“I didn’t mean to make things awkward between us.” His brows were drawn together, his expression tense. “If you’d rather not go out for dinner, I’ll understand. We can just forget the past half hour.”
Amy shook her head. “Can’t forget, but I’ll try not to let it affect the things we need to do over the next few days. I’ll be honest. I’m really confused. I never expected...” She waved her hand between them. “This.”
“I didn’t either.” A corner of his mouth lifted in a half-smile. “And I certainly didn’t know it was going to get so complicated. If I’d had any idea—”
“You never would have brought it up,” Amy finished for him.
A smile softened his tense expression. “No. If I’d had any idea, I would have timed our conversation better. Maybe tried a few more subtle hints to give you a clue before springing the invite on you.”
Seeing his features relax into a smile and knowing it was because of her, Amy’s heart clenched and the breath squeezed from her lungs. Will was offering her everything she’d ever wanted, but fear held her back. There was so much she wanted to say, to share with him. But instead of voicing what was in her heart, she just gave a quick nod and then opened the door. Will didn’t try to stop her this time.
He had opened the hatch from inside the vehicle, and they met at the back to begin unloading. After their first trip into the manor, Lance told Amy to stay inside to start unpacking while he helped Will bring in the rest of the stuff. Since she was familiar with the kitchen after working in it for a couple of weeks, Amy was able to quickly put thegrocerieswhere they needed to go.
“Here you go.”
Amy turned to see Will holding out a bag to her. Without meeting his gaze, she reached for it, but he pulled it back. When she looked at him, he gave her a quick grin and held it out again. She reached for it more slowly this time, her fingers brushing against his. He didn’t release it right away so their fingers stayed intertwined. The teasing look in his eyes and the contact with his hand shot Amy’s pulse rate up, but when she heard Lance coming, she gave the bag a tug and Will let go.
As she put the contents of the bag into the pantry, Amy prayed that she hadn’t made a mistake in agreeing to go out with him. It didn’t feel wrong, but it didn’t feel quite right either. The way he looked at her, a crazy mix of gentleness and teasing, made her weak in the knees, but there was also a pit in her stomach from anticipation and fear. However, there was no going back now. She just hoped it didn’t make things too awkward between them over the next couple of days as they prepared for the party.
“That’s the last of it,” Will said as he put two more bags on the counter. “I’d offer to help put stuff away but, since I have no idea where anything goes, I’d probably be more of a hindrance than a help.”
“No problem.” Lance put two jugs of milk into the fridge. “I appreciate you taking Amy to the store for me.”
“It was an interesting experience.”
Amy didn’t look at him, positive that if she did, Lance would read her emotions all over her face. She nodded. “I don’t think I’ve ever needed two carts to get groceries before.”
“I’ll just go find Isabella and get out of your way. What time are you expecting Josh and Cami?”
“Josh texted earlier to say they were in Minneapolis and hoped to be here shortly after noon tomorrow.”
“Sounds good.” Will paused then said, “Amy, I’m going to pick up the tables and chairs tomorrow. Do you want to set them up in the afternoon? I don’t think they’re forecasting rain so they should be okay to sit out overnight.”
Amy looked at Will, knowing this was the awkwardness they needed to avoid. “That would be great. Thanks. Will you be able to run a few errands on Saturday morning?”
“Sure. What do you need done?”
“Picking up the cake for one. And anything else I’ve forgotten.”
“I’ll be at your disposal.” Will smiled. “But I’m sure you’ve got it all well in hand. Just keep checking things off your list.”
Butterflies fluttered in Amy’s stomach. Part of her just couldn’t believe that Will actually wanted to go out with her. And seeing him smiling made her glad she’d agreed.
“Are the girls outside?” Will asked Lance.
“No, they came in and went up to Julia’s room to play, I think.”
Will nodded and left the kitchen. Amy took more cans from the bags on the counter and turned to put them in the pantry. She pulled up short when she saw Lance leaning against the fridge, arms crossed, a curious expression on his face. “What’s wrong?”
“You tell me.”
Amy skirted around him to the pantry. “Tell you what?”
“The tension between the two of you is so thick I could cut it with a knife. Did you have a disagreement or something?”
“Or something,” Amy muttered as she put the cans on the correct shelf.
“What was that?”
