Page 23 of Lucky 22

Yet I’m hesitant to leave because I’m having such a greattime.

“I could sit here and talk to you all night,” Christiansays, interrupting my thoughts, “but I’ve got another game tomorrow, and I’mpretty sure filming starts early for you, too.”

“It does, but I’m having such a wonderful time that I kindof hate to leave.”

Why deny it, right?

“We’ll just have to continue this Thursday night at yourmovie premiere,” he says confidently, but then immediately frowns.

“What? What’s the matter?”

Before he replies, he laughs softly. “Do you realize we’vetalked about pretty much everything under the sun except thepremiere?”

Did we?

And then I’m laughing, too. “Oh, my goodness, you’re right.And that’s the reason we’re here tonight.”

“I know.” Shaking his head, he grins. “There were just toomany other things to talk about. And I still feel like I’m forgettingsomething. Like…there was something I kept telling myself that I needed to askyou, and now I’ve completely forgotten it.”

“You can always call me or text me when you remember,” Itell him. “And now I’m super curious.”

“It’ll come to me.” He waves our server over, apologizes forus staying so late, and pays the check, and within minutes, we’re sliding outof the booth. His hand rests low on my back again as we make our way across therestaurant, and I love that he’s comfortable enough with me to do it. It’s suchan intimate gesture, and it makes me want to lean into it—into him—andsavor the touch.

But not in the middle of the Oak & Iron bistro.

Christian holds the door for me as we step out into the coolnight air. I shiver slightly, and he moves closer as we make our way to my car.I’m parked under one of the outside lights, and when we stop, it feels likethere’s a spotlight on us. I had been hoping for maybe a romantic kiss underthe stars, but the brightness is killing the mood.

I stop next to the car and face him with a soft, happy sigh.“I had a wonderful time tonight. Thank you for being willing to come out andmeet me like this.”

“I’m the one who should thank you. I was nervous aboutmeeting someone under these circumstances, but I’m glad I didn’t let it stopme.” He pauses, his expression thoughtful. “I’m glad I left my comfort zone andcame out to meet you, Ella Rose.”

I can feel my cheeks heat. No one’s ever called me that. Atleast, no one but my parents, and they haven’t called me by my full name sinceI was a little girl.

And it never made me feel quite so…swoony.

“And I’m really glad you left your comfort zone tocome out and meet me,” I tease lightly.

Then we’re just standing there, staring at each other, andI’m wondering if there will be a kiss or if it’s too soon. I hope it’s not, butI also don’t want to be the one to initiate a kiss just in case he thinks I’mcoming on too strong.

Ugh…why am I still like this? I’ve never been indecisivein my entire life. Why now?

The next thing I know, he’s reaching up and caressing mycheek and then…he stops. His thumb gently brushes against my face one last timebefore he pulls away.

“Make a wish,” he whispers.

“Um…what?” Is this man seriously asking me, the girl wholives to make wishes on stars, to make a wish?

He nods at his thumb. “You had an eyelash on your cheek. You’resupposed to make a wish and blow it away.” He smiles. “Come on. Make a wish.”

My heart feels like it’s ready to explode because, if everthere was a confirmation that Christian Lucas is my person, this is it.

I lightly bite my lip and meet his gaze, right before Iclose my eyes.

I wish for Christian to kiss me goodnight.

Then, I delicately blow on his finger and secretly pray theeyelash blows away.

When I open my eyes, he’s studying me intently, right beforehe reaches up again to gently cup my face. I feel myself leaning in, hoping I’mnot misreading the situation. But then he tenderly presses his lips to mine ina kiss that is somehow both chaste and perfect.