Chapter 2... go!

We have officially begun chapter 2... and now the fun really starts!

---

As the grandfather clock chimed noon Onnie made her way back to the front counter and set the box of new stock she was carrying on the floor behind it.  Reaching over her head she stretched onto her toes and let out a squeak.  She looked towards the closed storefront door as she bent and massaged her neck.  The wooden door creaked and opened.  In walked a man.  A big man.  He pulled off his jacket hood and shook out his wet hair sprinkling water in a shower around him.

“Excuse me!  Can I help you?”  Didn’t this guy know this was a bookshop, hello?  Paper and water don’t mix.
“I sure hope you can little Cat.” Gabriel quipped as he strode forward with confidence.
“Gabriel?  Holy crap… you’re… huge!”
Gabriel reached the counter and looked down at Onnie winking, “Hahaha, you think so?”

Still flabbergasted, Onnie raked her eyes up and down the man before her.  That day in the forest he had the body of a runner; lean and trim.  Not any more.  His shoulders had widened and were covered in muscles that Onnie could see existed even through his jacket and his legs were no longer that of a casual runner but someone who could out run and then destroy their target.  All the added girth made him seem far taller than his six and a half feet.

Waving his hand in front of Onnie’s face he teased her, “Earth to Onnie...come in…  Honestly woman, you’re going to make me blush.”
Realizing she had been caught ogling this very large man, Onnie blushed and looked at her feet.  “Can I help you with something today?”
“I sure hope so.”  He said leaning on the counter and causing Onnie to blush an even deeper shade of red.  “You still owe me a favor little Cat.”
“Yes well.  It looks as if quite a lot has changed the past few weeks for you, I’m sure someone else can help you with whatever it is you desire.”
“Oh Cat, snarky does not become you.”
Onnie smirked at Gabriel, “Desperate does not become you.”
“Oh desperation is it?  I don’t think so, if only I could be so lucky.  But no.  Actually.  I need that book from you.  Unless Bec’s hiding in here somewhere.”