Page 88 of Sleigh Bells and Snowstorms

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“Wow, that was a lot,” she said. “You probably didn’t mean for me to get that deep. Especially while we’re standing here in the gym.”

“No,” he said, his voice emphatic. “That’s exactly what I meant. And you should know what you want. I love that.”

“Thanks.”

“So maybe we don’t need to wait for the town matchmakers to do their thing,” he said.

“No?”

I looked through the binoculars again. He was leaning in, closing the distance between them. My lip curled in a sneer.

“I’d like to have dinner with you,” he said. “Actually, I’d like to cook for you. No wining and dining. Just two people getting to know each other.”

She hesitated. “We just met. You can’t blame me if I’m a little hesitant to come to your house.”

“I understand. But there’d be no pressure. Besides, Louise Haven thinks you should go out with me, so…”

“That’s true. She does.” She hesitated again. “Okay, Julian. I’ll have dinner with you. But so we’re clear, just dinner.”

“Absolutely. Just dinner. Are you free tomorrow?”

“I am, as a matter of fact.”

“Great.”

I waited while they exchanged numbers and made a date for six the following evening. I was torn between triumph and indignation. Natalie had performed beautifully, her suggestion so subtle he thought having dinner at his place was his idea.

“There’s a gate,” he said. “Just pull up, and I’ll buzz you in.”

“Okay.”

“I should let you get back to your workout,” he said.

“Yes, my workout,” she said. “I’m just here for a short one today.”

“All right. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

“It’s a date,” she said.

I looked again and watched her move to the cardio area and get on a treadmill.

“I want to get out of here, but I guess I have to work out now,” she whispered.

“Unfortunately, you’re about to get a phone call and have to leave.”

“Perfect.”

I picked up my phone and called.

“Hey,” she answered.

“Hello, darling. There’s a dire emergency here in the parking lot.”

“Oh no, what’s going on?”

“I had to listen to you flirt with another man. Now I’m incensed.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll be right there.”

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