Chapter 10
CHAPTER 10
LOUISE
I shoved at the hands covering my eyes, a rush of memories from past playfulness surfacing momentarily. As I turned to face him, my heart swelled with joy. “Theo!”
He lifted his chin, a coy grin on his boyishly handsome features.
“Now, what are you doing here? I thought you were in the Hamptons?”
“I was…I figured I’d take a little drive up the coast to see you.” He stepped around me, settling onto the thick cushion next to me.
“You,” I said with a grin before I cupped his face in my hands and planted a kiss on those perfectly formed lips of his.
“Whoa,” he answered, his eyebrows shooting up as I pulled away.
“Is that a complaint I hear?”
He chuckled as he shifted in his seat. “Not at all, but I thought this was all off-limits because of the whole…husband situation.”
I raised my binoculars and directed his attention to the window across the lawn. Theo arched an eyebrow, offering me a sassy glance before he lined up the spyglasses and peered through them. “Ohhh, so hubs is out on a date, huh?”
“He is,” I said as I rubbed his shoulders before I leaned my chin against my hands. “Isn’t it fabulous?”
He leaned back in his seat. “How’d you manage that?”
I lifted my chin, an amused expression on my features. “Magic.”
“Mmm, you are magic,” he said as he leaned closer and stole a kiss from me. As we parted, he screwed up his face. “Why are you sitting out here in a cabana with binoculars, though? It feels…kind of stalker-ish.”
“It’s not,” I protested with a playful smack of his knee. I lifted the binoculars to peer through the window again, catching Spencer actually smiling. “I just…want to keep tabs on things. Spencer’s…”
“Awkward?” Theo asked.
“Oh, stop,” I said with another swat. “He’s sweet. He just needs the right woman. I’m just…monitoring to make sure this goes the way I hope. Looks good so far, though.”
Theo grabbed the binoculars, his curiosity piqued as he glanced through them. “Oh, yeah, they’re both smiling. Looks like they’re having a great time.”
My eyes rose to the roof of the cabana as I clasped my hands together. “Oh, I just knew it.”
“So, where’d you find her?”
“You’ll never guess.” I proceeded to explain to him how Eve had sweetly offered her chocolate eclair to me, and we’d become fast friends. “And I just knew in my heart of hearts that this was the woman for Spencer. She’s just…she’s perfect. She has the right mindset, the right attitude, the right interests. And she’s so sweet. She didn’t flutter one of those ridiculously long eyelashes at any of my drama, so I knew she could handle Spencer’s quirks.”
“Well, this is sure progress, Lou-Lou. I didn’t think you’d ever pry him away from that keyboard of his and get him out in person.”
“Now, sugar, I told you I would. And when I set my mind to something, well, I’m going to do it.”
He pulled me closer, planting another kiss on my lips. “And I am so glad for that perseverance because, let me tell you, not kissing you until you’d gotten your husband on a date was really difficult.”
“Oh, was it?” I said playfully.
“Uh-huh,” he answered before another smooch.
I pressed his chest, pushing him back a little. “Now, as much as I love all this loving, I have really got to pay attention here.”
“Well,” he said as he rose and skirted around me, shoving me over to swap seats, “then I guess I’ll just get comfortable.”
I settled back against his chest as he wrapped his arms around me. With a perfect view of the date, wrapped in the arms of the man I loved, the night was turning out perfectly.
I absentmindedly traced the length of his forearm as I watched the date unfold. Spencer smiled and laughed more than I ever expected. As they finished up their meal and the waiter cleared their plates, the dessert I’d ordered earlier arrived.
With a smile, I patted myself on the back for a job well done.
“Wow, they’re going for dessert,” Theo said behind me as he laid a cheek on my head. “That’s a good sign.”
“Actually, I ordered that ahead of time to be delivered. I figured they could use the extra push.”
“Ohhhh, so you’re like a fairy godmother?”
“Better. I’m like a sassy Southern cupid.” I grinned as I lifted a shoulder.
“Right,” he said. “Well, I’m very glad you know what you’re doing, because I have to confess, I was a little nervous when you said we needed to wait until Spencer was dating. I thought that was code for never.”
“Now, darlin’, you know how I feel about you. I wasn’t shy.” A smile spread across my features as I recalled meeting Theo at a charity gala I’d attended solo. We’d hit it off easily and chatted the night away.
