Page 51 of Third Time Lucky

‘That it is,’ he says with understanding.

It’s strange how easily we fall into conversation after being practically strangers just days ago. Now, we’re spilling secrets, eager to spend more time together, and date with our friends, while we linger unnecessarily on Mitzi’s front walk under the stars like teenagers dabbling with the rules on curfew.

‘Well, here’s to better times ahead, minus the drama and heartbreak of our past,’ I add, raising an imaginary glass between us.

Ash mirrors my gesture, clinking his invisible glass against mine. ‘To drama-free adventures with a new old friend.’

‘New old friend,’ I repeat as I walk the half-dozen steps up Mitzi’s porch toward the front door. ‘I like that.’

‘I’ll see you tomorrow?’

‘Absolutely,’ I reply. ‘Nothing can make me miss another dinner you create. And that’s a promise. I’m officially your biggest fan.’

He’s got his hands in his pants’ pockets, and he’s standing at the bottom of the stairs, smiling up at me like— well, like Ash.

I turn and slide my key into the front doorknob.

‘Lucy—’

I leave my key in the door and turn back. My heart races as his smoldering gaze bores into me. Every nerve in my body is on edge.

‘Yeah?’

‘Use my numberanytime,’ he says, his voice is low and tempting.

Jesus, I want to call him right now just to hear that voice again, and he’s standing right in front of me. My mind is reeling, trying to process his words, tones and face. I’ve never seen him look at me like this before. I bite my lip, attempting to stop the rush of desire. But, I can’t resist playing along.

‘Right back at ya,’ I say, my tone laced with equal parts flirtation and challenge.

Ash nods, the smile on his face undeniable; he’s leaving here as happy as I am.

Once he’s safely in his car and pulling out of Mitzi’s driveway with a honk, I unlock the door and enter the house, leaning against the front door while my heart slows from nearing cardiac arrest.

Well, that felt like a date. Not at first. But, just now. And I didn’t hate it. This double dating thing might be something special going by what I feel right now.

14

LUCY

I close my bedroom door, emotions fluttering inside me like a swarm of fireflies. Do I truly feel something for Asher Wright? Is that allowed given our situation? Is there a book I can buy to help?

After I’ve undressed and crawled into bed, my phone dings on the nightstand. I grab it seeing Madi’s familiar face light up the screen as she calls me on FaceTime, her delicate features framed by a soft glow. I half-expected her to be wrapped up in bliss and covered in frosting right now.

‘Hello…’

‘What’s the news?’ she asks eagerly, clearly fishing for some juicy gossip.

‘No news, he drove me home. It was fun,’ I reply, my words feeling like a betrayal to the tangled feelings inside. ‘And we got to meet Audrina Leighton!’

‘I know, she’s amazing. We had fun too. I just wanted to call and check in… you know, make sure everything went alright after you left?’

‘Why wouldn’t things go right?’

‘Luce,’ Madi’s tone shifts to serious as she says my name, ‘he knows.’

‘Who knows what?’

‘Asher. He knows what you said. About you thinking he’s hot.’

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