Page 42 of The Ruse of Romancing
“I can’t believe you haven’t chatted with Mason about his art. You guys are next door neighbors. How is that even possible?” Spencer asked with clear incredulity.
“After our first few exchanges, trust me, it’s no surprise his career hasn’t come up,” I said, my first night in Oregon feeling like a distant memory after everything that had happened since.
“Well, he’s in my office right now. He just showed me an incredible batch of prints he’s working on for the store, and maybe he can tell you more about that print you were admiring.” Spencer waved for me to follow him back to the office where I’d signed a stack of books the first time we met.
When we reached the office, the door was open, but there were no bearded men in sight.
“That’s odd. He was just here,” Spencer said, looking around as if Mason was going to pop out from behind one of thebookshelves yelling “surprise.” “Maybe he stepped away and will be right back.”
Spencer’s phone dinged with a text notification. He pulled out the device and read something on his screen before giving me an apologetic shake of his head.
“Looks like he had to help his grandparents with something.”
“Well, that’s too bad,” I said, trying to sound disappointed and, while I did want to talk to Mason about his art, I also didn’t mind delaying my next run-in with my neighbor for the moment. Though I hoped his being in town meant the internet repairs were finished at the duplex. I missed being able to message people easily at any time of day, even if the social media breaks in the evening had been nice.
“You know, I’m glad you stopped by, Dani,” Spencer said, leaning against the checkout counter. “I’ve been wanting to,” here Spencer’s voice cracked as his hand slipped out from under him, causing him to topple a bit. He cleared his throat and continued, his next words coming out deeper than his usual register, “to ask you something.”
“Oh?” I asked, knowing exactly where this was going and wishing I could stop it. Spencer was nice, but he definitely wasn’t my type. Not to mention there was this whole Allen thing that I was much more interested in pursuing.
As if the universe took pity on me, my phone dinged with a text, and I gratefully dug my phone out of my pocket. I didn’t even care if it was another check-in from Avery, it was saving me from having to reject Spencer right now, for which I was grateful.
Allen:
I had a great time yesterday. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow! Would it be okay if I picked you up?
My insides did a happy dance at the words, a smile splitting my face. Spencer watched me, hope in his eyes.
“Sorry, Spencer. I need to respond to this. It’s my date for tomorrow solidifying plans.” I was maybe laying it on a little thick, but I needed Spencer to clearly understand that I wasn’t interested, and this seemed easier than rejecting him outright.
“Oh, uh, date? I didn’t know you were,” Spencer’s voice cracked again as he visibly deflated, “seeing anyone.”
I did my best to focus all my attention on my phone to give Spencer a chance to regroup. He really was a nice guy. He just wasn’t Allen.
“It’s a recent thing. I don’t know if you’d technically say we’re ‘seeing’ each other, but I’m interested in discovering where things go.”
I quickly typed out a response, agreeing to let Allen drive me and giving him my address. Usually, I didn’t let a guy pick me up until we’d been on a few dates, but there was something about Allen that I trusted.
I should probably pass his name onto Avery as a potential cover designer as well as Mason’s. Though I would like to see Allen’s artwork first, gauge his skills. And if it gave me a chance to spend more time with him, all the better.
When Allen didn’t immediately respond, I tucked my phone back into my pocket and gave Spencer my best “I just want to be friends” smile. I wasn’t sure if that smile was actually a thing, but I really hoped that was what I was conveying as I looked at him.
“So, this date, it’s with someone you met while you were in Cascade Harbor?” Spencer wouldn’t meet my eye, scuffing the toe of his shoe into the carpet as he talked.
“Yeah. It’s pretty new, but he’s also visiting the area and has been kind enough to show me some of the sights.”
“That’s great,” Spencer said, nodding like a bobble head going jeeping.
He seemed determined to look at anything besides me, as if searching the bookshelves for what he wanted to say next.
“Anyway,” he cleared his throat, “what can I help you with today?”
“I was wondering if I could write in your store for a couple of hours this afternoon? I’m not sure if the wifi is fixed at my place yet and I need a change of scenery from the bakery. Too many pastries tempting me at every turn,” I said, trying to keep my tone light. No need for Spencer to know I read every single emotion from hurt to disappointment as it flashed across his face. Dude definitely did not have a poker face. Not to mention his face was turning a shade of red that was a little concerning.
“Of course!” Spencer’s face lit up, chasing away at least a little bit of the pain I’d put there. “But only if you promise you’ll come do an official signing here after your next book releases. You could tell people you wrote part of the book in the store.”
It wasn’t a bad idea. Spencer might not have a poker face, but he was definitely a savvy businessman.
“I’ll see what I can do, but I’ll have to convince my publisher. Thankfully, one of the owners is my sister, so I think I can persuade her,” I said, looking around the shop trying to locate an armchair that would suit my needs.
