closed. The pair had been spending most of their nights tonight — whether it be at her house or his trailer.

"I like coming here." EZ shrugged as he walked further into the store, the wood floor creaking under his boots.

A soft laugh escaped Selena's lips as she shook her head as EZ's words.

EZ made his way around the counter, quickly wrapping his arms around Selena's waist while placing a kiss on the top of her head. The moments where Selena was in his arms were quickly becoming his favorite. To be honest, EZ could stay like this forever.

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A/N:
Super short filler chapter, but it's setting up for future drama with Emily. Sorry it took me so long to update! Thank you for all the votes, comments, and views!
Also, go check out my new Jax book!