Page 25 of I Can't Help It

In an ideal world, he’d say “you” without hesitation, and I’d melt into a puddle of happiness.

But this is the real world, and in the real world, he says—

“She’s everything without even trying.”

Well, dang.

Is this his way of telling me that I’m trying too hard with him? Am I coming across as desperate? I just want to know if he likes me back, for crying out loud!

“How about you? What is Ava Ashton’s right kind of guy?”

Okay, maybe I’m not trying too hard with him then?

Why else would he ask me that?

Unless he’s hoping I’ll admit my feelings, so he can turn me down.

Frankly, the possibility sucks, and I’m mad at myself for coming up with it.

Since I’m not ready to be completely vulnerable (or rejected), I lean on humor for my answer. “I know he can’t love clown dolls, that’s for sure.”

Luke joins me in laughing, but disappointment taints his caramel eyes, and I let myself hope that it’s because he wants to be my “right kind of guy.”

* * *

We pass the welcome sign for Briar Haven sooner than later, and then we drive through the center of town. Little stores and other buildings line the road on both sides, with pumpkins, scarecrows, bales of hay, gnomes, sunflowers, and additional fall-related décor everywhere.

“Well, I’m already impressed,” I tell Luke as he turns down a street that’s supposed to bring us closer to the lodge. “This town definitely knows how to deliver when it comes to aesthetics.”

It’s giving Stars Hollow vibes, which I freaking LOVE.

“Hopefully, the lodge makes a good impression too,” he says, his voice anxious. “The pictures looked great online, but—”

“I’m sure it’ll be even better in person,” I interrupt his worrying. And I give his arm the lightest of touches as an extra reassurance.

I can feel his body relax under my fingertips, and I want to squeeze his bicep so freaking bad.

But I don’t.

I use self-control and move my hand away from him instead. That bicep was begging to be squeezed though.

“Thanks, Ava.”

I barely did anything. And yet, my heart beats a little bit faster.

“Yeah, of course.”

A few minutes later, the maps app lady tells us that our destination is on the right—and wow is it beautiful. My mouth actually drops as I take everything in.

The three-story, wood building has fall-inspired floral arrangements placed around its four stone pillars, huge trees surround the whole area, and the second floor has a shared balcony.

Oh my goshhhhhh.

“Are those rocking chairs up there?” I squint at the second floor. “And cute little lanterns in between the rooms?”

I’m invested. This place is my new personality.

Luke lets out a sigh of relief as he parks in front of the building. “So far, so good.”

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