“No, I think she read it to you to remind you that there’s hope for even those who lie and cheat. Anyone can change their ways; they just have to believe in the Lion.”
He shifted his feet, looked down at the book, and asked, “Do you believe that?”
Alice placed her hand on her heart. “I do.” She pressed the book into his chest. “Read it again with that in mind.”
He nodded once and meandered away, still staring at the cover. Alice brushed her hands.
Russ shook his head. “You realize he’s a total con.”
“Perhaps.” She raised her finger. “But he’s a con with a conscience.” She slipped her arm through his again, this time leaning into him as they made their way to the parking area. “Besides, if he was telling the truth and I kept the book, I’d have been the world’s biggest jerk. If he’s lying, then he’s the jerk. Either way, I’m golden.”
Amazed at her easygoing and yet deep outlook on the situation, Russ couldn’t refrain from kissing her hair. “Yes, you are.”
Alice ducked her head, but not before Russ caught a glimpse of her pink cheeks. Had he embarrassed her by his show of affection? Nervous, and feeling as though he were screaming down the mountain without a set of brakes on his bike, Russ smoothed his beard.
He needed to tell her. Needed to tell her everything before he had a chance to identify the warm feeling spreading through his body. He opened his mouth twice, and each time the words evaporated in the fear of losing a pearl of great value. Disgusted with himself, he griped, “We’re still out of a book.”
Alice tipped her head and leaned against his shoulder. “Karma—we’ll find it. Pull out that phone of yours and work some magic.”
He disappeared into the Google search, trusting Alice to steer him around cars, pedestrians, and random items from the sale—like the saddle stand and anvil he almost tripped over. “I’ve got it.” He twisted his phone so she could see the screen. “There’s an auction of rare books and things next weekend.” He touched a link. “Aaaaaand they’ve listed a complete collection of C.S. Lewis’s books.”
“What?” Alice used his wrist to pull the phone closer, and Russ hoped she couldn’t feel his pounding pulse.
“No mercy this time.” Russ pressed his lips into a thin line, trying to appear stern.
Alice laughed and held up her hand like a Boy Scout. “I solemnly swear that I’ll be up to no good.”
“Stealing a line from J.K. Rowling will get you nowhere with me.” He folded his arms.
They were almost to the car, and Alice dropped his arm to move ahead. “Not all of us can be brilliant playwrights.” She grinned over her shoulder, the autumn sun gilding her hair and skin.
Russ fought the desire to reach around her middle and swing her around until they both collapsed in a pile of laughter and kisses. Stuffing his hands inside his jacket, he cursed his overdeveloped imagination. The tool he used to create worlds was turning his world upside down.
They settled into his car for the drive back to her apartment.
Alice’s phone rang, and she hurried to answer it. “Hello?”
Russ stared out the window, wondering who was calling but not wanting to be intrusive. He had his secrets …
“Thursday sounds great. I’ll meet you there.” She bent down and tucked her phone into her purse.
Meeting who? Where? Thursdays were library board meetings. Russ was always busy on Thursdays. Was she planning a date for a time he wasn’t available?
He cast a smile in her direction, hoping she’d drop a hint or two, but she just tucked her phone away and pulled out a piece of gum. He drummed his fingers on the wheel. Was she seeing someone he didn’t know about? The conversation had been short, like she knew the person—no awkwardness filling the silence or anything. He shifted in his seat. He’d told her about Gabriella; she should tell him about this new guy.
Well, he told her most of the stuff that happened with Gabriella. Not the couple of kisses. He fiddled with the heat controls. He didn’t tell Alice about the kisses because they didn’t talk about stuff like that. She never brought up the almost birthday kiss, and neither had he. The moment was hanging there, like a star twinkling in the firmament, winking every now and again. Calling it back was impossible, and he was left to admire from a distance. Although, at this very minute, he wished for a star catcher.
Her phone rang, and she dived for it.
Kind of excited to answer. Like she’s hoping to hear from someone.He rested his arm on the console between them and leaned closer, hoping to catch a word here or there.
“Hello?” She made a face. “Hi, Mom.”
Russ serendipitously shifted against the door in an effort to mask his attempt at eavesdropping.
“Yeah. No. I understand. I’ll be there. Bye.” She rolled her eyes as she hung up. “Birthday breakfast with Mom and Dad has been rescheduled—again.” She sighed. “At least she tries.”
Russ held back his snide comment. He wasn’t impressed with Alice’s parents, but they were hers and he would not say a bad word about them—in her presence.
