Page 9 of The Only Heart that Matters
“The chocolates I can get behind. But I’ve never understood spending money on flowers that are going to die in a few days. Don’t get me started on how expensive they are! People could do so much more than buy flowers with that much money.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t really know. Unlike some women, I don’t need a man to spend money on me. They don’t even have to take me to dinner. I’d be happy with a home-cooked meal that wasn't made by me.”
“So, food is your love language?” His head tilts to the side in question.
Hmm... is it?
“Strange, I never really thought about it, but I guess it is. Just feed me and I’m happy.” I chuckle at how true the notion is.
He stares at me.
No smile.
No eye roll.
Is he having a seizure?
His adorable head tilt is about to do me in. I need to make a break for it before I say something stupid and make a fool of myself.
“Well, thanks for letting me use your spotless and line-free bathroom,” I say, hoping to break the awkward moment. Walking backward toward the stairs, I lift a hand waving goodbye. “I appreciate it.”
“Anytime,” he says, snapping out of his stupor.
He follows me down the stairs, locking the door behind us. I see a basket of tots on the counter and can’t help but steal one as we make our way back through the kitchen.
“I saw that.”
Once again, the deep timbre of his voice only inches behind me sends a bolt of electricity through me.
“Put it on my tab,” I reply.
“Like I’d let you spend a penny in my bar. Your money's no good here, Mia.”
“Family discount?” I joke.
“Sure. Family discount, Goof,” he says cooly. But I don’t have time to think about the sudden shift in his attitude because Daisy is waiting for us on the other side of the bar.
“There you are! I’ve been looking all over for you.”
“Sorry, the line was long and your brother let me use the upstairs bathroom.”
“Score! Bet it was a lot clearer than the mess down here.”
Now on the other side of the bar, she grabs my hand and pulls me toward the dance floor. “Come on, mamma. We need to get you on the dance floor before you turn into a pumpkin.”
She’s right, my nights out are few and far between. Until tonight, I hadn’t realized how much I needed a break to let go and have fun. But it will be over before I know it. I don’t need to spend what little time I have in lofts talking about books with a cute boy. Especially a cute boy who is completely off-limits.
Chapter Five
Angus
Every song on the radio reminds me of her.
I can’t walk past my bookshelves and not see her dragging her finger over each book as she studied the titles.
Strangely, I wanted her to look at my things.
