Page 57 of The Ruse of Romancing
But glancing up at Davie’s face, I caught a disappointed, knowing look that made me think I hadn’t been as careful as I’d thought. While I knew Davie wouldn’t say anything, I left the barbershop feeling unsettled and determined. I would tell Dani the truth tonight, no matter what. She had the right to know, even if it meant she ended this fledgling romance between us.
As I walked to my car after my shave, I heard my name and turned to see Spencer running my way from the bookstore.
“I was going to call you, but I’m glad to catch you in person. I just scheduled a major children’s author for a signing at Seabreeze Reads because her original venue fell through, and I’d like to get your designs printed and hung before she comes later this month. What would you think about upping the timeline on those art prints? I’ll pay extra, of course.”
I smacked my forehead. I’d been so lost in design ideas for Dani’s covers that I’d almost forgotten about Spencer’s commission.
“I’ve been crazy busy with another project, but I’m hoping to work on this the next couple of days. I’ll be staying out at my grandparents’ with minimal distractions.” I hedged. I would be at my grandparents’, but the distractions would be anything but minimal, for better or worse depending on Dani’s reaction.
Spencer studied me over his glasses for a moment, his forehead creased in concentration.
“You seem different lately,” Spencer said, tapping a finger on his chin. “I can’t figure out why though.”
I ran my hand through my hair. “I mean, the haircut happened over a week ago but I’m still getting used to it.”
Spencer shook his head. “That’s not it. It’s almost like you got a big promotion, which doesn’t really work when you’re self-employed. Or like you got a girlf—” He broke off, staring at me, eyes wide.
“You’ve got a girlfriend, don’t you? I haven’t seen you around town with a different girl every day. In fact, I’ve hardly seen you around town at all.” His words came out in a rush, and he began pacing, waving his hands around as he talked. “The last time I saw you was in Portland with that—”
He stopped and turned to look at me, his face frozen in a look of horror so comical I’d likely be using it for inspiration in future projects.
“Please tell me it’s not...” Here he trailed off, seeming unsure how to finish his sentence.
Taking pity on him, I clapped a hand on his shoulder.
“No, I’m not dating Eustasia from Portland. We didnotsuit.” He didn’t need to know that we didn’t suit because we never actually met.
“Oh good.” His shoulders slumped in obvious relief. “So, who’s the girl then?”
I bit my lip, wanting to tell him but needing to come clean to Dani before sharing my feelings with anyone else.
“She’s not exactly my girlfriend, though I have been seeing someone and there’s interest there. Let’s just say she’s a tourist, but there’s something different about this one,” I said, my voice full of hope as I thought about Dani’s heart, courage, kindness, and humor. Things I would have never learned if I hadn’t let down my guard to get to know her as a friend, something that had quickly shifted into more almost without me noticing.
“Really? Mason Stuart breaking all the rules.” Spencer clapped a hand on my arm before turning to head back to his store. “I’m happy for you, man. Just don’t let that woman distract you too much. I need that commissionsoon.”
Spencer disappeared into his store, and I walked to my car, praying that Spencer’s excitement wasn’t misplaced and that I really could make a relationship with a tourist—with Dani—work.
Chapter 31
Mason
Myfingerswereintertwinedwith Dani’s where they sat on the center console as we drove along the coast to my grandparents’ house, my thumb occasionally flicking over the stone beads of her bracelet. As we drove, she talked through her book, her enthusiasm apparent as she gushed about the scene she’d written earlier and how it would tie into the ending.
“Give me a day, two max, and I’ll have a finished draft,” she said.
“That’s amazing,” I said, lifting her hand and quickly pressing a kiss to the back. “We’ll have to celebrate.”
She threw me a beaming smile, returning to her book talk. I could listen to her discuss her novel forever, falling a bit more in love with her with each word as her passion and excitement shone through.
We stopped along the way to pick up takeout for dinner, ensuring there would be no distractions or excuses for me not to talk to her tonight. I was done giving myself outs.
“I’m still getting used to how beautiful it is out here. One second, I’m soaking up all the forests and greenery and the next it’s beaches and ocean views.” She gave a dreamy sigh as she looked out her window after our dinner stop.
“It’s part of why I love it here so much. You get a bit of everything: forests, mountains, beaches. Really, there’s nowhere like it.”
“So why do you live in Idaho?” She asked, turning to face me, her head tilted to the side in curiosity.
I’d almost forgotten the lie I’d told her about being from Rexburg.
