Page 48 of Kiss Me at Midnight
They don’t even remember my name.
Jud was a good sport anyway, posing for pictures before he escaped outside, slipping on his sunglasses. What was Maggie thinking propositioning him like that? It was then that he remembered what Dotty had said in the car about a Kissing Test. He might have laughed about it if he hadn’t realized that Lily was letting this test play out. He wanted her to stand up and say she wanted to date him for real.
Right after she broke up with him tonight in front of Rachel.
He groaned.
Aubrey joined him next. “I’m star-struck, just like those college girls.”
“I hope not.” What he really needed right now was one of Lily’s tender kisses. He glanced down at Aubrey. “Congratulations on your engagement.” He’d seen her proposal at the animal rescue benefit the other night. And pointing that out seemed the quickest way to end this farce.
“Oh.” Aubrey crossed her arms over her chest, looking insecure. “I hadn’t realized you knew I was engaged. That makes this awkward.”
“Doesn’t it though?” He waved to someone across the street who called his name.
Aubrey raised a finger. “Hold that thought. Vi will explain everything.” She darted toward the restaurant door.
“I’d rather hear Lily’s explanation.” And her apology, as long as it included a kiss or two.
“Sure,” Aubrey said as she darted inside.
It took Violet a few minutes to reach him. She leaned her shoulder against the wall and looked at him through lowered lashes, as if she was trying to appear sultry. “You know that Lily and I are identical twins.”
“And yet, you two are as different as salt and pepper.” Jud gave her a sympathetic smile. “Why don’t you tell me all about the Kissing Test? Clearly, you’re all close to Lily. I admire that.”
Violet considered him in silence for a moment, long enough for people to pass them on the sidewalk and snap his picture. “Has Lily told you anything about our parents?”
“Does your father’s wandering eye count?”
Violet nodded. “When we were teenagers running wild about New York City, there came a point where we realized guys might be into us for the wrong reasons.”
“Money? I have my own.” And he was the only fourth generation Hambly. He’d inherit it all.
“Money,” Violet said slowly, still searching his expression. “And guys are sometimes into girls for the physical benefits only. So, our sister Kitty developed the Kissing Test.”
“Ah.” Jud faced her, leaning his shoulder against the brick wall, too. “One Summer sister might easily replace another.”
“Exactly.” Violet nodded. “So, when we saw the picture of you kissing Lily–it was hot, I might add–without hearing a peep about you beforehand–”
“You assumed I was sweeping Lily off her feet for all the wrong reasons.” The Summer sisters were a tight-knit bunch.
“You’re smarter than your press.” Violet didn’t smile though. “Lily told me she’s not going to be seeing you after tonight. She says she’s unhappy about something, but she won’t say what.”
Jud swallowed back a burst of angry words refuting that statement. “We’re in a complicated situation, but I assure you that I intend to date your sister long-term.”
“Yeah. About that. Lily doesn’t date anyone seriously.” Violet backed toward the door. “We’re taking Lily home with us tonight. We have a late flight out.”
“You can’t… She can’t leave.” There were too many reasons why, chief among them that Jud didn’t want her to go.
Violet’s brows went up. Way up.
Jud snagged Violet’s arm. “I know what Lily went through. I’m willing to take things at her pace.”
Violet’s mouth formed a little “o.”
“There’s something real between us, an emotional connection that Lily can’t deny. Ask her.” He wanted to come clean about the trip, but he’d signed a non-disclosure agreement with Abe. He couldn’t explain and neither could Lily. “She’s not going with you. She’s staying with me.”
Violet doubted it. She shook her head.
