Page 25 of The Best Book Boyfriend
“What kind of things?” He’s sitting back in his chair, head tilted just ever so slightly, and I have the urge to climb into his lap.
“It’s hard to explain. There are just some books where the guy really does it for me more than others. They have a good vibe, they’re caring, open and honest, enthusiastic when it comes to... you know.”
“No, I don’t know.” He shakes his head slowly and bites the side of his lip, trying not to smile.
“Sex.” I cough awkwardly to clear my throat. “Generally, I find that nice, kind men who turn feral are my weakness. In books. They’re the ones who make the cut. Bonus points if they have a way with words.”
I know Luke is nice, and I know he is kind, but now all I can do is wonder if he has a feral side.
“Duly noted.”Is he flirting with me? What does that mean?“Is Anders on this list?”
Anders Pinewood is the hero fromUp In The Air, a book I recommended when I saw him last week. He’s a pilot who flies private jets all over the world, sleeping with his famous and wealthy clients but always pining for the best friend he never gets home to see. I didn’t know Luke had started it yet.
“Oh Anders Pinewood isdefinitelyon this list.”
“I just finished it this afternoon. What a life that man lived,” he chuckles knowingly, and I wonder which scene he’s thinking about. “Hey, you lied to me.”
“What?” My face burns. “What have I lied about?”
“You said you weren’t reading porn in my cafe and everything you’ve sent me so far has been extremely dirty, Kara.”
“Oh wow,” I laugh, somehow relieved and mortified all at once. “OK, I didn’t realise you were a prude. I’ll tone it down with my next recommendations.”
“Oh no, please don’t. I’m rather enjoying them.” What does he mean he’s enjoyingthem? Is heenjoyingthem the way Ienjoyromance novels? Late at night with my hand for company? My thighs instinctively press together and I stop breathing for a moment. “So, tell me a bit more about what you do when you’re not working or reading?”
I’m grateful for a reprieve from what I am now certain is flirting. If this isn’t flirting, God help me if someone ever does flirt with me. I will just combust on the spot. “Not a lot, to be honest. Mine is one of those jobs where I’m always coming up with ideas for my clients or looking for inspiration. I don’t exactly clock off at five and stop thinking about it. Maybe you’re the same with Sunshine?”
“Yes, definitely. Even if I’m not there, it’s on my mind, but that’s a good thing because it keeps me from getting in my head too much.”
“That’s what reading does for me. It’s my favourite way to distract myself and unwind. And then, I’ve got two best friends who I see a lot.”
“Local?”
“Yep. Hattie and Megan. We’ve known each other since secondary school and they share a flat in that building above the supermarket.”
“I know the place. That’s lovely that you’ve been friends for so long.”
“Yeah, and they’re brilliant. I don’t know what I’d do without them. They come and stay over on Friday nights, and then we take a lot of day trips to places depending on where the mood takes us.”
“Well, I look forward to meeting them sometime.”
“I think you already have, actually.” I don’t catch myself in time.
“I have?”
“Well, I mean,”oh no, what are you saying Kara.“They’ve been to Sunshine. I told them about it and they’ve been in for coffee. I think.”
“Oh, so you’ve talked to your friends about me?” He raises his eyebrows and I lose the ability to speak entirely.No. Yes. You’re so hot. I don’t know.What even are words? Did my stomach just fall out of my bum?
“I, er, might have mentioned you once, maybe.”
“I’m just teasing.”I love it. Please tease me every day for the rest of my life.“Are you ready for dessert?”
“Yes, please.”
“And a top up?” I nod my approval, and he busies himself in the kitchen. I’ve left my phone in my bag, but I wish I had it here so I could send a thousand screaming emojis to the girls. Instead, I take a few deep breaths and try not to look like my brain is on fire.
Luke returns carrying two little dishes, each with a chocolate brownie and a spoonful of vanilla ice-cream. We dig right in. This is the nicest dinner I’ve had in ages. Nicest evening I’ve had in ages, and I’m so glad it’s with him.
