Page 123 of Third Time Lucky

‘Everything has to be perfect,’ he declares, his eyes scanning us up and down before giving a nod of approval.

‘Whoa, you guys really did talk. I think helikelikes her,’ I say, glancing at Ash, who nods.

To my knowledge, not a single man on the planet has gone to this type of effort for Madi, so I know without a doubt this is going to be a night she’ll never forget. Maybe I prefer Ash over Aaron, but for her, he is perfect.

He grabs something from the counter and throws it in my direction.

Ash catches it in one hand before it smacks me in the face, considering I didn’t even get a heads-up.

‘It’s an apron. Wear it,’ he orders.

‘Over this?’ I gesture proudly to my dress.

‘Ask her nicer,’ Ash tosses the apron back at him, whacking him unexpectedly upside the head.

He stops stirring whatever he’s got in that bowl and looks at us with a forced smile.

‘Please could you wear this, so you’ll look like a waitress and not just the guest-of-honor’s friend?’

He tosses it back our way and Ash grabs it out of mid-air again. ‘That’s better,’ he says, leaning in close as he hands it to me. ‘I’ve always wanted to strip an apron off a woman.’

My heart races at his words as I eagerly tie on the apron like it’s the most valuable thing in the world. ‘Then obviously that’s happening later.’

He nods, shooting me a wink as if he approves.

‘What can I help with?’ Ash offers, finally offering his brother help, removing his jacket and hanging it on the back of the office chair.

A garment bag hangs on the door, most likely containing Aaron’s outfit for the evening.

‘The two of you can set the table for two on the roof. Light the candles. Set the mood. Maybe some soft music – the eighties are my decade. And here put the gift I bought her on her plate.’

Again, he attempts to launch an item my way, but Ash grabs it first.

‘Are we really in a toss-shit-around sort of hurry?’ he asks.

‘I’m nervous, I’m sorry. I’ve nevertriedto be romantic,’ Aaron says with guilt plastered on his face.

He bought her a gift?

‘If it’s any help, I know Madi pretty well, she’s going to love this, I promise.’ I take the box from Asher. ‘What did you buy her?’ I ask, thrilled for Madi that he’s going all out.

‘A gift, flowers, wine and these bourbon balls she goes on and on about…’ He points a finger in the direction of each item.

He’d have had her going steady with just the wine and bourbon balls.

‘Well, this is a jewelry box,’ I say, glancing at Ash, wondering what kind of talk these two had to motivate all this.

I lift the lid, and nestled on a velvet cushion is a delicate necklace with a glistening sapphire – her birthstone. It catches the light and shimmers as I admire it.

Aaron’s eyes soften as he gazes at the piece, over my shoulder, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

‘Aaron, this is beautiful,’ I exclaim. ‘She will adore it.’

‘You think so?’ he asks, sounding uncertain. ‘Is it too soon for jewelry?’

I shake my head. ‘Darling, it’s never too soon for jewelry,’ I say as if I’m Mitzi. It’s just something she would say. ‘And you’ll be the first to ever go this route. That’ll be big for her.’

‘I am fucking good!’ he exclaims, pumping his fist in the air. ‘Damn, I’ve got a real talent for this romance shit.’

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