Luke raised a hand to his mouth to cover up his grin.
“Thanks for the invite,” Stella said with a wave. As she walked away Stella couldn’t help but wonder if she was in over her head. Hanging out at the Keegans’ house and playing the role of Luke’s love interest? Going out on actual dates with Luke so they were seen together?
The short walk over to the Free Library of Mistletoe gave Stella time to clear her mind a little bit. Her entire life she’d always been a rule keeper. Back in school she’d verged on being a goody-goody, never taking a walk on the wild side. As a teacher, she insisted on rules in order to keep her classroom operating smoothly. She didn’t lie, cheat, or steal. This arrangement with Luke felt like lying to the entire town. It was a bit unnerving.
Growing up in Mistletoe, Stella had been a quiet book nerd. She hadn’t gotten into trouble, not even once. Even though she’d fantasized about riding on the back of Luke’s motorcycle wearing a black leather jacket and thigh high suede boots, it had never happened. For the most part, she’d led an exemplary life.
Perhaps that was the problem. She had been so busy walking a straight and narrow path that she’d allowed people like Rafe to trample right over her. She always worried about doing the right thing, but what had that gotten her so far? Nothing but heartache.
The Free Library of Mistletoe was an ornate Colonial-style building—the quintessential small-town New England library. However, Stella had always thought of the library as one of the most charming spots in town mainly because it was Lucy’s heart and soul. Even when they were kids, she and Lucy had been enthralled by the magic behind the library’s walls. Her and Lucy’s professions had both been inspired by this fantastic place.
She walked to the back entrance of the library, opening up the door and walking to the main floor’s circulation desk. She spotted Lucy arranging books on a shelf for patrons who’d placed them on hold to pick up. Stella was proud of all of her sister’s accomplishments as head librarian. Despite the fact that money had been limited, Lucy had always worked miracles to stretch her operating funds and maintain the integrity of the library’s programs and catalog. Last year, Dante’s film company had used the building to shoot scenes for his film in exchange for a hefty donation. It had made a world of difference for the library’s operations.
At the sound of her footsteps, Lucy whirled around. “Sorry, we’re not open yet.”
“Not even for me?” Stella asked, quickly closing the distance between them and extending her arms for a hug.
“Hey, Stella! What are you doing here?” Lucy asked, sounding surprised. “Shouldn’t you be sleeping in now that school’s out? Or walking Blackberry Beach?”
“I had a craving for waffles so I had breakfast at the Starlight…with Luke Keegan.” Even as she said the words aloud, it seemed a bit surreal. Most women in town would give their right arm to sit down for a meal with Luke. Let’s face it. Back in high school she would have given anything to spend alone time with him.
“Stop it! No you didn’t.” Lucy’s voice rose with excitement and she grabbed Stella’s arm. “Are you playing with me?”
“I’m not teasing you,” Stella confirmed. “I did. And we are officially Mistletoe’s It couple of the summer.” Just saying the words out loud caused goose bumps to raise up on her arms.
“Okay. Not funny. Now I know you’re joking,” Lucy said, scowling at Stella.
Stella had to work hard to keep a straight face. Her sister didn’t like being pranked, and she seemed to genuinely think Stella was pulling her leg. “I’m actually not kidding. Luke made me a proposition.” She shrugged. “One I couldn’t refuse.”
Lucy gulped. “What kind of proposition?”
Stella chuckled. “Nothing like what you’re imagining. Because of the town gossip about us being an item—”
“Item is putting it nicely,” Stella said with a grimace. “The main word I’ve heard is hooking up.”
Stella gritted her teeth. She was determined to lighten up about the rumors.I will not let it get the best of me.“Luke came up with a plan to spare both of us the agony of town matchmakers and overzealous admirers. He’s been deluged with women wanting to go out with him. Really over-the-top stuff. And he knows that I’ve been trying to move past Rafe and the wedding that wasn’t, as well as being pursued by Tucker and Paul…among others thanks to our parents.”
Lucy frowned. “How does he know all of this? When did you tell him all that?”
Stella shifted from one foot to the other. “Well, I believe it was the day of your bridal gown fitting.”
“Okay,” Lucy said, dragging out the word. She stared at Stella, waiting for further clarification.
Busted.Stella sat down in Lucy’s chair. “The only reason I didn’t tell you is because I know how you are. You would have immediately felt responsible for my near run-in with Rafe at Rosie’s.”
“What? How could you not tell me that? What happened?” Lucy glanced at her watch. “And tell me quickly because the library opens in fifteen minutes and my employees and the patrons will be arriving at any moment.”
“Okay. So after you, Tess, and Mom left the shop, Rosie blindsided me by telling Tucker to come over…”
Lucy groaned and made a face. “He really needs to take a hint. And get a life.”
“Girl, you’re preaching to the choir. So I may have told him I was seeing someone so he would stop pestering me. After Tucker stormed out, Rosie followed him. Next thing I know I hear a voice in the corridor. Rafe’s voice. He was with his wife and baby looking for a baptismal gown.”
“Oh, Stella. That must have been so awkward when you came face-to-face,” Lucy said in a soothing voice, patting Stella on the shoulder.
“We didn’t. I exited the salon by way of the window, which led me to being rescued by Luke, who was driving by in his truck. Right place, right time. We ended up driving around a bit to kill some time,” Stella explained. “I kind of owed him an explanation since he’d seen me escaping through the window. So I told him all about Rafe and our canceled wedding and how I couldn’t bear to see him. I also mentioned Tucker and how everyone wants to set me up with their best friend’s husband’s brother or their second cousin twice removed.”
Lucy clapped her hand over her mouth and made a tutting sound. “That happened to me a time or two and it’s so uncomfortable. Makes me relieved to be engaged.”
