Page 92 of I Can't Help It

I think the only true disaster is Wyatt being here.

That sounds harsh, I know, but his unexpected presence has put a damper on things. Luke and I were having such a great time together, and I miss that so much already…

“Well, this place is gorgeous,” Wyatt comments, drumming his fingers against the wooden railing behind us. “You picked a nice spot, Luke.”

“Yeah, I think it’s a nice spot too.” Luke’s gaze catches mine, and his eyes are a shade darker than before. “Definitely gorgeous.”

I’m not one to blush, but my cheeks are warming up from the intended compliment.

Way better than the books or movies.

“Hey, Luke,” Wyatt drawls, leaning forward some, “I know you didn’t want Tiffany’s number, but Maren told me one of her regular customers at the flower shop has a granddaughter that’s single and looking to mingle.”

At the mention of her name, Maren stops taking pictures and frowns at her brother. “Wy, I only told you that because—”

“Do you want her number instead?” Wyatt ignores Maren while watching Luke expectantly. “I’ve met her before. She’s super nice and supermodel pretty.”

His words feel like I’ve been thrown into a giant cactus bush.

How long has Wyatt been trying to set Luke up with someone? Who’s Tiffany?

“No thanks,” Luke tells him as we pass a section of sunflowers, “I don’t need any numbers.”

That’s right, Luke is unofficially—officially—spoken for. We’re in relationship limbo, but there isn’t any space here for “Tiffanys” or “super nice and supermodel pretty” granddaughters.

“But—”

“Wyatt,” Luke interrupts, his jaw twitching again, “I’m not interested.”

BECAUSE HE’S INTERESTED IN ME.

This is so frustrating.

“Okay, okay.” Wyatt holds his hands up in surrender. “I just thought I’d ask since you mentioned to me about maybe dating again.”

When did Luke tell him that? Before he started having feelings for me? Or afterward?

“That doesn’t mean I want you playing Cupid though,” Luke deadpans with a scowl. “I can get a date without your meddling.”

And he did.

With me.

But I can’t say that either.

“I never said you couldn’t,” Wyatt shoots back. “I’m just trying to help, man. Why are you acting like such an a—”

“Wyatt,” Maren cuts him off, her blue eyes widening as she tilts her head toward Carter. “Maybe you guys can finish talking about this later?”

Wyatt mumbles an apology to his sister, as does Luke, and then the rest of our hayride is quiet. Once it’s over though, Carter announces that he needs to use the bathroom.

“I’ll take him,” Wyatt offers, holding his hand out for Carter. “Come on, kid.”

“Don’t get lost!” Maren calls after them. “And be good!”

They both throw her a thumbs-up, and then she turns her attention to us. “I think I’m going to get myself something to eat. Did you guys want anything?”

I shake my head. “I’m good. Thank you though.”

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