Page 55 of Tell Me All Your Lies

“Of course.”

She gives me a small nod as she starts to cover the pies.

“Okay, I’m going to freshen up, and then we can head out.”

“You look perfect like that.”

Cara grins as I realize what I let slip.

“I mean, perfect for the part.”

“Thank you, but I’d rather have my hair down and put on a sundress.”

I’d like to pull on that ponytail instead.

“Okay. I’ll be down here waiting. Should I bag the pies for you?”

“That’d be great. Thanks!”

Cara walks out of the kitchen, and I hear her going quickly up the stairs. As soon as the bedroom door shuts behind her, I realize I can breathe for the first time. I hadn’t intentionally been holding my breath.

I can’t let on that I’m coming to terms with the feelings she’s stirring up. I have to keep my distance and remain professional. For the sake of the job that just started, my friendship with her dad, and, well, my goddamn dignity.

Getting to work, I stack the covered pies and place them in a warming bag that Cara had laid out.

With the bag prepped, I carry it toward the front door and wait for Cara. As I take in our new foyer, I hear her coming down the stairs.

Cara emerges around the corner in a green sundress, a tan cardigan, and matching wedges. A far cry from her usual black attire and love of faux leather.

“What do you think?” she asks with a twirl.

“You certainly look the part.”

“That’s the idea,” she says with a smirk.

Cara notices the package of pies I’m holding.

“Want me to get those?”

“That wouldn’t be very gentlemanly of me, now would it?”

“I suppose not. Let’s start with Brad first?”

“Good idea.”

Cara opens the front door and gestures for me to go first. I slip out and wait for her on the picturesque front porch.

“Lead the way, Ace,” she teases.

“Let’s see how Brad is doing these days.”

We walk down the few steps to the ground and then take the sidewalk to the stone path leading right to their front door.

Cara leans in and rings the doorbell and then smooths out the bottom of her dress.

“You look beautiful,” I whisper into her ear.

She shivers slightly. I want to take it as a sign she likes when I’m close, but I don’t dare think that way.

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