“I know it sounds strange, but let me explain.” I think about how best to put what’s in my head into words. “Dev and Harley are completely in love and committed. They’re obsessed with the same sport, and they push each other’s buttons in all the right ways. What they have… it suits them.” I smile to myself as I remember the last time I saw them together. There was no doubt in my mind they were meant for each other.
“Their relationship isn’t what everyone wants,” I continue, “including me—but I do want that same depth of feeling. I want someone to care for me the way Harley and Devon care for each other, and to know that I’m the most important thing in the world to that person.” My cheeks heat. I’ve gotten far deeper than I intended. I clear my throat. “Anyway, relationships are about two people who want the same thing and find it together. That’s what I need for my fictional couple.”
His dark eyes watch me closely. He seems to have forgotten the fight on TV. “You, Luce, are a romantic to the core.”
I sigh, wishing that sounded like a compliment. “Guilty as charged. I’ve tried to turn it off, but I just can’t. I love the mushy stuff, and nothing beats a good grand gesture.”
He cocks his head, and I feel his gaze as it travels over me like a caress. Suddenly, I feel far too close to him. I cram my burger into my mouth, needing something to focus on.
“What grand gesture would you like someone to make for you?” His question catches me off guard. He winks. “I know you’ve thought about it. Go on, tell me.”
I’m glad it takes a while for me to swallow the mouthful of burger because it gives me time to gather my thoughts. Honestly, I know the answer, but I’m not sure I want to share it. I study him, trying to figure out whether he’ll make fun of me. I don’t think he will. He might like to tease, but he’s a nice guy. Or at least he is when he’s not protecting his injury like a bear with a thorn in his paw.
“I’ve always wanted to be serenaded,” I tell him. “But only by a man who can actually sing. That proviso is important. If he can’t sing, it’s sweet but too cringey.”
To my surprise, he doesn’t make a flippant comment. Instead, he touches my arm and says softly, “I hope you find what you’re looking for.”
I catch my breath. His tone says more than his words ever could. It tells me he’s being sincere, but he doubts it will happen.
Most of all, it tells mehe’llnever be the guy who serenades his lady love.
But then, I already know that. So why am I so disappointed?
Chapter Five
Tony
A ringing phone interrupts the set of exercises I’m midway through. I try to recall how many reps I’ve done. Seven? Eight? It rings again, and I glance over at the screen, spotting Mom’s name. Guess I’d better answer.
“Buongiorno,” she says in greeting. “How are you, darling? Are you taking care of yourself?”
I grimace. “Everything is fine, Mamma. My shoulder is better than last week, and the beach is nice.”
She sighs loudly. “I wish we’d been able to come with you. Such a shame none of us could get leave from work on short notice.”
Such a shame, I think wryly.
“I’m managing well. I hope you’re not worrying.”
She huffs. “Of course I am. It’s a mother’s prerogative.”
“There’s no need, I promise.”
“You saying that doesn’t turn off my maternal instincts,” she points out. “It just makes me think you’re hiding something.”
“Nothing at all.” Except an inconvenient attraction to my housemate. “How are things at home?”
“Brilliant!” Her enthusiastic response makes me smile. I’m glad she’s happy. “When do you plan to come back?”
“I’m not sure. I won’t be able to return to the gym for a couple of months yet.”
“But surely you won’t stay in Massachusetts until then.” She sounds horrified. “All alone, with no family?” Now she’s fretting. “And you’ll miss my engagement party.”
“Yourwhat?”
She trills a laugh. “Yes, that’s why I called. Kevin and I are having an engagement party in three weeks. Two Saturdays from this one. Please say you’ll come. You know how upset I’d be if my only son couldn’t make it.”
Ah, yes. The guilt card. She plays it well.
