Marianne gave a nervous laugh. “I put a typo on the flier, and Elinor insisted we burn them all before anyone saw them.”
Elinor threw her hands up. “Exactly. That’s me. I’m passionate about grammar.”
Will smiled. “Well, we should all find something we’re passionate about.” His gaze turned to Marianne, who of course blushed.
With all eyes on those two, Edward took the opportunity to look at Elinor instead. Shadows danced across her face in contrast with the firelight, drawing attention to the shape of her lips and nose and the contours of her cheeks and jawline. Beautiful. When she caught his gaze, she stared him down for a moment before her eyes took in Lucy at his side.
One more month. One more month and the book would come out. Lucy wouldn’t be afraid of losing her advance, she’d move away, and Elinor would know the truth about his engagement. He had a feeling Lucy wouldn’t want him to ever say anything, but it wouldn’t be up to her anymore. His promise was so she could get her advance and kick-start her new career, not so she could hold his life hostage forever.
He stared into the fire and watched the others toast their s’mores. That particular dessert wasn’t appealing to him, although he’d eaten one because Greta made it for him, and he would have eaten just about anything in order to not hurt her feelings.
Despite the bonfire’s origins, they’d decided not to toss the shredded fliers in after all, due to all the ash it would have created. A few handfuls had made nice kindling, but the rest was in his recycle can at home, much to Greta’s disappointment.
Lucy snuggled closer to him and shivered, which made no sense. It wasn’t cold out and they had a roaring fire in front of them.
“Would you like me to make you a s’more?” he asked.
“No, thank you.” She rubbed his arm, whispering. “Why did you cancel our date on Friday?”
“We’re not really engaged. You know that, right?”
She glanced around nervously. “I know, but that’s no excuse to be uncivil. I thought it might be because you had other plans you didn’t want to tell me about.”
“Like what? I never have plans.”
“You did tonight.”
Ah, there it was. If it wasn’t for her calling Elinor, Lucy would have missed out on the tiny bit of his social life he had left. And she did so hate to miss out on anything.
Finally letting go of his arm, Lucy leaned forward, catching Elinor’s attention before asking, “What was the flier for? Or does it have to remain a secret?”
Elinor’s mouth hung open as she wavered, likely deciding what to say or not say. “I was thinking of starting a running group. I had one back home, but I don’t think it would work the same here.”
“Well, why not?” Lucy slapped her knee. “I love to go running, but it’s so much more fun with other people.”
“Is this a girls-only thing?” Will asked.
Elinor shook her head. “It’s for anyone.”
“And when would we start?” Lucy had her claws in it now. Edward gave a little shake of his head, but Elinor either didn’t see it or chose to ignore it.
“In a few weeks. That will give me time to get the word out and plan a route.”
“I could help you plan a route,” Lucy said, almost cutting her off.
Elinor’s face finally took on a little of the hesitance he’d been trying to communicate to her. “Thanks. I’m still in the early planning stages, but I’ll call you if I need help.”
“Please do.” Lucy smiled up at Edward. “I’d better go home and get some rest. I have work early tomorrow.” She turned to look at Marianne and Carol as she stood. “As do you two ladies. Training can be grueling. See you in the morning.”
The fact that she was their manager hadn’t really settled on the group until that moment. There was an uncomfortable pause while the fire crackled on merrily. Marianne gave Lucy her fakest smile. “Thanks for coming.”
“Walk me out?” Lucy asked, looking over at Edward and holding her hand out for him to take.
“Sure.” If it meant she was leaving, he was all for it.
