Page 125 of Third Time Lucky

‘My lady,’ he says, handing me one of the cocktails. ‘I tentatively named this one “The Lucy” because it’s sweet, pretty and relaxing. Tell me what you think.’

‘Really?’ I ask, loving his definition of me. I think relaxing is a good thing. ‘I didn’t see this in your email for the menus.’

‘I wanted to wait to see if you like it first.’

I take a sip and nearly go weak in the knees. Something raspberry with a lemon round setting on the top of the pinkish purple liquid. ‘That is to die for, what is it?’

‘It’s a raspberry lemon drop, and the vodka is infused with lavender.’

I take another sip, tasting every flavor. ‘Also known as heaven.’

‘Which is exactly where we’ll be disappearing to later. I’ll be back for you in a few,’ he says, sipping the drink he made for him before carrying the other two up to the rooftop.

When I see Madi, looking gorgeous in a bright blue fitted dress, practically skipping up the sidewalk, I open the restaurant door before she can even knock.

‘Welcome to Fire and Spice,’ I say as if I work there.

‘What are you?—?’

I laugh at her shock of seeing me. ‘Just helping out a friend,’ I say, hooking my elbow through hers and leading her toward the stairs to the roof.

‘Wow,’ she says, glancing around the place. ‘This is gorgeous. Can you believe they own this?’

‘Totally cool, isn’t it?’

‘Yes. How do I look?’ she asks nervously. ‘Too much boob?’

‘You know who you’re here to see, right?’ I ask with a laugh. ‘I’m sure it’s exactly the right amount of boob.’

‘I’m a little on edge,’ she says. ‘And I don’t know why, because I wanted this. Love is terrifying.’

I nod, completely agreeing. ‘We’re never truly ready to meet someone who turns our world upside down and makes us vulnerable, are we?’ I ask, using her words against her from the day she secretly set me up with Tanner.

She smirks. ‘I know. I know.’

‘Can I just tell you one thing before you see him?’

She breathes out a nervous breath. ‘As long as it’s not bad and if it is, necessary.’

‘Nothing bad. Truthfully, I think Aaron might be a diamond in the rough. And watching him set this up, I can see that he really,reallylikes you.’

With my words, she beams. ‘Luce, I love him.’

‘I know. Tanner told me and you know he’s never wrong.’

We both laugh. That was certainly something I didn’t expect.

‘Don’t be nervous, OK? He’s done a lot to make this perfect.’

‘No promises,’ she says as we reach the door to the roof. ‘What’re the chances that we – best friends – fall in love with brothers? Oh my God, we could have a double wedding!’

‘Slow down,’ I laugh. ‘Let’s savor the journey. For now—’ I twist the knob, opening the door, ‘— enjoy this…’

Her eyes widen in surprise at the sight before her – probably exactly the same way mine did when Ash first brought me up here. The flickering candlelight, the elegantly set table, and Aaron standing in his best suit with a nervous, yet hopeful, expression.

‘Ma’am.’ Ash hands her the beautifully crafted cocktail, and she smiles gratefully, her gaze moving around the scene before landing on Aaron.

He freezes in place, his eyes widening as he takes in the sight of her. Madi’s face lights up in a radiant smile as she sees Aaron standing there, a look of awe on his face. This is so stinking cute. I glance at Ash, and he’s mesmerized by them, too. Is this how we look to others? If so, I don’t hate it.

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