“Fine... I mean thank you. I’ll take a ride.”
I follow him back to the parking lot, where Edward walks over to a silver sports car. I don’t know the make, but it must be British because he opens the left door for me.
“Another car?” I ask with a heavy dose of judgment. I’m salty because Annie’s ridiculous matchmaker plot is actuallyworking.
“Yes, another gift from my grandpa.” We pull out onto the dark windy road.
“Where do you keep all your cars?” I ask.
He laughs.
“That’s been a problem. We have parking for two cars at the house. And the third I keep at my dad’s. But I need to sell it or store it somewhere. Grandpa was so wealthy he was sometimes a bit out of touch. More than once he gave me expensive things that were more of a burden than a gift.”
“Kind of like a cottage with three annoying tenants.”
“No,” he laughs. “That was one gift Reginald thought through. He knew exactly what he was doing when he left me Bumble Cottage.” Before I can ask a follow-up question Edward changes the subject. “So, when did your sister and Brandon become so chummy?”
“It’s the strangest thing. Brandon, Annie and Pepper are like The Three Musketeers. They do everything together. The natural conclusion would be that he’s in love with her, because most guys are. But he sure doesn’t act like it.”
“Why’sthatthe natural conclusion? I would think Annie would fall forhim. Brandon’s a catch.”
“True! He’s a great dad, and he’s not bad looking. But she swears up and down that there are absolutely no sparks. And I don’t think she’s lying.”
“Maybe she’s lying to herself.”
“Maybe? I don’t think Annie’s used to having a guy who’s her friend and not half in love with her. I didn’t know it was possible for a man to be immune to my sister’s charms.”
“Excuse me—Ihave absolutely no interest in your sister.” This is the sweetest thing Edward could say. I never thought I minded being overlooked for Annie. I certainly don’t want a posse of men following me about. But it is satisfying knowingthat at least one man—in fact the man I like best—prefers me to my sister.
“You’d be the first.”
“I doubt that. The cowards are just intimidated by you.”
“And you’re not?” I ask with a tease.
“Oh, I’m terrified.”
He parks the car in the gravel driveway outside Bumble Cottage. My home looks inviting, with warm light pouring out of the windows and the sound of Annie playing Chopin floating through the garden. He opens my door for me and walks me to the garden gate. The white arch leading to the garden is laden with honeysuckle, and the sweet scent surrounds us.
“Thanks for tonight.” He says hands in his pockets. “It was nice.”
“Yeah.” I don’t know what to say. I feel too much for words, and I’m not at all sure what I want to do with these feelings. Except I do. The truth is, somewhere between nachos and easy conversation, my fears and frustrations with Edward have evaporated. Now I’m filled with cautious hope. Maybe this could be... something good.
“You know...” I hesitate, “maybe we should do it again sometime?”
“Absolutely!”
“Great, I have the day off Sunday . . . maybe we could . . . ?”
“Eat nachos and talk about everything and nothing?” He smiles, and the creases appear by his eyes, melting my heart just a little.
“Yes, exactly that.”
“I would love that—” His face falls mid-sentence. “But I... uh... can’t. Maybe another time?”
Have I been reading this whole thing wrong? He sounds like he’s trying to let me down gently. I’m so confused.
“Or maybe not,” I say, my tone colder. “It is a long drive foryou.”
