Page 124 of Third Time Lucky

Ash squeezes his fingers together. ‘So close,’ he chuckles. ‘You realize you’ll have to one day top all this.’

‘What? Why?’ he asks, panic on his face.

‘Because you’re setting the bar high, my friend.’

He looks at me, with sympathy. ‘He didn’t buy you jewelry yet, did he?’

I lift a shoulder. ‘He wrote me a love note. It’s good as gold, trust me.’

‘Pffft. Loser,’ he teases his brother.

As we make our way up to the rooftop to set up, I can’t help but feel a rush of excitement for Aaron and Madi. Our first real date was up here, and I’m never going to forget a second of it.

The city lights twinkle below us as Ash and I work together to set the table. A gentle evening breeze tousles my hair as I attempt to light the candles, finally getting them lit, creating a romantic ambiance under the starlit sky.

Ash’s fingers brush against mine as we arrange the wine glasses, sending a jolt of electricity through me. I glance at him and catch his eye, a soft smile on his lips.

‘Is it wrong that I’m more excited to leave here with you than help them?’ he asks.

‘If it is, we’re both headed to the lake of fire because I’m feeling it too.’

‘Even the lake of fire would be a good time with you,’ he says.

‘It’s the company, not the location,’ I say, repeating something Mitzi once said.

‘Exactly.’

Once everything is set up to perfection, Ash steps back with a satisfied grin.

‘I think we nailed it,’ he says, glancing over at me.

I nod in agreement, feeling warm in my chest, knowing that we’ve helped create something special for our friends. ‘Reminds me of our date up here,’ I say, feeling like it was years ago because so much has happened since.

Just then, the door to the roof creaks open, and Aaron steps out, looking transformed in his sleek black suit. His eyes light up as he takes in the scene before him.

‘Well, well, well,’ Ash says with an approving nod. ‘Look at you. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this way before.’

‘Right back at ya, bud.’ Aaron nods, a mischievous smile spreading across his face. ‘Looking pretty dapper, aren’t I?’ he chuckles.

‘Hell, yeah,’ Ash says.

And I guess that’s how men compliment one another.

‘When will she be here?’ I ask.

‘Any minute,’ he says nervously. ‘After we’re settled, I expect you both to disappear,’ he instructs, pointing toward the door. ‘Exit the whole building.’

‘That won’t be a problem,’ Ash says, grinning my way.

‘I’m sure we’ll be able to findsomethingto do,’ I tease, my gaze on the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.

‘Enough of the lovesick bedroom eyes,’ Aaron says, straightening up the gift on Madi’s plate. ‘Lucy, you wait for her downstairs and bring her up when she gets here. I’ve plated the food; all you’ll need to do is bring it up. Ash, make two drinks, something fancy and pretty for her and a double on ice for me, whatever you choose.’

He’s planned this out like he might have heavy feelings for her, and I love every second of it. Madi is going to be thrilled he’s gone to this much effort to prove he’s not just into her naked.

‘Consider it done,’ Ash says as if he’s Aaron’s butler.

The two of us return downstairs, and I hover by the front door, awaiting my best friend. I watch Ash mix a couple of cocktails, shaking them skillfully to prove he has mastered the bartender field, because he knows I’m watching, and it’s totally hot, then he expertly pours them into pretty glasses before making two more, presumably one for him and another for Aaron.

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