Page 117 of Romancing the Grump
But something about the way his blue eyes sparkled when he kissed me that last time—he’s definitely up to something.
I might suspect a proposal, but it’s only been eight months. That’s too soon for a proposal, isn’t it?
Even just the possibility sends a wave of hopeful anticipation washing over me. I would really,reallylove it if Nathan were to propose.
I lick the sugar from the third donut off my fingers as I climb Nathan’s porch steps. He beat me here because I drive like a normal person and he drives like he is five minutes late to his entire life, but he left the front door open, so I let myself inside, closing it behind me.
Nathan must be in the kitchen fixing the food because I don’t see him, but Idosee a vase of lilies sitting on the coffee table.
Lilies.My favorite.
I sit down on the chair opposite the couch, my purse still looped over my shoulder, and will my heart to slow.
Something isdefinitelyhappening.
Just breathe, Summer.
I’m still sitting there, stone-still, when Nathan comes out of the kitchen, a dish towel thrown over his shoulder. “You ready to eat?” he asks, looking over at me.
I shake my head no, and he moves over, sitting on the coffee table in front of me so he’s close. “What’s going on?”
I swallow against the knot in my throat. “You promised you would answer my questions.”
“I did.”
“Can I ask them right now?”
He chuckles. “I would expect nothing less.”
This man really does know me so well. “Why did you bring me donuts and pick up my favorite dinner and also put lilies on your coffee table?” I blurt out.
“Because I love you,” he says without even flinching.
I bite my lip, both loving his answer and also finding it completely unsatisfying. “Is that the only reason?”
He holds my gaze for a long moment before his lips lift into one of those rare, beautiful smiles I’ve come to love so much. “It is…notthe only reason. I have something to ask you, and I thought it might help to remind you how much I love you before I ask.”
I close my eyes and take a stuttering breath. “Something to ask me?”
He reaches over and takes my hands, holding them in his. “Do you want me to ask right now?”
I barely manage a nod for all the energy coursing through me.
“So, I told you about my college roommate, Jordan, right?” Nathan says.
I lift my eyebrows, then clear my throat. That isnotwhat I was expecting him to say. “The Catan-playing wizard?”
Nathan nods. “Turns out, he’s getting married in December. Normally, I wouldn’t make such a big deal about this, but the wedding is on Christmas Eve. I know how important your family is to you, so I know it’s a lot to ask, but would you be willing to be my date?”
Hope fizzles in my chest, but I do my best to rally. It was only my silly expectations that turned this into something it wasn’t. I can’t blame that on Nathan. “Of course I’ll be yourdate,” I say, giving his hands a quick squeeze. “I would love to.”
“It’s possible the wedding will beLord of the Ringsthemed,” he says. “And I will not be surprised if we’re required to wear costumes while in attendance.”
My eyes widen the slightest bit, but I shouldn’t be surprised. From what I’ve learned about Jordan, this feels entirely on brand. “I’m not opposed, but only if you dress up as Aragorn and not Gimli.”
Nathan grins. “And here I was really hoping for an excuse to grow out my beard.”
I roll my eyes and stand up, wanting a second to recenter my thoughts before we eat.
