Page 90 of Mended Hearts

“You love it,” he countered, and it was rude how good he looked.

“So, this is why your reputation precedes you.”

“Nobody else got an emotional support avocado,” he promised, arching a brow.

“You’re like melty Chicago-style pizza kinda cheesy,” I cackled, rushing to put the flowers in a vase and proudly setting my guacward avocado on the counter beside them.

“Andyou’rebreathtaking,” he said, pressing a hand against the small of my back. When I turned to face him, he’d already closed the distance, fingers raking through my hair as his lips found mine. “Come on, Trouble.”

14

Somebody to Love

LEIGHTON

“Oliver Hart, so help me, if you don’t give me some kind of explanation, you will have to drag my carcass out of this car, because there is no good reason on God’s green earth for us to be in a fucking alleyway right now and?—”

“Inhale. Good girl.” He smirked as I sucked down an obligatory breath, having just expelled the longest sentence known to man in one go. And why did that phrase make my toes curl? Ollie was leaning in the open door of the nondescript black SUV. A man named Arthur had driven us the long way into the city before parking between two buildings that were far too close together to be code compliant. The Harts used these cars when they didn’t want to be easily recognized—I knew that. But why were we sneaking through a dank alley? Was hetryingto get mugged?

“Stop analyzing and just let me have some fun.”

My eyes narrowed to slits, which only earned a full-belly laugh and a more insistently extended hand.

Shaking my head—and failing to fully suppress my smile—I slid my palm into his. He helped me out and gave me a twirl, like he needed to see me in motion. The move made something in my chest swell with pride I didn’t know I needed. There was something ridiculously wonderful about being this man’s prize. His answering smile was blinding, a beat before he pressed a chaste kiss to my forehead.

Frankly, chaste was not my current vibe.

The man was delectable, and the fact that he’d clearly put effort into this when pizza on the couch would’ve thrilled me gave me the absurd urge to climb him like a koala right here in the alley.Sorry, Arthur.

Instead, I had to pretend to be civilized as Ollie directed me forward down the grimy asphalt, his hand warm at the small of my back. Arthur swept open a metal door with a groan, motioning us inside, and I nodded slowly, curiosity eating me alive.

“This is a slasher film,” I muttered as I stepped into nothing but darkness. “My siblings have me on a tracking app,” I called out. “You’ll never get away with it.”

“Shut up, Trouble,” he teased.

God, the things I would do to hear the smile in this man’s voice.

“There’s always a slip-up. DNA under the fingernails. You’ll miss something.”

“I said shut up. Just let it happen.”

“Ollie, it’s black as pitch.”

“Almost like that’s the point or something.”

“Can you just tell me what we’re doing?” I demanded as he pushed me forward step by step. Okay, “pushed” might’ve been an exaggeration, but I did not care for the total lack of visibility. Only the faint light from a distant streetlamp cut the gloom. Another dozen paces in, he halted me with a gentle grip on my shoulders. He cleared his throat, turned me to face him—and then clapped his hands loudly twice.

I yelped, then burst into laughter.

That laughter died the moment blinding lights flicked on and revealed thetheater.

But not just any theater.

This space was magnificent. My head tilted back on instinct as I gaped up at the elaborate burgundy, blue, and gold ceiling—intricate little details carved into every inch. Crystal chandeliers glowed warmly, twinkling as they caught the light. Whirling, I took in the art deco archways, swathed in draped maroon fabric, and the intricately framed stage at the far end. Art adorned every corner—down to the gold swirls etched into the bases of the plush velvet seats. It was old Hollywood personified. I could practically see the who’s-who of the 1950s drifting through in tuxedos and gowns. He’d taken me back in time.

“Ollie,” I breathed.

Empty. The place was completely empty—except for four smiling employees standing at the top of the red carpeted aisle.

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