Page 58 of The Best Book Boyfriend
“Should I be saying sorry for that?” I laugh.
Luke reaches across the counter to give my hand a little squeeze. “No,” he grins. “They’re excellent memories.”
I’m not sure where to look while he melts butter in a frying pan. Torn between feeling awkward about eye contact and wanting to sit here with my chin in my hands, swooning like Snow White on a fresh, dewy morning.
“Now, I’ve something very important to ask you.” The backs of my ears burn. Matthew teases this way, often leading Briony into these traps where she thinks he’s going to ask one thing but goes with another. He lets me stew. “What would you like on your pancakes?”
He’s making fluffy ones that rise in the pan, just like the ones in the book. They are perfect, and I wonder if he’s been making these for years, or if he’s practised especially for tonight. Then I remember he used to be a chef, he’s probably made thousands of pancakes in his time. From the cupboard he’s pulled chocolate spread, jam, and syrup. My brain is so scrambled, I can’t remember what Briony chooses, so I opt for my personal favourite, nutella and banana.
“The best combo. Me too.” He hands me a banana and a knife to cut some slices for us both. I don’t want to play the game anymore. I just want to beme, Kara, here withhim, Luke.
“Was that the first time you’ve…” I want to know, but I don’t know why, and now I feel like a shit for asking.
“Since Heather? Yeah. I told you she’s the only person I’ve been with.”
“I know, but that was ages ago.”
“Do you think I’ve been with loads of people since then?”
“You might have been, I don’t know.” I’m defensive and I wish I hadn’t asked.
“Well, I haven’t. Not anyone.” He looks pensive, his brow tight. “What about you?”
“Since Adam? Nobody else. First time.”
“Well then, you definitely haven’t forgotten what to do with a penis,” he smirks and my cheeks burn at this second reference to our first, how did we put it,interaction. “Are you OK?”
“I’m good. Are you OK?”
“Yeah. I didn’t cry, so that’s an improvement.”
“So, who’s your Book Boyfriend this week?” he asks me when we sit down to eat. This is more like it. Like us.
“Jameson Finch. Small town mechanic destined to take over his father’s autoshop even though he dreams of running a record label.”
“Cool dream. He a good guy?”
“Sure, and he’s got this best friend, Kelli, who he’s known since kindergarten, their parents are best friends and she’s a talented pianist who’s about to go on tour with one of the biggest bands in the world all summer long.”
“Let me guess, she wants Jameson to go with her?”
“Yes! But he doesn’t want to let his dad down. Kelli is furious, they’ve had a big falling out.”
“Do they end up together?”
“I haven’t finished it yet,” I laugh. “But, I think you know the answer to that question.”
“And how’s the sex?”
“None yet. It’s a proper slow burn. I think it will all happen right at the end.”
Later, I will think of this as one of my best days ever. Just me and Luke in a post-orgasmic haze, sitting around eating pancakes after midnight and laughing about books. Soon I’ll have to go, turn back into a pumpkin and be Kara again. I don’t want to leave yet. I eat slowly, pushing my pancakes around the plate to mop up every last bit of chocolate spread.
Luke clears our plates away, and from the other side of the kitchen island he asks, “Do you want to stay over?”
Finally, I can breathe. I really don’t want to go home. “Would that be OK? I’m pretty tired.”
“Of course, the spare room is all made up for you.”
