Page 55 of The Luminosity of Loriana Harper

Okay.Somehow I don’t think it’s going to be easy.

“I’m paying.” He angled himself so he could grab his wallet from his back pocket. If that happened to put him in Loriana’s personal space, he wasn’t going to complain—and he hoped she didn’t mind either.

Loriana waved her hand. “I invited, therefore I pay.”

Marnie scowled. “It’s my turn.”

“Turn…?” Loriana’s brow furrowed.

“You had us over to your place for dinner.”

The older woman laughed. “I bought a frozen lasagne. Cost me nothing.”

“Still, you invited us over. And you served garlic bread and cheesecake.”

Loriana’s furrowed brow didn’t ease. “Marnie, that was just a little dinner with friends.” She pointed to their table. “This was far more expensive.”

“Which is why I should pay.” Maybe he could end the tension. “I was, after all, the one who made money on the contract.”

“Not as much as you probably should have.” Loriana still looked seriously displeased.

We should’ve opted for separate checks. Who knew taking two beautiful women to dinner would prove so complicated?

The staredown continued, and when Sarabeth returned, holding the check and payment machine, nothing had changed.

She held them aloft.

Loriana was quickest on the draw. She took the machine and entered the tip.

But Mitch swiped his card before she had a chance.

The head librarian scowled.

Marnie hooted with laughter.

All three of the other people pivoted to her.

Mitch was positive he’d never heard her make such a sound, and judging by the expressions Sarabeth and Loriana made, they’d never heard it either.

Realizing all eyes were on her, Marnie desisted. Then she placed her fingers over her mouth. Behind them, she said, “I have to go.” She scooted out of the booth, nearly knocked into Sarabeth, and beat a hasty retreat.

“Well, that didn’t go as expected.” Loriana looked back and forth between Mitch and their server. “But one for the record books.”

Sarabeth handed Mitch the receipt. “I liked that she laughed.” She eyed Mitch. “Maybe you can make her do it more often.” Then she glanced at Loriana, as if belatedly seeing how close they sat. “Well, you know…”

Loriana grinned. “I do know. You take care, okay? My best to Ranger and Paul and your mom.”

For a moment, Sarabeth went very still. Then she put on a smile. “Yes, thank you. Have a great night.”

Mitch sought to judge the sincerity of her response but couldn’t. He just didn’t know her that well. And as their server walked away, he met Loriana’s gaze.

“I wish I could find something to do.” She sighed. “Some things are beyond my control. I’ll support her however I can, but I’m not a miracle worker.”

After a moment, Mitch twirled a lock of her hair in his fingers. “Oh, I think you’re pretty incredible.”

Where he hoped for happiness, he spotted only a flash of pain.

What’s she hiding?

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