Page 29 of David's Proposal

I’d hate to get all emotional over nothing, but my eyes stall on the beautiful covers as my fingers trace the spines.

They’re pretty, and they’ll look fantastic on the shelves.I even glance at the wall.

Or maybe they can go on the coffee table. I could keep them there for a while.

They give such a nice vibe.

I put them back when something swishes beneath my touch. I lift the last book and notice a cookie tin.

“No way,” I murmur, opening the box.

Individually wrapped chocolate cookies sleep in the tin. I pick one up and taste it.

It’s delicious.

All right.

Still chewing on my cookie, I close the box and set it next to the grocery bag before ordering a cab and walking out.

I quickly change my mind, go back, and grab a second cookie. I forget about the cold air swirling around my legs and how late I am.

It’s practically a toss-up whether I have the slightest chance to find this man tonight.

Focusing back on my phone, I check my mother’s message and send her a reply.

Me: Thank you. I was waiting for that delivery.

Another lie.

Another cookie.

I’m now rewarding my lies with delicious cookies.

My finger hovers over his name.

But David hasn’t called me.

He already knows I wasn’t home. I should text him, though. And I’m about to do that when my cab inches closer.

“That was fast…” I murmur to myself, sliding my phone into my pocket and walking to the car, deciding against sending that message.

5

LIZ

The car stopsin front of the hotel at nine-thirty. This is the closest hotel to downtown.Blue Candlelight.

It’s new, cozy, and expensive.

The valet heads our way even though my driver rolls the car to a stop and assures the man he’s only here to drop me off.

The valet flashes a smile.

“No problem,” he says and opens and holds the door for me while I slide out of my seat like a swan off a lake––elegant, my head held high.

Making sure my legs stay close together and my jacket never opens.

“Are you meeting someone?” the man asks in a friendly voice, showing me to the entrance.

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