Page 82 of The Luminosity of Loriana Harper

“I could’ve come to the library. It’s all of three blocks.”

She pursed her lips as she turned up James Street. “Sure, but Marnie would’ve spotted you and might’ve tried to weasel out of coming tonight and you, being the gentleman, would’ve accepted those regrets.”

A significant amount of time passed as she made her way up the hill and then turned right onto Fourth Avenue.

She glanced at him.

His jaw ticced.

“What?”

“You know I don’t like being used. If Marnie doesn’t want to come to the party, that’s okay. Or at least it is with me.”

Loriana pulled into her driveway. She put the car in park and cut the engine. She drummed her fingers on the steering wheel.Damn. “I get that you’re sympathetic to Marnie. I really do. But she’s never going to progress in her job if she doesn’t tackle her fears head-on.”

“What are you, her therapist?”

She shot him a cutting glance.

He held his ground.

“Obviously not. I just…I want her to have everything.”

“Define everything.”

Without responding, Loriana got out of the car and headed to the house.

To her relief, Mitch followed.

Are we fighting?She had so little experience. The few men she’d dated hadn’t stayed long enough for there to be a fight. They usually took off, or she ushered them out the door if things started to look serious.

She unlocked the door and stepped into her home, greeted by the most tantalizing scent. As she shucked her outerwear, Mitch followed her inside.

He inhaled deeply and sighed. “Oh, my God, what is that smell?”

Inside, she did a little happy dance. “My grandmother’s famous beef stew. It’s been simmering in the crock-pot all day.” She clapped her hands, pleased to see Mitch’d removed his jacket and boots as well. “I need to bake several dozen chicken wings, cookies, some hors d’oeuvres and…” She waved her hand in the air. “Oh, it’ll come to me.”

Mitch cocked his head. “You’ve been baking cookies every night this week. Along with a bunch of other stuff.”

“And I’ll serve those, but I want the smell of fresh cookies.”

“It’ll compete with the stew.”

“I can have more than one aroma. Now, how do you want to help? Or do you want to hang out with Plato?”

Her feline twined his way around Mitch’s legs. The little traitor had figured out who was likely to sneak him treats when her back was turned.

“How does he handle crowds?”

“He doesn’t. If it’s only Marnie, he’s fine. Once the others show up, though, he’ll hightail it to my bedroom and hunker down. Oh, that reminds me. Just before six, we need to remove his cushions from his chair. We’re going to need all the seating we can get tonight.”

Mitch arched an eyebrow. “And how many are we expecting?”

“Well…” She did a quick mental calculation. “I’ve invited eight and said they’re welcome to bring someone. Plus, you, me, Marnie and…” She tapped her index finger to her lips. “Johanna’s with her brother tonight, and as long as they don’t fight, she won’t show up here. Another blow-up like two years ago, and she’ll be seeking refuge. She’ll be here tomorrow night. Same with Carly. Her family celebrates Christmas tonight, so she’ll make an appearance at tomorrow’s gathering.”

“Sounds complicated.”

She waved him off. “There are about forty people with standing invitations for tomorrow, but they all show up at different times. Tomorrow’s more of a snacking event while tonight’s a buffet. So, can I get you to slice cheese?”

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