I’m losing it. “Was it three?”
“Definitely three.”
I sigh, watching the Johnsons slow dance near the makeshift dance floor. They’re celebrating their fortieth anniversary tonight, and the way Mr. Johnson looks at his wife like she’s still the young woman he married makes my chest ache.
That’s what I want.Thatkind of love. The lasting kind.
“You know what your problem is?” Sophie asks, her voice barely audible over the music.
“I’m a hopeless romantic who falls too fast?”
“You’re an optimist in a world full of Nathans and Lukes.” She adjusts her glasses. “Not that there’s anything wrong with that. I just worry you’ll get hurt.”
“Too late,” I say with a weak laugh.
She peers at me strangely. “Did something else happen with 402?”
I haven’t told her about the kiss and Luke promptly calling it a mistake in the parking lot, then thinking a single moment of connection between us meant anything.
Though it certainly felt like…everything.
“Nothing,” I lie. “He just made it clear he’s not interested in, um, the party. Or me.”
Sophie’s gaze softens as she opens her mouth to respond, but Danny appears with a tray of signature heart-shaped, Village Bakery cookies.
“Ladies! You’re not eating. And Molly, you made these, you should be enjoying them.” He thrusts the tray toward us forcing Sophie to catch a cookie before it falls.
“Thanks, Danny,” I say, taking one even though my stomach is twisted in knots.
“Having fun?” He rocks on his heels, scanning the room with pride. The party is a success—nearly every tenant showed up. The decorations look festive without being tacky, and the energy is surprisingly good for a building full of mostly single people on Valentine’s Day.
“It’s wonderful,” I tell him honestly. “You outdid yourself.”
“Well, I had help from the best decorator in the bakery business.” He winks at me, then leans in conspiratorially. “Speaking of which, I thought maybe a certain someone from 402 might make an appearance…”
My heart does that stupid flutter thing before reality settles in. “I don’t think he’s coming, Danny.”
“Hmm.” He doesn’t look convinced. “Well, the night’s still young! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to convince a few guests that karaoke ismandatory, not optional.”
He bustles off, and Sophie and I exchange glances.
“He definitely sabotaged that elevator,” she says matter-of-factly.
“Right?” I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks so.
“I’ve lived here for over five years and it’s never gotten stuck like that before,” she admits. “Though if Luke’s not here, maybe it didn’t work the way Danny hoped.”
I take another sip of my drink and sigh. “Maybe some people just aren’t meant to—”
“Molly?”
That voice.
No.
I turn slowly, and there he is. Nathan, standing near the entrance in a button-down shirt and jeans, looking uncertain and out of place. His eyes lock on mine, and my stomach drops.
“What is he doing here?” Sophie whispers, her hand finding my arm.
