Page 150 of Wish You Were Mine
Asher and Elyse just smiled at each other, and watching them, I felt a quiet happiness swell in my chest. Not many high school couples made it, but these two were proof that young love could grow into something deep and lasting. Real.
Lucy turned back to them. “I actually have this weird thing,” she said, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I watched one of my married cousins in a play once, and when it came time for him to kiss the female lead, I was just cringing the whole time, thinking, ‘Pleasedon’t kiss her, you’re married to someone else.’” It stressed me out so much.” She gave a littlelaugh. “So it was nice not worrying about that tonight. I don’t know how actors and their spouses handle that. I would be so jealous.”
Gosh, she’s so cute.The way she was nervously rambling.
But also, the sentiment behind what she was saying was refreshing to hear. Showed the kind of life partner she’d be. Loyal. Devoted.
“We’re definitely lucky that it’s worked out for us to work with each other on those scenes.” Asher laughed, reaching for Elyse’s hand. “But back in high school…” He shot a look at Elyse. “Let’s just say I wasextremelyjealous when another guy was playing the Phantom to her Christine during the ‘Point of No Return’ scene inPhantom of the Opera.”
“And the fact that you and the guy playing the Phantom hated each other at the time didn’t exactly help.” Elyse smirked.
“Very true.” Asher chuckled.
“But now you’re best friends, so it all worked out,” Elyse said.
“Right. Plus, I got to marry you, so that helps, too.” Asher winked.
We all chuckled at that.
“But enough about us,” Asher said, turning back to Lucy. “We already peppered Owen with about a thousand questions when he told us he was bringing someone special tonight, but we’d love to hear more from you.”
“Yes,” Elyse said, her eyes warm. “He’s already gushed about what an accomplished gymnast you are. How smart and driven you are as well, in addition to being excellent at keeping him on his toes. He’s clearly completely smitten. But…”
“…what is it that you see in my brother?” Asher asked, picking up the thread with a mischievous grin. “Because as far asI’m concerned, he’s just a boring chemistry nerd who gets his kicks and giggles from balancing chemical equations.”
“See, I told you he’d try to embarrass me,” I said, looking at Lucy with mock embarrassment.
“We might need to sit down for this,” Lucy said, hooking her arm through mine. “Because I’ve got a whole list of things I love about your brother and it might take a while.”
46
LUCY
The train rocked gentlybeneath Owen and me as we headed toward New Haven, the hum of conversations and the occasional squeak of wheels on tracks filling the quiet space around us.
“I had the best time tonight,” I murmured, curling into Owen’s side and letting my head rest against his shoulder. “Your brother and Elyse are seriously so cool. I was so nervous to meet them, but they were…just easy to talk to. It felt like hanging out with friends.”
“I’m glad you liked them,” he said, his voice low and relaxed. “I’m pretty sure they liked you, too. Which is good…” He paused, his gaze dipping down to mine. “Because I kind of like you a lot, too.”
“Oh, really?” I asked, a slow smile pulling at my lips.
“Yes.” He looked down at me, the intensity in his brown eyes making my stomach flutter. “Definitely.”
“Well, good.” I snuggled closer, letting the weight of his arm and his steady presence melt away the last bits of anxiety I’d been holding onto. “Because I’m quite fond of you, too.”
He chuckled under his breath, his fingers brushing lightly along my arm. “Looks like we’re the perfect match then.”
“I think we are.” I shifted just enough to look up at him. And when our gazes locked, a quiet understanding seemed to settle between us. Like we both were feeling the same things. That what started as a flirty night at a New Year’s Eve party had turned into so much more. Not a fleeting crush, not a fun escape, but somethingreal. Something that might even last.
“Thanks for coming back with me tonight,” I said, rubbing his forearm that was bracketed over my chest. “I know you originally planned to spend the whole week with your brother, so…it really means a lot. I was slightly terrified of the prospect of traveling home alone this late.”
“I’m happy to come back with you,” he said, the sincerity in his voice telling me he meant it. “I wanted to make sure you got home safely. Plus, this way I get to see you tomorrow night, which is always a treat.”
“Don’t forget you get to help me with that lab I missed tomorrow afternoon,” I said, smiling as I peeked up at him.
“How could I forget?” He smirked. “An afternoon with my cute little chemist? Talk about a fantasy come to life.”
“So, the safety goggles and lab coat really do it for you, huh?” I laughed, arching a brow.
