Page 103 of Lost Love on 6th Street

That’s the thing. I don’t like what it’s saying. Or I think I shouldn’t like what it’s saying. Luke has mostly pros. He’s smart and sexy, charming and sweet, a gentleman, a provider. I never thought I could meet a prince.

Guess I haven’t.

“The good technically outweighs the bad.”

Jolene pumps her fist. “Yes!”

“But—”

“No buts! Only butts.”

I sigh. “You’re not helping.”

“I’m trying to make you see that you can’t intellectualize everything, Eleanor. I know that’s what has always protected you, but . . .”

“You said no buts.”

Jolene smirks and reaches her hands out. I let her grab mine. Our clasped hands rest between us on the table. “I’m not going to say it’s not concerning. And I’m not going to devalue how you feel. But have you ever considered that maybe you might see that he’s a man who can learn from his mistakes?”

It’s a risk. But it’s not a bad one.

Her words run through my mind the rest of the day, until I get a call from Harmony Hounds. Not from Claire though. Apparently, they’d like me to come down and see Shortbread. Keep him in good spirits and maybe take him for a test drive. Take him on a walk, feed him, and see how we gel.

I plan to go out there on Sunday. Before I leave the museum, I grab the copy of the photo and load the music onto a USB.

Sunday morning, right as I step out of my apartment, I get another call.

From Luke.

I can’t not answer. I’m compelled. I want to hear his voice and find out how he’s doing.

Just because he’s on my shitlist doesn’t mean I don’t care.

“Hey,” I answer.

Luke blows out a breath. “You picked up.”

The relief is evident in his voice, and it makes me want to cry. “I did. Hi.”

“Hi.”

There’s a short pause.

“W-what are you doing right now?”

“Headed out to Harmony Hounds to see Shortbread again,” I say.

“Oh . . . that’s nice.”

I lean on the door frame. “Do you . . . want to come?”

Luke doesn’t waste a moment. “Yes, I’d love that.”

* * *

When Luke gets into my car, there’s no wall between us. We both go in for the embrace, sliding our arms around each other and pulling tight.

He smells incredible. I missed his scent on my pillows.

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