Page 108 of One Small Spark
He looks into my soul and justknowsI’m thinking about whether he will catch me if I come running.
But absolutely every last woman is watching me like they expect some kind of over-the-top reaction. Swooning. Spite. They have a preference, but they’d probably accept either. The weight of their eyeballs on me presses me down, squashing my outward enthusiasm for Shepherd until it’s a much more manageable size. Practically nonexistent. I rein in the giant smile that almost overtook me and tack on a smirk.
“I see we’re all here already,” I say.
“We’re just about to eat. Come on in.” Ada waves me inside, shutting the door before any more cold air can sweep inside. The ladies will surely have a lot to discuss over brunch with the possibility of snow this week.
I cross the room and set my pies on the table next to an assortment of food. I spot a golden-brown loaf of Shepherd’s bread but don’t pay attention to the rest of the dishes. I’m too busy staring at my man.
“Callahan.”
I’m trying to keep things low-key, but the tiny quirk of his mouth throws a glitter bomb in my chest. Nothing but sparkly joy. We probably should have secretly met around the corner before book group to kiss for a while to take the edge off.
Why do I get all my good ideas when it’s too late to do anything about them?
“Krause.”
And now I’m imagining all the places we could meet up for clandestine kisses. It’s a long list.
But, no. Everyone’s still eyeing us. All except for Barb, who’s opening the pie boxes to see what varieties I brought. Thank goodness someone has a little decorum. Kind of.
“It’s so sweet of you to bring these, Wren.” She examines both and promptly serves a thin slice of each onto her plate.
“I aim to please.” I shoot Shepherd a look. “Sometimes.”
“For what it’s worth, I’m very pleased, Krause.” His deep voice twists something in my belly. If we’re trying to be chill about not hating each other anymore, I’m not going to make it very long when he talks to me like that.
Rosetta comes between us, empty plate in hand. “Thank goodness you’re both here today. I need to know if modern dating is as bleak as this book made it out to be.”
“No spoilers,” Nora calls as she fills her plate behind us.
Rosetta shoots her a quelling look. “It’s not a spoiler. It’s a reference question.”
“It is pretty grim out there.” Luckily, I haven’t had the same level of hilarious but horrible experiences the book’s heroine did, but I’ve had some real loser dates. Thanks to the magical love-bestowing hot spring, I think I’m on the right track now.
Which, sadly, I can’t say out loud. And probably wouldn’t even if I could. My private win isn’t for these ladies to pick apart and glory over.
“Finding only duds, Krause?” Shepherd doesn’t try very hard to sell the image we’re still at odds. His smirk is too close to a genuine smile. Like he’s gloating that those other guys didn’t work out.
I tip up my chin. “I’ve added to my Greek god requirements list since last book group. It’s a lot for any mortal man to live up to.”
“Any qualities you want to share?”
Um, no, actually. My list would be too specific for anyone to miss.
“I don’t want to crush your dreams all at once,” I tell him. “I’d rather do it slowly and really savor the experience.”
His eyes light like he’s imagining mesavoringan entirely different experience. Oof. I can’t say anything to this man without him reading nonexistent spicy undertones in it.
Practically nonexistent spicy undertones.
“My dreams are ready to be slowly destroyed by you anytime.” His invitation drops between us like a gauntlet, the challenge in his eyes sparking the fuse that sets me on fire.
Look, I know there’s something wrong with me. Everyone I love has told me dozens of times for a variety of reasons. But saucy play-fighting with Shepherd gives me that burst of adrenaline you get on a really good rollercoaster. Exhilaration with a twinge of fear from not knowing what’s coming next, a potent combination that’s instantly addictive. I need another ride.
Wait—no. I took it too far for book group.
Isabel slides over on our other side, boxing us in. “I agree with Rosetta. You two can tell us all about what it’s like to be single and dating. Maybe share some personal experiences. Most of us haven’t been in that scenario for fifty years.”
