Page 55 of The Ruse of Romancing
“Hey, Dani,” I asked slowly as she pressed play on the movie and the story in front of us continued to play out. I entwined my fingers with hers, needing all of the physical contact I could get. “How would you feel about an adventure away from Cascade Harbor?”
“Like to Portland?” She asked, her eyebrows pinched together. “Because we definitely already did that.”
“I was thinking a bit closer than Portland, like my grandparent’s place. They’re out of town for a few days, and I need to stay close to keep an eye on things. But I don’t want to spend time away from you.”
Her face softened at the invitation.
“I don’t know. That seems kind of fast.”
“We’ll have separate rooms, and if you want to come back early, I’ll drive you home. I promise. Please, Dani?”
She hesitated a moment longer before nodding.
“Okay, but only if you’re the one who calls Avery and breaks the news to her. I’m not telling her I’m skipping another writing day. I’ll probably have to kick you out right after the movie to make up for the lost writing time.”
I relaxed back into the couch, content to finish the movie now that I had a plan to tell Dani the truth. As the final credits played, she gave a contented sigh.
“There’s just something about that movie that makes me happy,” she said. “The costuming, chemistry, humor, it’s all just so good!”
“Just forget about the parts that don’t translate well to our current moment,” I said, a couple of scenes in particular coming to mind.
“Hey now, don’t be bashing on my favorite movie!” Dani straightened and grabbed a throw pillow, playfully whacking me with it.
“I’m not bashing it. I’m just observing that not all aspects of cinema age the same.” I grabbed the pillow, preventing her from hitting me with it again. “The same could be said for most creative endeavors. Things change so fast in the design world that I cringe when I look back on some of my earlier stuff.”
She settled back into my side, looking up at me. “Well, if they’re anything like the sketches you showed me on the beach, I bet they’re still wonderful.”
“You’re a bit biased,” I said, tapping her nose. “But I appreciate the sentiment.”
“I’m not biased. Though, I haven’t seen much of your work, so I can’t really speak to your full skill level. When are you going to show me more? I’d love to see some cover concepts, give me something to pass onto Avery for consideration.”
Her question had my conscience twinging, thinking back to the goal that had started this whole deception. As my feelings for Dani had grown, I’d been hesitant to show her my work for fear it would just make things worse when the truth came out.
“I’ll show you soon. I promise.” Just as soon as I told her the truth and could ensure she wouldn’t hate me for the rest of my life.
When I first started designing, chasing this crazy dream of supporting myself with my art, I’d thought there was nothing I wouldn’t do or give to succeed. Now, if succeeding meant losing Dani, I wasn’t willing to pay the cost. I just hoped I could help her see that.
Chapter 29
Dani
IsteppedintoSugarand Sea and was immediately greeted by the amazing smells of baking bread and cinnamon. I’d arrived a bit earlier than usual, determined to get a good breakfast and at least a little bit of writing done before it was time to leave for Allen’s grandparents’ house.
While Allen had called Avery and warned her I wouldn’t get much writing in today, I was so close to being done that I couldn’t not work on the story some. This was the fastest I’d ever written a book, the words flowing at a rate I’d never seen or experienced before. There was something magic about Oregon that had unlocked this story filled with love and magic, and I couldn’t wait to see how it ended.
“Don’t you look chipper,” Joane said as I reached the cash register. Today her shirt was a vibrant purple with white polka dots. It made me feel shabby for wearing a plain blue t-shirt accessorized by Allen’s jacket, which I’d yet to return after the mishap with my Doris Day dress.
“It’s a good day! What can I say?” I didn’t even try to hide the smile that filled my face as I thought about how I’d be spending most of the day with Allen.
I gave Joane my order but waited by the cash register for her to fulfill it instead of going to my table. There was no one behind me in line, and I was in the mood to chat. I’d already texted her about my sourdough debacle the night before, but I wanted to catch up for a bit. We hadn’t been able to talk as much the last few days with writing filling my days and Allen occupying my nights.
“Are you still seeing that tourist?” Joane asked, handing me my coffee and a small brown paper bag containing pastries.
“Yes, and he’s still wonderful,” I said, thinking about our upcoming adventure today, and how we’d snuggled while watchingPillow Talklast night.
“I’m glad you’ve found love on the Oregon coast, though I do wish you’d fallen for one of our locals. I want you to come back and become a permanent resident,” Joane said as another customer walked into the shop.
“I don’t know that I’m quite ready to relocate for a man,” I told Joane, and I started walking to my usual table to squeeze in some writing. Allen would be picking me up from the duplex in a couple of hours, giving me plenty of time to work. “Though I wouldn’t say never either. I’m trying to stay open to the possibilities.” A part of me still worried that Allen and I wouldn’t be able to make a long-distance relationship work, but for Allen I was willing to give it a try.
