He lifted his own weapon. “En garde.”
The attacks were slow and exaggerated to start, easily blocked by both of them. In his peripheral vision, Jeremy noticed they had a crowd gathering to watch their antics. Mackenzie didn’t seem to note the extra pairs of eyes on them and swung her wrapping paper roll at his head.
He ducked and grinned at her. “Trying to give me a haircut?”
“Why would I mess with perfection?” Her roll wobbled as soon as the last syllable left her lips. Her eyes widened. “I didn’t mean—”
Jeremy chuckled. “Perfection, huh?”
She sealed her mouth, her lips disappearing she pressed them together so tightly. Probably afraid to let any other words slip out. Too bad. Jeremy wouldn’t have minded hearing what else she thought of him besides how much she liked his hair. If he was only going to allow himself this one day, he might as well make it count.
With that thought humming in his ears, he advanced his pursuit, pushing her back with the thrusts of his cardboard tube. Her back hit a wall. Their swords crossed under Mackenzie’s chin.
He was so close now that his shoes butted up against hers. He could smell the peppermint on her breath from when she musthave brushed her teeth after lunch. “Now I have you where I want you.”
Her chest rose and fell in quick succession. A product of their proximity or from their play sword fight?
“My back against a wall?” she asked breathlessly.
He let his gaze roam her face. He’d never have another opportunity like this. Never let himself get this close again. “In my sights with no obstacles in the way.”
Her owl-like eyes looked up at him in wonder. He felt the same sentiment ballooning behind his sternum. Wonder. Amazement. Christmas might come every year, but a woman like Mackenzie only came along once in a lifetime.
20
Jeremy was not looking forward to this date. He’d much rather lounge around the house in a pair of sweatpants and get caught up on episodes ofThe Mandalorian. When he’d said as much to his mom, she’d patted his cheeks and told him that was part of the problem.
Of course, everyone thought his lack of participation in the dating scene was a problem. He didn’t see it that way. Except for recently, he’d been completely satisfied with how he filled his days. Work. Hockey practice and games for Nathan. Violin lessons for Natalie plus community theater camps throughout the year. Orthodontist appointments. Parent-teacher conferences. Church.
His life was filled. Which no one argued, but they always replied, was itfulfilling?
He wasn’t as sure on that point as he had been. His growing awareness of Mackenzie had awakened a longing within him he hadn’t even known he’d buried. Letting his guard down the day before had been like hydroplaning in a car. He’d momentarily lost his grip on the steering wheel of his life, and he was having a hard time forcing it back onto the road it needed to travel.
But he would. He had the rest of the night and all of tomorrow to get his head back on straight. Then, when he saw Mackenzie at work on Monday, he could ignore whatever feelings she brought to the surface in him.
In the meantime, he’d put on his best manners, a convincing smile, and be a wingman for one of his best friends.
Jeremy pulled into the Italian restaurant Alejandro had chosen. As soon as he stepped inside, he was welcomed by the warmth of air and atmosphere. Amber Edison bulbs hung from beams in the ceiling, and a textured plaster coated the walls, bringing the Mediterranean feel more than stenciled grapes ever could. The scent of rich, tangy tomato sauce mingled with the bite of garlic in the air. Jeremy’s stomach rumbled. Even if the woman Alejandro had set him up with turned out to be awful—and secretly he hoped she would so his friends never got the idea to set him up again—at least he’d get a good meal out of the deal.
The hostess at the podium smiled at him. “Do you have a reservation?”
Alejandro stood from a table draped in white linen and raised his hand. Jeremy nodded at him. “My friend is right there,” he told the hostess.
She looked back, then stepped out of his way. “Have a nice meal.”
Jeremy thanked her and made his way past others enjoying various types of pasta.
“Glad you could make it.” Alejandro slapped Jeremy on the back before both men took their seats.
Jeremy looked around. “I take it the ladies aren’t here yet?”
Alejandro shook his head, his fingers drumming on the table. “Not yet.”
Jeremy zeroed in on his friend’s hands. Alejandro noticed his pointed gaze and stopped tapping. But then the table linen started shaking around him.
Jeremy smirked. “Nervous?”
Alejandro stilled his bouncing leg. “Is it that noticeable?”
