Page 35 of The Icing on the Cake

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Really not necessary. I’m perfectly capable of getting there myself.

Lucian

But then I’d miss out on your company. Plus, what if you run into trouble? Not that you need rescuing, but just in case

Neesha

Fine. But there’s one rule for this practice date.

Lucian

What’s that?

Neesha

Either of us can bail at any point. No questions asked.

Lucian

An escape clause?

Neesha

Exactly.

Lucian

Okay, but you won’t need it. This is going to be the best practice date you’ve ever had.

Neesha

It’ll be the ONLY practice date I’ve ever had.

Lucian

Then I better make it count. Is trying to make you smile allowed?

Neesha

I suppose that’s acceptable.

Lucian

Perfect. Prepare to have fun, Neesha Gilmore.

I press the phone against my chest and laugh—okay, maybe I do a tiny victory dance in my kitchen—a strange mixture of anxiety and excitement swirling in my stomach. It’s not a date—just one evening of fun with a friend. Honestly, it feels easier to hide in a crowd of people, where he can’t back me against the door and make my pulse jump.

My dog trots over and I give his head a ruffle. “No matter how handsome and helpful Lucian is, he’ll never be as cute as you.”

When I spin around to check if Lucian’s still there, time slows to a halt. He’s turned toward the window, face tilted directly toward me, wearing a knowing smirk that tells me he’s caught everything—my reaction, my smile, probably even my little happy dance over this practice date.

He lifts his hand in a slow wave of recognition.

I freeze as mortification floods my entire body. Then, like the mature adult I am, I give him the world’s most awkward wave before yanking the blind shut so hard it rattles.

CHAPTER 11

NEESHA

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