Page 53 of The Wedding Run
I clear my throat. “Libby, I was going to ask you out to dinner because my folks are having a dinner party at their house.”
Her eyes widen. “Right!” she says, forcing a smile. “Good. Yes! Perfect. It’s a plan.”
I step toward her, my heart thumping in my chest, my senses on high alert with her so close, her provocative scent rising to greet me. “Just so you know, it was a fantastic kiss. One for the record books.”
Her lips part enough that I want to kiss her again. But I hold myself in check.
“And I like you too, Libby. Probably too much. But I’m, as you said, in a difficult position. Derek’s my business partner. And I don’t want you rebounding into my arms.”
“I get it! I do!” She pats my arm like we’re pals. “Don’t worry about a thing. We probably shouldn’t be seen out and about with Derek in town. Word could reach him. And rumors around Storybrook do have a life of their own.”
I nod in agreement.
“So,” she continues, “I will make you the best dinner you’ve ever had.”
“At my place?” I ask.
“You don’t mind, do you? You do have a stove?”
“I do.”
“I promise I’m a good cook.”
“Nothing instant?”
“No instant mashed potatoes. No mac and cheese from a box. I promise.”
“Mac and cheese from a box can be good.”
She laughs, and I feel my heart jolt in response.
“What’s your specialty?” I ask.
“Unicorn pancakes,” she answers without hesitation.
“Is that make-believe?”
“No,” she says, “it’s real. But don’t worry, I’ll cook something less magical tonight.”
I grin, knowing that spending time with Libby will be magical even if instant coffee is involved. And it’s then I know how much I’ve fallen for this woman.
“So, you’re okay with having dinner with me?” she asks.
“You don’t have to ask me twice.”
And it’s settled. We’re having a non-date date. In hiding. Far away from prying eyes.
Why does that make me even more nervous?
CHAPTER 27
Libby
Awinding dirt road leads up to Luke’s secluded cabin, and I feel like Snow White being taken deep into the forest. Except I have sacks of food, and there are no poisoned apples. Yet, I feel a jitteriness that I can’t explain. Maybe it’s because I like Luke—way more than I should.
It will be good to visit his home. A home is where you can truly see what someone is like, whether they’re neat and tidy or messy and a slob. You can even learn about someone’s personality from the colors they use to decorate. Charlie taught me that red means action and a desire to live life to its fullest. Yellow appreciates order and logic. Blue is for those who remain closed to outer strife and influences.
Looking back, I should have recognized some aspects of Derek from his expensive apartment, which was decorated in black, white, and gray. A high-end decorator must have chosen the colors and selected the furniture and artwork, piecing it all together to create a chic and prosperous look. Yet beneath this starkness, Derek’s need for control, independence, and self-reliance was evident.