After that, we’d talked nonstop via text, learning more and more about each other. I’d been upfront about my situation, and, after struggling with my guilt, realized my hold back was leaving Spencer all alone after he’d been so wonderful to me.
I’d set my plan in motion with Theo’s full support–although he had agreed to wait for me, he’d fully admitted it would be difficult because he expected the process to take much longer.
“Remember, though, this is just one date.”
“I know. I wonder if he’ll try to dodge a second one.”
“I wouldn’t put it past the little polecat. But look how much he likes her. He’s blushing.”
Theo toyed with a strand of my hair. “I’m just suggesting you may want a backup in case he does his duty with one date then begs out of any others.”
My features settled into a frown. “Eve is my backup. I’m going to insist. Plus, he’s got this idea that he’s going to find someone for me, so I’ll use it as leverage.”
I felt Theo tense against my back. “You haven’t told him about us?”
“No…I guess it felt like a betrayal. And he’d have just wished me well, crawled under that rock he loves so much, and stayed there. I had to do it this way.”
“Hmm, well, I trust you. And I hope this works.”
“My plan will not fail. I know it.”
We stayed cozy in each other’s arms until Spencer and Eve left the restaurant behind. After a long kiss goodnight, and the promise to see each other tomorrow, we parted ways. I headed home, hoping to beat Spencer, but that kiss I shared with Theo may have cost me.
I pulled in, finding his car still missing. I raced into the house, hoping he wouldn’t feel the warmth from my engine when he rolled in.
I kicked off my shoes, sweeping them under the rug as I tugged on my robe. With my fuzzy slippers on my feet, I plopped on the couch and turned on the television just as Spencer opened the front door.
I stared up at the screen as though I’d been completely enthralled by it as Spencer called in from the foyer. “I’m home.”
“Oh? I didn’t even hear you,” I said, clicking off the television as he shuffled into the living room. “How did it go?”
“It was fine,” he said, his hands shoved into his pockets.
From what I’d seen, it had been more than fine. He was downplaying it.
I patted the cushion next to me. “Sit down and tell me all about it.”
“I’m really pretty tired. All that socializing…it really wears on me.”
I sucked in a sharp breath before I shook my head at him. “I guess I’ll just have to get all the details from Eve tomorrow.”
“There’s no need for that,” he said, shifting his weight from foot to foot.
“Well, you’re not giving me any information.”
“There’s no information to give,” he insisted. “I just…we had a nice time. Eve was very nice, and we had a nice time.”
“Yeah, you said that twice, darlin’. Sounds…nice.”
He huffed at me. “I can’t think, my brain is melted after that social interaction.”
“Are you going to see her again?”
He licked his lips, and I wondered if he was going to try to dodge another date as Theo had suggested. “Maybe.”
I couldn’t contain my excitement as I bounced on the couch, clapping my hands. “Spencer! That’s fantastic.”
“Just…I…don’t get so excited. Just because it wasn’t a total disaster doesn’t mean I won’t find a way to screw it up later.”
I gave him a wry glance. “Spencer Whitaker, you like this woman. And you will not screw it up. Did you kiss her?”
“That’s not…information you need to know.”
I sucked in a shocked gasp. “You did, didn’t you? Spence, you devil.”
“I didn’t, okay? I…was afraid she’d expected it, and she made the goodbye very easy, so I didn’t.”
I clicked my tongue, my nose wrinkling at the detail. I had really hoped they’d have had a magical kiss to finish their night off.
Spencer shifted his weight again, avoiding my gaze.
“Did you at least want to kiss her?” I raised my eyebrows, hoping to hear an affirmative.
“Well…I…wouldn’t have turned her down.”
I squealed, delight boiling over as I clapped my hands again. “Oh, yay! Spence, this is excellent. See, I told you that you’d like her. Now, I’ve already got some really great ideas for your second date.”
My mind whirled as I planned ahead, trying to maximize the romantic element to ensure that perfect first kiss. I imagined a seaside setting, the surf at sunset, the salty air, and their lips meeting.
“Uh, can we…talk about the second date tomorrow?” Spencer rubbed the back of his neck as he shifted again.
I glanced up at him. The delay would give me time to plan more, but why was he so interested in putting it off? “Well, do we have time? When are you seeing her again?”
“I, uh…”
“Oh,” I moaned, my disappointment obvious, “you didn’t set anything up, did you?”
“I’ll text her.”
“Fine,” I said with a nod. “Text her now.”
