Page 75 of Call It Serendipity

“You’re gorgeous, Luce,” he tells me as I stand in the doorway, tugging a coat over my own attempt at a date night outfit. Specifically, a tasteful little black dress borrowed from Claire’s closet.

I understand if this is too much to ask, Jake had said when he called me up and asked me to go on a real date. No secondary motives to get to know the town, no trips outside of Ellicottville limits.

Instead, an intimate, candlelit dinner, right here in the heart of it all. Surrounded by people that would run him out of town if they learned his identity.

I still agreed immediately.

“Although,” he starts, pushing off the post and crossing the porch to reach me. He reaches out, cupping my jaw and running his thumb below my ear. “You’re gorgeous in your overalls and covered in paint too.”

A sigh catches in my throat until he pulls his hand back and holds his thumb up to reveal a chip of dried paint. The moment I see Liquitex Raw Sienna, a laugh bubbles out of me. “I’m clearly no good at this date thing.”

“I beg to differ.”

My smile reaches the corner of my heart that was worried about this as he takes another step closer. His hand settles on my hip, and his eyes soften as they search my face. When he speaks again, his voice has taken a serious edge. “And you’re sure about this still? I don’t want to make things hard for you.”

Swaying into him, I smooth my hand over his stubble-covered jaw. “Yes.” I nod. “I’m sure.”

Dina’s is easily the most romantic restaurant in town. With low lighting, rich leather on booths you can sink into, and the most impressive wine list I’ve ever seen, it has an unmatched ambiance. Not to mention the menu.

“Lucy, hi,” the hostess, Meg, greets me with a warm smile and eyes that roam over Jake. “I’m surprised to see you without Claire.”

She certainly doesn’t seem upset to be ogling the man beside me instead. I don’t like it one bit.

“Let’s hope I’m just as good of company,” Jake cuts in smoothly. His arm slips naturally around my waist, and any annoyance I feel at the look Meg was giving him melts away.

“Better,” I assure him.

With a tinge of disappointment in her eyes, our hostess leads us to a booth in the back corner. It’s a stroke of luck, being granted this privacy. The unease in my gut settles a fraction as we sit.

Maybe I was a little harsh about Meg.

“How often do you and Claire come here?” Jake asks as we slide in across from one another. He leans forward, his elbows resting on the table and his attention earnest.

I shrug. “Special occasions, good or bad. From birthdays to breakups, Dina’s has kind of been our soft place to land as long as I can remember.”

“Mm, Taylor and I had a place like that back in the city,” he hums in understanding.

“Maybe you two can find one here.”

“Actually”—his eyebrow quirks—“she left today.”

“Left? As in back to the city?”

He nods. “Packed her bags, took the keys to my condo in Manhattan, and hit the road.”

“That’s… sudden. I’m sorry.” I reach for his hand, and he eagerly offers it up. Our fingers tangle in the center of the table, his thumb stroking my palm.

“It was sudden, but that’s Taylor. I’m actually pretty happy for her—taking this step for herself.” With a small smile, he adds, “And you’re what inspired her.”

“Me?” My lips purse as I think about the way he welcomed her into every corner of his life without hesitation. They way she spoke so genuinely about his unwavering support. And here he is, with that handsome twinkle in his eye as he attributes it to me.

“You, Lucy. You inspire me too.”

Jake lifts my hand, leaning forward and skimming a soft kiss across the tops of my fingers. The gentle gesture sends a flutter through my chest.

I’m certain he is the one creating the spark in me. From my return to painting, to a very different kind of feeling. One that surged with surprising strength when he was absent—out of town for only a single night.

And maybe it’s fast for such notions. Maybe only a couple short months shouldn’t inspire these thoughts. But maybe some things are bigger than logic. Dare I say, things like fate, and chance, and serendipity.