Page 13 of An Engagement Pact

“Well, there’s a cool program at an observatory in Charlotte at eleven. It’s an astronomy kind of thing, so I thought you might be interested since you like science. It’s not wildlife, but it still looked interesting. I got us tickets just in case you wanted to do it, but it wasn’t expensive so no worries if you’re ready to head home.”

“Oh.” My heart is jumping, and I have to work not to show it on my face. “Oh, that sounds like fun. I love astronomy. But wouldn’t it be boring for you?”

“Of course not. I think it sounds fascinating, but even if I didn’t, I’d still be happy to go if you’d enjoy it.” He looks faintly confused, as if he can’t understand why anyone would feel differently.

He didn’t spend three years with Rick—who only ever chose to do what he himself preferred.

The difference in hanging out with someone not supremely selfish is startling and rattling, but I fight through it to smile at him gratefully. “Okay. I’d be happy to go. Thanks for thinking of it.”

***

THE PROGRAM AT THEobservatory is every bit as fascinating and unique as I could have hoped for. It’s also quite small, so there’s plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion with the astronomer who’s hosting it. I’m amazed Dan managed to find it. He must have been specifically hunting for science-related things to do on a Saturday evening.

I’m on a kind of high on the way home, stimulated intellectually and emotionally gratified. Dan appears to have enjoyed it too because he keeps talking about it on the drive home.

It takes an hour to get back to Green Valley from Charlotte, but the time passes quickly. It’s one thirty when we reach the house, but I’m not even tired.

“Thank you,” I say as he puts his midsized SUV into park in the driveway. “For this evening, I mean. I honestly can’t remember the last time I had such fun.”

“Yeah?” He pauses in the middle of taking off his seat belt.

“Yeah.”

“Good. I had a great time too.”

To remind myself of the reality of the situation, I say, “Pretty good for a fake date.”

He lets out a dry huff. “Exactly right.”

“Okay. Thanks again. So I’ll see you on Tuesday for lunch?”

“Yep. And you’re welcome again.”

I’m startled when Dan gets out of the car as I do. I don’t express my surprise, but I’m nonplussed as he walks me to the front door of the house.

I definitely wasn’t expecting that.

He smiles down at me as I get out my keys. I wait to see what he’ll say, but he doesn’t say anything.

For a moment, I’m sure—absolutely positive—that he’s going to kiss me.

Kissme.

And there’s no way to deny that I want him to. My heart flutters, and I sway toward him without thinking.

He clears his throat and steps back. “Well, good night.”

“Good night.” Flustered at my embarrassing misread of the situation, I open the door and go in quickly, giving him a quick wave before I close the front door.

Then I let my breath out in a gush and relive the past few moments.

Surely he didn’t know what I was thinking.

I don’t express my real feelings on my face. I never have. He won’t know I was thinking he was going to kiss me. That I wanted him to. He won’t realize I was ever that silly.

Will he?

Ugh. I try to shake off the hot rush of mortification and breathe deeply to clear my mind.

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