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Taking my cue, Percy, Serena, and Zoe follow my lead and help with straightening the chairs and cushions. Slowly, they all leave until it’s only Oliver and me.
“You certainly caused a lot of excitement tonight.” I flick off the light switch and he helps me put my coat on.
“I didn’t mean to. I figured you’d be done. Jack wasn’t out front so I came on upstairs, and by the time I realized everyone was still here, they’d all spotted me. Well, all but you.”
He grips the edges of my coat and pulls me close. The brush of his lips over my cheek, then lips, sends shivers through me. His fingers caress the sides of my neck, sliding back to wrap around my nape, awakening a yearning that overrides everything else.
I curl my fingers around his wrists. “Let’s get home.”
“I’m with you.” With one more quick kiss, he releases me and pushes the door open into the cold night.
While I lock the library door, my back to the street, a familiar voice says, “Wren, Oliver. Glad you’re still here.”
“Zoe, what’s wrong?” Oliver takes a step toward her.
I turn around to face her as she jogs up the sidewalk. “You okay?”
“It’s my car. I have a flat tire.” Distraught, she jingles the key ring in her hand. “I should know how to change a tire.” Flustered, she avoids my gaze. “I hate to ask?—”
“Hey, it’s okay.” He lays a supportive hand on her shoulder. “Do you have a spare?”
“Yeah. I started to change it, but I can’t loosen some of the lug nuts.” She hangs her head.
He offers a gentle smile. “That’s okay. I can help.”
She shoves her hands into her coat pockets. “Thank you.”
I glance to the library parking lot. With the exception of my car and Oliver’s, it’s empty. “Where did you park your car?”
Zoe points down the street. “I’m on Main Street, just outside Lou’s. I had dinner there and walked over.”
“Okay.” He turns to me. “Let me walk you to your car and I’ll meet you at home.”
“Are you sure? I can wait.”
“Uh, I’m so sorry,” Zoe interjects and we both reassure her that it’s fine.
All three of us walk toward the lot with Oliver holding my hand. “There’s no point in both of us being out in the cold.”
I give Zoe a hug once we’ve reached my car. “Text me once you’re home and I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Of course. Thank you and I’m sor?—”
“Stop it.” I lightly shake her and she laughs before leading the way to her car.
“See you soon.” Oliver lightly kisses the top of my head, and in a few large strides, he’s at Zoe’s side.
I get in, drop my phone into the cupholder, start the engine, and blast the heat. Just then a text comes in and I pause in fastening my seat belt to check. It’s a short text from my sister.
Percy: You and Oliver are the cutest.
A giggle flies from my mouth as I snap the seat belt into place and make a mental note to text her when I get home.
With my foot on the brake, I slip the car into reverse and check the rear-view mirror. I scream, shocked to see a woman standing at the back of the car. If I reverse, I’ll hit her.
With the heel of her palm, she bangs on the trunk and shouts, “Get out. We need to talk.”
Lungs constricting and heart trying to lurch from my chest, my body tenses. Oh my God, it’s Dot.
