Page 64 of I Can't Help It

“I think most clients will enjoy it.” I swing our clasped hands, loving that our fingers are just casually interlocked with each other. “Besides, how often can those kinds of fiascos happen?”

“I can’t believe you almost started a fire.”

I give him a playful nudge. “I can’t believe you sugar-coated the paninis.”

“Starting a fire would’ve been way worse, Ava.” He pins me with a serious look. “What if you got hurt?”

“But I didn’t,” I singsong, batting my eyelashes at him. “How lucky that a very attractive guest came over and saved me with his quick reflexes.”

“A very attractive guest.” His voice is mumbled as he echoes my description of him, and he shakes his head to show his disapproval, but I also see the slight grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.

It makes me want to drag him somewhere private so he can lose self-control again.

The other side of my neck feels too bare since his lips never made it that far…

I don’t drag him anywhere though.

We’re going shopping. Because this is still a work trip.

When it comes to on-site visits, I don’t usually shop much, but I know it’s important to see what’s available for future clients.

“Shy said there was an antique store that we should check out first,” Luke says, unlocking his car. “He also recommended a couple of boutiques. And there’s another place that sells housewares and décor, which might be nice.”

He opens the passenger door for me, and I thank him as I get into the car. “All of those sound good to me.”

“Great.” He starts to close my door, but then pauses for a second. “Hey, Ava?”

“Yes, Luke?”

“Thanks for agreeing to come on this trip with me. I’m glad you’re here.”

“Of course.” I don’t bother trying to hide my giddy smile. “There’s nowhere I’d rather be.”

“Same.” He presses a quick kiss to my forehead, and I manage to keep my grabby hands off him as he closes the door.

Best. On. Site. Visit. Ever.

The drive into town is spent with Luke lacing his fingers through mine while we make small talk about the fall festivities starting tomorrow, and then he reaches for my hand AGAIN as we stroll toward the antique store.

I’m in heaven.

Hand-holding heaven.

“Do you think we’ll find something cool, like a rare instrument?” I ask, once we’re inside the building. “Or maybe vintage clothes?”

“We might get lucky and find some clown dolls,” he teases, stretching his neck out to scan the area. “Really cute, non-creepy clown dolls.”

“Stop!” I huff with an unwanted laugh. “If I have nightmares tonight, I’m blaming you!”

“Here’s something safe.” He motions to a floral printed tea set. “And it’s pretty too.”

“Yeah, pretty expensive.” I whistle after seeing the price tag. “I’ll stick with my kettle and mismatched mug collection.”

“How about a super old sewing machine?”

I peek around him to see the aggressive-looking sewing machine and table combo. “I wouldn’t even know what to do with that bad boy.”

“Well, assuming it still works, I think most people would use it to sew.”

---