Page 24 of The Luminosity of Loriana Harper

“You didn’t.” She didn’t look at him, instead concentrating on the keyboard. “I’m sorry you witnessed that. Unprofessional. We never quibble. About anything. Except the Christmas Parade. Every year. She’s always been able to hide behind Johanna, and this year she can’t, and you step up and offer to be Galahad and rescue her.”

Ah.

“Well, I didn’t technically say I’d walk in the parade. I’m the newbie in town. I should be pulling the cart.”

She met his gaze.

“But if it’s the difference between kids getting their gifts and not, I’ll do whatever needs to be done.” Obviously a lot of effort and planning had gone into tonight, and if he could help make it happen, it was the least he could do.

She turned back to the computer. “Your offer is very generous, and I’ll take you up on it. I won’t order Marnie to walk and give out the wands, but I’m hoping she’ll find the courage to do so. She’s made progress over the past few years, but I think she can go further.” A few more keystrokes and she tapped the desk. “You’ve done an amazing job, and I can’t thank you enough.” She rose and met his gaze directly. “Who paid for these?”

Crap.

He honestly hadn’t anticipated this being an issue. Surely the head librarian would know who was donating thousands of dollars of computer equipment.

“I promised I wouldn’t say.”

Her gaze was intense. No other word for it. If she could will an answer out of him, he was sure she’d do it. But he’d given his word to Marnie Jones, and for a reason he couldn’t fathom, he felt protective of the young woman. Obviously Loriana knowing she’d paid would change the dynamic—and that was something Marnie feared. Fair enough. And none of his business.

“I don’t like it.” Quiet and steady.

“I can completely empathize with that feeling. You feel you owe someone, and you don’t know how to even thank them.” He knew this, God, did he know this. Down to the marrow of his bones he understood. Someone out there’d been looking out for him. Had saved him. And now he owed them.

And he’d likely never know who it was.

The longer they locked gazes, the more the atmosphere in the room shifted. Memories of last night crashed down on him. and he remembered what she’d felt like in his arms. How he’d been turned on. How that’d waned. How he’d do anything to be able to touch her again that way.

This need—this attraction—was a tangible thing. A living entity arcing between the two of them.

Does she feel it too?

He wanted to know. Wanted to ask. Wanted to extract a promise they’d explore what might be between them.

But he wouldn’t.

Because that’d mean admitting he was attracted to her and, as brave as he was, that was just as step too far.

“So I’m helping tonight, right?”

His words seemed to snap her out of her trance. “Yes, that’d be lovely. I’m hopeful Marnie’ll find the courage to hand out wands—”

“—but I’m here as back-up if you need me.” Handing anything to children wasn’t really his idea of fun, but he’d do it. He’d do just about anything she asked.

She offered one of those beautiful smiles she often bestowed upon people. “The library closes at five, but Marnie and I’ll be here. We head down to the marshalling area at six-fifteen. Don’t forget—it’s going to be cold. Might even snow.”

He smiled back, trying to exude warmth. “I bought a good winter coat when I got back. So very different from California. Don’t worry, I won’t wear the jacket from last night.” He glanced at his watch. “I’m going to go home and get ready. I’ll be back on time, I promise.”

“Yes, uh, thank you.” She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “And we’re on for Monday, right? Even though you’ve finished the installation? Early, no less.”

A small part of him regretted having accomplished so much as it gave him little excuse to linger. The other part of him was pleased with what he’d accomplished. And he hoped he’d get a glowing recommendation from the library to put on his website. “Oh, I almost forgot, I still have to show you the netbooks I secured. They’re all set up and ready to go.”

Loriana placed a hand on his arm.

The action startled him because it was so unexpected.

“Why don’t you come by a few minutes early on Monday? Johanna can watch the front desk while you take Marnie and me through everything we need to know. And if you’re here, it’ll be harder for my co-worker to back out.”

He placed his hand over hers and squeezed. “That’s very devious of you.” As they were mere inches apart, he caught a whiff of her scent. The berries again. Obviously not a perfume, but…shampoo? Did they make berry-scented shampoo?

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