Page 34 of All You Need Is Love

Chapter 7

“So if Marshall means something to you, if you think there could be more between you, then ask him for the truth. All of it. And then decide what to do.”

Shannon couldn’t get Jenna’s words out of her brain—nor the fact that she was about to have ample opportunity to find out the truth if she wanted to.

But did she? Wasn’t it better to let Marshall go? After all, he was still here in town, pretending to be Quinn’s boyfriend a day after he’d told Shannon the truth. He must assume she wasn’t going to tell anyone, figured he could continue getting away with it so he could … what?

Why was he doing this?

“Argh.” She pounded her fist against the arm of her couch. Lucky’s head popped up from his place on the rug in front of the entertainment center.

Shannon sighed. “Sorry, boy. I’m just frustrated.”

The doorbell rang. Lucky barked and looked at her.

“And scared. I’m scared, Luck.” She stayed frozen to her spot, no internal pep talks working to get her up and to the door.

When it rang again a minute later, Lucky jumped to his feet and ran down the stairs.

You can do this. It’s just a final planning session.

Right. She didn’t have to ask Marshall anything she didn’t want to. They’d keep it strictly business.

Shannon heaved herself to her feet and trudged down the stairs. Nudging Lucky aside, she smoothed her shirt and opened the door.

Marshall stood there with a bouquet of purple daisies. “Hey, Shannon.”

How did the man look so achingly handsome in khaki shorts, brown leather sandals, and a red polo shirt?

Strictly business. Yeah, right.

“Hi.” Shannon tucked a loose piece of hair behind her ear, then stepped aside. “Come on in.”

“These are for you.”

“Thank you.” She took the flowers he extended and couldn’t help lifting them to her nose, inhaling the sweet scent.

“I know we need to review everything for the picnic tomorrow night, but do you think we could talk first?”

No. “Okay.” After shutting the door, she led him up the stairs, Lucky at her heels.

At the top of the steps, Marshall allowed his gaze to roam the living room. “Wow, your place is great.” He absently patted the dog’s head. “It’s so … you.”

“Thanks.” Trying to ignore the swelling of her chest at the compliment, Shannon laid the flowers on the kitchen counter. “What did you want to talk about?”

“Yesterday. Everything. I need to explain.”

Nodding, she glanced up into his chocolate eyes. Nope, she couldn’t have this conversation. Not face-to-face anyway. “Would you like to help me make salsa for the competition tonight while we talk?”

“Sure. Put me to work.”

Flitting about the kitchen, she gathered the vegetables they’d need then placed a wooden cutting board, knife, and red onion in front of him. “Chop about a fourth of this.”

“Will do.”

As Marshall washed and dried his hands, Shannon set herself up with some tomatoes. They both started chopping, the thwack of the knives against wood falling into a steady rhythm.

“I want to apologize again for lying to you.”

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