Page 29 of Switching Places

And not with you.

“We don’t have to get married right away.”

“No, David. It wouldn’t work.” How could she explain without hurting him? “I’m sorry. I count you as one of my best friends, however,. I don’t see us married.”

“Why don’t we wait until you get home and discuss it?” he asked reasonably.

Hesitating, Emma shook her head slowly, then realized he couldn’t see her.

“No. I don’t want you to think I’m going to change my mind. You’re a nice man, David. Find someone who will love you more than anything.”

“I love you, Emma.”

“I love you, too, but as a friend. Not as a...a lover.”

She never pictured herself in bed with David. They’d shared a few kisses, nothing more. Yet since meeting Logan Beckett, she had no trouble imagining his kisses leading to much more—like touching her, caressing her, stripping her clothes from her body and following her down on a mattress where he’d make long, slow love to her for endless, wonderful hours.

She shivered. She shouldn’t think about that, she was on the phone with David.

“I still think this is a bit sudden.”

“I’ve been thinking about it since you proposed. And I’m sure I won’t change my mind. Thank you for asking me. I will hold it as a happy memory in my heart.”

“Come see me when you get back,” he said.

“Of course. I want to stay friends. Though I know we won’t be as close as we’ve been. I understand that. But I cherish your friendship. Take care.”

Emma hung up the phone, feeling a mix of relief and guilt.

He was a nice man. He deserved a woman who thought the sun shone out of him. Not a shy librarian who longed for more adventure and excitement in her life than he could provide.

Taking her cup to the sink to rinse it, Emma looked over at Logan’s house. There was no sign of activity. Had he left for work hours ago? Or was he still sleeping, trying to catch up? She wondered if he’d think about her today.

Though why should he? To him she was simply the same next door neighbor he’d known for a couple of years. A day spent together on the beach wasn’t out of the ordinary enough to cause speculation.

Yet he’d kissed her.

From what he’d said, he had never kissed Lily. He seemed puzzled that there was any attraction. And reluctant to pursue it when she’d protested. Last night, she’d thought for sure he’d kiss her good-night when he stopped her from leaving his home. Though he’d come close to her, he hadn’t kissed her.

Her heart raced at the memory of Logan standing so close.

Remembering the shimmering tingles that grew every time he came near, she wished she’d initiated a kiss. She should have been more daring, followed up on his suggestion.

Why couldn’t she be more adventuresome? Innate shyness might have a place when living in Charlottesville, but she was on the West Coast now, pretending to be her much more experienced twin. Time she spread her wings and tried for that glamorous life she yearned for.

Right. What was the first step? She hadn’t a clue. But one thing was for sure, she didn’t plan to mope around her sister’s house waiting for something to happen. She planned to stay in California for the next couple of weeks. No time to waste mooning about a neighbor who’d had a free day on his hands and spent it with her.

Debating between shopping on Rodeo Drive or driving along the coast, she opted for driving the flashy convertible. It’d be fun to explore the canyons of Malibu, then head north, to see more of costal California. If it rained one day, time enough then to go shopping.

Chapter Ten

The kitchen phone rang. She hesitated to answer it in case someone wanted Lily. Yesterday had been exhilarating, pretending to be her sister. But she couldn’t keep it up forever.

“Hello?”

“Lily, my darling daughter, it’s your father calling. I tried your cell and got an out of service area message. How about lunch today at the studio lot? I have a small scene we’re refilming because the stupid cameraman got the lighting wrong. You could meet me at one.”

The hearty, breezy voice was familiar. She’d heard it on the phone many times over the years. And had heard it loud and clear in movie theaters. Yet she hadn’t talked to her father since last Christmas. He used to call on her birthday, when he remembered. But those calls had ceased when she’d turned nineteen. At least he remembered Christmas.

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