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“You already said that.”
“Did I?” He tightened his grip on the violin, wanting to thrust it into her hands and make her play, to see if she was who he thought she was. But that would certainly scare her away, and he didn’t want her to leave. “Did you like the piece?”
Her eyes brightened and she nodded, her curls dancing across her shoulders. “It was amazing. I’d heard it—” She bit her lip.
“You know it?”
“I’ve heard you playing it on recordings, but never live.” Her cheeks turned pink and he tilted his head, wondering what had crossed her mind.
“Then I’m especially glad you came. Do you want to come—” The invitation to lunch caught in his throat as he saw Abby approaching with a broad smile on her face. Thankfully, she was usually discreet in public.
“Mark, your playing was divine.” Abby leaned in to kiss his cheek. “More so than usual.” She smiled, her eyes warm and soft.
“Thanks, Abby.” He glanced at Emily, who was studying the program in her hand. “I feel a little something extra today.”
Abby glanced at Emily before arching a brow at Mark. “Really?”
He shrugged.
“Are we still on for lunch, darling?” Abby drew out the last word as only she could. “I’m here with Candace and she was—”
Emily snapped her head up, wide-eyed, and stared at him for a moment. Then she spun around and hurried away.
“I can’t today, Abby. I made other plans.” He gave her an apologetic look. “I’m sorry.” He scooted past her and hurried to catch up with Emily. “Emily!”
She turned and gave a small smile. “You already made plans. I understand.”
She turned to go again, but he grabbed her elbow. “No, Emily. I mean, yes, I did. But I’d rather go with you.”
Emily glanced behind him, to Abby he assumed, and looked back into his face. “You shouldn’t break your plans with her for me. She’s clearly looking forward to it.” She gave a small shrug. “Besides, I’m not feeling very well. I think I should go home and rest.” She twisted out of his grip and walked—almost limping—toward the back of the theater.
He watched her disappear through the double doors, not looking back, and his shoulders slumped. Yes, he’d made plans with Abby and yes, Emily was right. It wasn’t nice to cancel plans with one woman for another. But damned if he didn’t want to run after her and make her stay.
A gentle hand ran over his shoulder and he turned. Abby’s eyes sparkled with curiosity beneath raised brows. “Who was that?”
Mark shook his head. “A friend.”
“Hmm.”
He turned to face her. “What?”
“You sure she’s just a friend?”
“I hope she’s a friend.” He pressed his lips together and let out a long breath through his nose. “I’m sorry about trying to cancel our lunch, Abby. It was rude. I’d love to have lunch with you and Candace.”
She tilted her head and studied him for a long moment. “Go have lunch with her if you want.”
He shook his head. “She’s the one who pointed out it was rude.”
Abby laughed. “I like her.”
“I do, too.”
She squinted at him. “You do like her. As more than friends.”
Mark shook his head and ran a finger over the scroll of his violin. “I don’t think anything will ever happen between us.” Except for that kiss. That damn kiss he couldn’t stop thinking about. “She said she’d never sleep with me.”
Abby laughed again. “Has any woman ever told you that before?”
