Page 23 of The Last Special Thing

“Lauren and James Cox.” She let out a sigh before launching into their resumes. “James is head of accounting in one of those skyrise towers downtown. Lauren teaches pilates in addition to being the yacht club treasurer, flower club member, on the board of the theater company, and I’m sure a bunch of other commitments that she would be offended that I forgot.”

“I’m sure they’re happy they get to brag about you going to UCLA.”

“Honestly, I think they only agreed with my dreams to be a UCLA trained actress, so I’d keep focus on my appearance long enough to get my MRS degree.”

“What’s that?”

An embarrassed laugh escaped her lips. “MRS, as in Mrs. degree. Basically, go to college to find a husband.”

“But that’s not why you’re going?”

“No. This is my dream. But whatever their reason, does it matter?”

“It matters to me.”

His fixed gaze, sincere in its expression, made her heart tremble. It was more vulnerable than she was used to showing. She reached for her drink, but the cup was empty.

“Oh no, guess we will have to drink it straight,” he said in mock sadness as he pulled out the flask from his jacket pocket.

Amelia shook her head. “Yeah, I don’t think so.”

“Then what would you like to do?” He took a swig.

“I think you need to find me another chaser.”

“Oh yeah?”

“That’s what a gentleman would do.”

He took in that information with a bob of his head. “Fair enough, let’s go, Princess.”

She smirked. She liked that he let her have her way. He didn’t argue or try to change her mind.

Art led the way back through the town. They ended up foregoing the chaser and went back to his apartment. Not wanting to push her limit before driving home.

“Do you have time for a movie before you go?” Art asked, reaching for the remote.

She glanced at her watch. “Maybe we could watch part of it and finish it later?”

“Are you making up excuses to see me again?”

“Do I need an excuse?”

“No.” Their eyes held, and the electricity between them heightened. When she couldn’t take the intensity, she broke contact, pointing to a top ten suggestion on the streaming service. “I’ve been wanting to see that.”

He licked his lips. “Anything else you want?”

Shoving down all the things she could think of that would be far too much, too soon, she replied, “Maybe some water?”

“You got it.” He flicked on the film and retreated to the kitchen.

Amelia’s phone buzzed, and Weston flashed across the screen. She silenced it and stole a glance over her shoulder at Art. Now was not the time.

Art returned with two cups of ice water with lemon and placed them on the table. As he settled in beside her, she reached under the table for the Christmas crocheted coasters Madisson had made for Max and slipped them under the cups.

She leaned back, resting her head against his chest.

After half an hour, when the on-screen love interests shared their highly anticipated first kiss, her phone alarm sounded, and she groaned.