Page 86 of The Luminosity of Loriana Harper

Loriana’s eyes widened in apparent surprise, but Mitch wasn’t fooled for an instant. No, he knew her too well.

“Well, you should’ve at least invited some women. It’s so blatantly obvious what you’re trying to do. What if all of them want to go out with her? And what if she, in turn, doesn’t want to go out with any of them?”

“She knows Tristan.” Loriana sniffed, tilting her chin up. “He’s her barista.”

“And yet they’ve never gone out.”

“I’m not sure they’ve ever seen each other in a social situation.”

“And you don’t think two capable adults could’ve figured out how to do that on their own? If they wanted, of course.”

“A little nudge—”

“Loriana, sweetheart, a bulldozer would be less conspicuous.”

A clearing throat brought them up from their whispered confab.

“Sorry to disturb.” Xavier’s dark-brown eyes sparkled, and his dark skin glowed in the light of the kitchen.

Mitch felt a kinship to the other Black man—something he planned to explore later.

“I’m feeling a little peckish, but didn’t—”

“Of course.”

Loriana’s response was a little too bright for Mitch’s liking. Yet when she gave him a pointed look, he stepped back.

“If you’ll grab the brie from the fridge, I can bring the deviled eggs, and we’re good.”

Mitch watched wordlessly as Xavier assisted Loriana taking the last two trays to the dining room.

She announced the food was ready and headed into the living room as several men headed out.

Hope she’s apologizing to Marnie.

He was pleased to see none of the men was overly enthusiastic and most were genially waiting their turn at the buffet. The aroma in the house was truly amazing. He could remember his mother cooking like this a few times, and that pang of longing hit him hard. When most of the men had cycled through, he grabbed a plate because, despite everything, he was starving.

“Does this feel like matchmaking to you?”

One of the blond men was whispering to Marcus.

Mitch could remember Marcus’s name because he’d arrived first. A few names were starting to stick, but seven new people at once while he worried about Marnie was a little much.

Marcus’s brow furrowed. “Matchmaking?”

“With Marnie.” The other man nudged. “I mean, did Loriana forget I’m gay?”

“Gay? Who said I was gay? I’m not gay.” Marcus’s face darkened. Pure panic overtook his features as his eyes widened.

The other guy…Noel, the guy’s name was Noel. Like Christmas. Anyway, he looked taken aback with his blue eyes widening. “I didn’t sayyouwere gay. I said,Iwas gay.”

Marcus’s look of panic didn’t diminish.

And Mitch had the distinct impression the physiotherapist might just be gay, but in the closet.

Oh dear, things were getting complicated.

“I’m gay as well.” Xavier snickered. “Guess Loriana didn’t get that message. Well, I should say bi, so maybe it’s okay.” He glanced over at Mitch. Not in anI’m attracted to you way. No, in alet’s get to know each other betterway.

---