Page 34 of The Icing on the Cake
“I know,” she says a little smugly, taking another sip of her drink. “So, what do you say?”
I roll my glass between my palms slightly, considering what it might be like to go with Lucian to our local fall festival, which has always been one of my favorite autumn activities. The whole town transforms into a harvest wonderland, with twinkling lights strung between the trees and the scent of cinnamon and apple cider filling the crisp air. There are booths selling everything from pumpkin bread to maple syrup, and a hayride that winds through the countryside, showing off all the fall foliage in its blazing glory.
It’s the kind of event where couples hold hands while walking between booths, sharing caramel apples, and stealing kisses behind the pumpkin display when they think no one’s looking. In other words, it’s basically designed for romance. Which makes it either the perfect setting for a practice date, or the most dangerous place I could possibly go with a man I’m trying not to fall for.
Maybe I do need to remember what it’s like to have fun. To just…live a little. I’ve been so focused on work, trying to get away from my grief and a relationship that nearly broke me, that I haven’t even tried to live. I’ve just been existing. And existing isn’t enough anymore. Mom would want so much more for me, and this is the gentle nudge I need.
“I’ll consider it on one condition,” I say finally.
She sets down her glass on my coffee table. “Name it.”
“If it’s weird or uncomfortable, I can bail. No questions asked.”
“I’ll bet Lucian could live with that,” she says. “And think of it this way—if it goes badly, you’ll have the best story to tell at girls’ night for the next decade.”
“And if it goes well?” I ask.
“Then you text me immediately with all the details, and weplan practice date number two.” She grins at me before getting up from the couch, taking her glass to the sink.
“Wait, I never agreed to more than one date,” I protest.
“I know,” she says. “But you know what they say—practice makes perfect.” Emmy heads toward the door, then pauses with her hand on the doorknob. “Promise me you’ll text him tonight? The Maple Fest is once a year. Don’t overthink it to death after I leave or you’ll have to wait another year for it to come around.”
“Fine,” I sigh. “But remember our deal—I can bail anytime.”
She opens the door, then looks back one last time. “Give your neighbor a chance, Neesha. He might surprise you.” She gives me a look that says it’s already decided, before the door closes softly.
That’s exactly what I’m afraid of.
As soon as she’s gone, I walk to the window that faces Lucian’s house, excitement and worry tangling in my stomach like a ball of twine. From the window, I can see him lifting weights in the living room where he set up a workout space in the corner. His shirt is off, showing off the ridges of the muscles down his back.
I pull out my phone and stare at Lucian’s contact information for a full five seconds before typing out a message.
Neesha
Heard you might need a tour guide for your first Maple Festival? If you’re still interested in that practice date thing, I could show you around.
My finger hovers over the message for a second before I hit send. Even though I know I shouldn’t be watching, my eyes drift to the window. He must get a notification on his watch, because he immediately puts down his weights.
Lucian
Maple Fest is perfect. Pick you up at 4?
He rubs the back of his neck and his shoulder flexes. I almostfeel guilty spying on him while he’s completely oblivious, but not guilty enough to look away.
Neesha
I’ll meet you there. I enjoy walking.
Despite secretly looking forward to this, I can’t let him pick me up like a real date. That makes it too official.
Lucian
Then I’ll walk WITH you. That’s what gentlemen do, even when stubborn neighbors try to argue.
A soft laugh escapes me. He’s really going to walk all that way just for me?
Neesha
