Page 48 of The Last Love Story
Falling for him might be a risk, but not falling for him seems like an impossibility.
“CanI guess who Evvie ends up with?”
“No. No spoilers. But I guess… you can read book eight.”
His eyes light up. “Really?”
“Yes. I’d love to be able to talk about it with you, but I want to see your reaction as you read it first. Unspoiled.”
“Scouts honor. I won’t read ahead.”
We’re still sitting at the kitchen table, though our plates and mugs are empty. We’ve just been talking. Not about anything big, but lots of little things. An easy conversation.
“I like the idea of having someone to talk about it all with. I mean, I have Zoey and Trish, but it’s different. You’re… here. God, that sounds so stupid.”
He reaches across the table and rests his hand over mine, and there’s that tingly feeling again. Like sparks bursting out of my hand and dancing up my arm.
“It doesn’t sound stupid. You want someone to share your art with in a personal way. Not because of the art itself, but because of how it makes you feel.”
I stare at him because that’s all I can do. He’s exactly right.
I don’t want to share it with him as an author to another author or reader. I want to share it with him as my partner.
On paper, that’s what we are, but in reality… I have no idea what we’re doing.
But with his hand on mine and his eyes filled with tenderness, it’s hard not to see flashes of what wecouldbe.
Justin turnsoff the TV after our episode ofOnce Upon a Time.
We watchedThe Mandalorianfirst, and I’m really enjoying it so far. It’s got just enough of the classicStar Warsvibes I like while still being its own interesting, unique story.
“What do you think so far?”
“When do Snow and Charming find each other again? When does the curse get broken? Who hurt Regina? I need to know all the things.”
I give him a sweet smile. “Sorry. My no spoilers rule extends beyond my books.”
He groans. “Fine. But next rainy day, I foresee a binge watch.”
“I won’t complain.”
“Hopefully not too soon though. I want to enjoy that park more. It’s beautiful.”
“It is.” We went for a walk around it today, then drove around the tiny town portion of Woods Junction. “On the far side of the park, there are a few more walking trails. And the other end actually has a little path that connects it to the main part of town.”
“That’s would be cool. I’d love to explore the town more. Really get to know it.”
“Do you like it so far?”
I don’t know why I’m desperate for the answer to be yes. He was planning to move to Ida, and when all is said and done, that’s probably where he’ll end up.
“Yeah, I do. The coffee and bookstore you took me to was cute, and the people were friendly. I want to go full Gilmore Girls and immerse myself in the town, though. Go for a walk, chat with people, maybe stop by that tiny diner.”
“We could go there for breakfast tomorrow. The walking path leads right there.”
“That would be awesome.”
I smile at him, but it quickly turns into a yawn.
