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The suggestion caught me off guard in the best way. It showed how serious he was about making this work. “I’d like that.” I maneuvered our hands so his was in mine. “Therapy’s done a lot for me over the years too. So, yes, let’s do some together.”
Relief flooded his features.
“I want this to work. These past few days, despite yesterday… You’re all I could think about last night.”
His breath caught. “Me too. I…” He paused, seeming to gather his courage. “I’m falling for you, Ethan. And it terrifies me, but…”
My heart soared. “Oh, I think I’ve already fallen for you. Hard.” A weight lifted as I admitted this. “That’s what I wanted to tell you after the concert. Before everything happened.”
“We’re quite a pair, aren’t we?” His smile was tender. “We almost allowed ourselves to lose this.”
“Speaking of this.” I raised our hands up. “Would you have dinner with me tonight? Somewhere nice?”
“I’d love that.” His smile brightened. “Giuseppe’s?”
“Perfect.” The Italian restaurant was a favorite. “Seven o’clock?”
“Yes, seven.”
Just then, both our phones buzzed. We moved to get them out of our pockets.
“It’s Mickey,” we said simultaneously.
Mickey: Just an FYI. You two are the talk of every table in here. Expect a callout in Maplewood Matters since this is making the rounds.
He’d attached a photo, one that had to have been taken from across the street, that showed us sitting close, with me holding Andre’s hand.
Andre looked up, a mix of amusement and concern on his face. “Maybe we should rethink eating out?”
“Come to my place instead?” I suggested. “I can grab takeout from Giuseppe’s on my way home. Same food. No audience.”
“Perfect.” Andre smiled, relieved. “Can you get me the chicken marsala? It’s my favorite.”
“Chicken marsala it is. And we won’t have the entire town knowing what happens.”
He glanced at his watch and sighed. “I should head back. I have a meeting about the summer reading program I can’t miss.”
We stood, gathering our uneaten food. Neither of us seemed eager to part, even though we’d be seeing each other in just a few hours.
“Thank you,” I said softly, “for being willing to work through this with me.”
“Thank you for the chance.” He stepped closer, his eyes searching mine. “Can I kiss you?”
Instead of answering, I leaned in and pressed my lips to his. The kiss was gentle, sweet with promise, and I felt him smile against my mouth.
“That’ll give the people in Red’s something to talk about.” Andre had the silliest grin across his face. “I’ll see you tonight?”
“Tonight,” I confirmed.
THIRTY
ANDRE
As I drove to Ethan’s house, my mind raced with possibilities. The Library Association’s offer opened up options for the fall. But would Ethan think that was too much too soon? Or perhaps not enough?
His front door stood ajar, inviting me in. The transformation in the house struck me immediately. Where boxes had dominated before, framed family photos now adorned the mantel. A small table by the door cradled a bowl holding his keys and wallet. The space breathed with life now.
“Ethan?” I called once I’d closed the door. The rich aroma of seasoned food got my stomach rumbling. It was almost like being in the restaurant.
