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“Oh, sorry. I was just thinking about something.”
“I’m sure Mimi won’t care whether your house is spotless. Don’t stress about it.”
“Yeah. No. You’re totally right.” I nodded, thankful she didn’t know what I was really thinking about.
The bell dinged as the door opened, and I glanced to see Rick coming inside. I waved when he spotted me, and he made his way over.
“Hey, Emily.” His voice sounded more gruff than usual. “I realized that I offered to help you with Mimi, but I didn’t give you my number.”
Audrey couldn’t wipe the smile off her face as Amelia wandered over, holding a stack of books.
“Hey, Rick. What’s up?” she asked, glancing at me before standing next to him.
“Emily mentioned your grandparents will be living with her for a few weeks, and I wanted to help her out any way I could.”
Amelia’s brows rose. “Oh, yeah? That’s sweet.”
I frowned at my sister and eyed toward the bookshelf, hoping she’d take her stack of books and nosy self that way.
“Oh, thanks.” I reached down to my backpack and pulled out my phone. “That’s really sweet, like my sister said.”
“Ah, no problem at all.” He started reciting his number as the bell dinged again, but this time, Lucas walked into the store.
He instantly spotted me and smiled as he walked toward me.
My heart skipped a beat, but not for the usual reason when seeing Lucas. I tried not to smile when I realized two worlds were about to collide.
Never in a million years would something like this happen to me.
Rick gave me the last digit as Lucas arrived and glanced at me.
“Thanks, Rick. It’s beyond kind of you to offer help.” I nodded, sliding my phone into the back pocket of my jeans.
“Oh, this is Rick?” Lucas asked, his eyes widening.
Rick nodded and looked over at me before looking at Lucas.
“Yeah. He’s the one who got me addicted to garlic fries while reading.”
Lucas smiled, nodding. “I’ve heard of those. They’re a big hit.”
“It’s the fresh-cut fries.” He smiled and nodded. “You’re Lucas, right? Part of the Edwards family? The one that owns the orchard and beverage company?”
“Yeah. That’s me.” Lucas nodded, tilting his chin slightly as if he were trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together. “So, you offered to help…”
“Oh, I just offered to lend a hand to get her grandparents situated. She mentioned it to me earlier this morning.”
Lucas’s brows quirked. “This morning?”
I couldn’t help but smile. “Yup. This morning.”
“Alright. I'd better get back. I just didn’t want you to think I was a man who’d go back on my word.”
I chuckled and shook my head. “I’d never think that, Rick. Thanks again.”
Lucas watched Rick walk out of the store before turning to me with a wide grin.
“Is that the Rick you have a crush on?”
