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And at my age, that was puzzling. I should have felt it at least once by now.
I drew a slow breath and kept my eyes steady on his since his grasp ensured it.
He smiled. “You might as well wear a badge that reads,Men Suck.”
I gasped and shook my head, his hand falling from my face.
“You don’t suck,” I blurted out.
He shook his head and ignored the compliment. “How’d the date go last night?”
My cheeks reddened. “He never showed up.”
“What a jerk.” Lucas shook his head. “You got stood up?”
I flinched and glanced through the open banister downstairs, hoping my mom didn’t hear.
“Could you keep it down?”
“Sorry. I just can’t imagine a guy doing that to you.”
I snickered and shook my head, wrapping myself in my arms. “It’s not the first time, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. It always happens on date two. I must terrify them on date one, and they don’t want to insult me to my face.”
Lucas’s expression fell, and he pulled me into him. “Are you serious? You couldn’t terrify a mouse, Emily. You’ve never mentioned that to me before.”
I cocked my head slightly and grinned, looking into his eyes.
I’d be lying to myself if I didn’t admit that I liked being in his arms. “It’s not exactly something I’m proud of. It’s embarrassing.”
“They’re the embarrassment. Not you.” He slowly let go, and I took a step back.
I grinned and grabbed his arm once more. “You’re a good friend to have. Now, spill the beans. Why are you here?”
He nodded slowly, but his gaze lingered on mine for a second longer than I expected, sending a tingle through me.
Lucas was one of those guys who could just look at a person and make them feel like a million bucks.
Which was great unless you needed to keep things platonic.
He reached his hand into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet, letting out a deep breath.
“I happen to have two tickets to a book reading and signing in Seattle that you’ve been dying to attend. Someone by the name of Charles Teal?”
“What?” My foot stomped unexpectedly. “How? It’s been sold out for months.”
“I have my ways.”
I reached for the tickets, and he pulled them away. “But there’s a catch.”
“What? Seriously? I’m actually reading this guy’s latest release right now. I only have three chapters left.” I shook my head. “Lay it on me. What’s the catch?”
He dangled the tickets just out of reach, which wasn’t too hard for him to do since he was well over six feet tall, and I was barely above five feet tall.
And then it hit me.
“Wait a second. Isn’t that today?” I glanced at the clock and then at my desk piled high with items to price and place out on the floor. “I can’t go.”
He touched my cheek and smiled. “Youcango because I cleared it with your mom and every single sibling you have. I knew you’d make excuses if I didn’t.”
