Page 41 of Twisted Paths

I don’t have to think hard to know what I’m going to do.

But admitting it? That’s another thing entirely.

Chapter 11

Nancy

Inudgethecottagedoor open with my hip, juggling bags full of fresh produce, homemade jam, and, because I apparently have a problem, yet another jar of honey to add to my already overflowing shelf.

I’d planned to use the trip to the farmers’ market to tell Abby about Luke, but that idea got completely derailed when I arrived at the B&B and found Layla standing in the hallway, proudly holding Jon’s trousers in her tiny hands. Jon, the grumpy guest that had been staying with them for a couple of weeks.

“Mummy and Jon had a sleepover!” she announced, far too delighted. Abby went bright red. And I had the best time of my life teasing her as the four of us—Layla insisted on inviting Jon along—strolled through the market.

Seeing my sister, who never lets her guard down, falling for a man she barely knows, gives me hope.

Maybe it isn’t so ridiculous to let myself feel something for Luke. Maybe it isn’t completely mad to think that something real could come from this, even though it has happened fast.

But then again… Abby is brave when it comes to these things. I’m not sure I am.

And, more importantly, I’m not sure Luke is.

I’ve spent exactly one night tangled up in him, one night seeing flashes of something softer underneath all that gruff distance. But is that just him in the moment? Or is that who he really is?

Because Luke doesn’t seem like a man who dates. He seems like a man who keeps his life carefully contained—separate compartments, no overlap, no mess.

And me? I am absolutely a mess.

I sigh, rubbing my temples.

Maybe I’m overthinking this. Maybe I should just let whatever this is be what it is, without trying to label it.

But the truth is, I already know I’m past that point.

Because the second my phone starts ringing with an unknown number, my stomach flips.

I stare at it for a second longer than necessary, already knowing it’s him.It has to be him. Please, pretty please with sugar on it.

I swallow and swipe to answer. “Hello?”

A beat of silence. Just long enough to make my heart thud harder.

Then, his voice. “Hey, Nancy.”

I grip the edge of the counter, warmth spreading through me far too easily.

I shouldn’t be this affected. I really shouldn’t.

But Luke isn’t like the men I’ve known for years, the ones who’ve never surprised me. He’s different. Mysterious. Reserved. Infuriatingly grumpy. But warm, too, when he lets his guard slip.

And now, he’s calling me.

I close my eyes, willing myself to sound normal, casual… like my stomach isn’t flipping all over the place just because he called me.

“So,” I say, keeping my tone light, “does this mean you’re accepting my dinner invite?”

There’s a pause, just long enough for my nerves to prickle.

“No,” Luke says.

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