“No, that’s…bad manners. What if she’s asleep?”
“Then she’ll wake up to a lovely message showing her how interested you are.”
He slid his phone from his pocket and nodded. “Okay.”
“Tell me what you’re sending.”
“How’s Monday?” he read aloud as he typed.
I snatched the phone from his hands. “Give me that. Here’s what you say. ‘I had a lovely time tonight, Eve. I’m really looking forward to our next date. How is Sunday?’”
“Sunday’s a weird day–”
“Sunday is a fine day, and it’s too late, I sent it.” I handed his phone back to him. “You’re welcome.”
He slid it into his pocket with a nod. “Thanks. We’ll talk tomorrow. Oh, and you’ll have to prepare for your first date, because I should have someone for you soon. Good night, Lou.”
“Night, darlin’.” I slouched on my cushion, a grin on my face. Things were going well. I didn’t even care about the date he threatened. I’d handle it easily. What excited me was Spencer’s progress.
I spent the night pleased with myself, sleeping well and rising early the next morning with a spring in my step. My first order of business was to text Eve. I set up a date with her for a spa treatment today before I dressed and headed downstairs, finding the kitchen empty.
Spencer was probably avoiding me, but that was just fine. I’d let him work through his kinks and come back with a full plan for their second date.
I left the house behind, enjoying the lovely sunshine as I drove to Eve’s. She met me outside, sliding into my passenger seat.
I grinned at her, raising a shoulder. “Thanks for coming with me. We have so much to gab about. I can’t wait to dive in, but let’s save it for the spa, shall we?”
“Sure,” she said, tugging a lock of her hair from her face as it blew in the wind.
We arrived at the club and headed back to the spa, where we were sent to get comfy in the robes.
“I thought you booked a manicure?” Eve asked as she stared at the robe.
I stepped into the dressing room and slid out of my dress. “I booked the works. Massages, facials, mani-pedi. Everything. We need time to talk.”
“Oh, I could–”
“You will not. Now strip down, sugar.”
A few moments later, we shuffled in the provided slippers back to the massage tables. She fussed a little about not taking her robe off, but finally relented. To my surprise, she’d never had a professional massage before.
“How did you survive this long?” I asked.
“Very stiff,” her masseuse said.
“I’ll bet. Now, let’s get down to brass tacks. I want to know everything about your date.”
“Oh, uh, it was very nice.”
“Uh-huh, and?”
She twisted her neck to face me. “Uh…”
She looked like a deer caught in headlights.
“Did you feel a connection? He’s cute, right? Did you hold hands when he took you home?”
Her features pinched a little. “I guess so. I mean…I think we’re going to see each other again.”
I squealed as I reached for her hand and squeezed it. “And you didn’t answer all my questions.”
“No, we didn’t hold hands,” she answered.
I arched an eyebrow as the masseuse hit the tight spot on my shoulders. “But you think he’s cute, right?”
Her face flushed bright red. I had my answer no matter what she said.
“Yes,” she said.
I let out another ecstatic shriek, and we erupted into giggles. “Oh, darlin’, I’m so happy for you. I just know this is going to work out for you. He really likes you, I think. When do you see him again?”
“Tomorrow,” she answered. “No word on plans yet, but the date is set.”
“He’s probably still deciding. He’s so sweet and thoughtful.”
Eve pressed her lips together as she nodded. I detected a note of hesitation from her suddenly, but I didn’t want to push too much. I decided to let her enjoy the hot stone treatment. We’d gab about things later.
Just as I relaxed with the warm pressure on my back, my phone rang. With a click of my tongue, I glanced at the display. “Oh, no.”
“What is it?” Eve asked.
“My mama.” I swiped to accept the call. “What is it, Mama? I’m busy.”
“I haven’t heard plans of your imminent return home yet.”
“Well, I’m still making plans. I had to talk to Spencer and–”
“Nonsense. That fake husband of yours wouldn’t have anything to do with this.”
I wanted to shout at her that we weren’t a fake marriage, but I didn’t want to upset Eve. “Yes, he does,” I said instead. “Now, I’m working on it, and I will let you know as soon as I can. But I’m busy now.”
I ended the call, my jaw clenched in frustration.
Eve shifted, her features apologetic, but she was polite enough not to pry.
“I’m so sorry,“ I said with a shake of my head, dumping my phone on the table next to me. “My mama drives me crazy. She is just insisting that I come home next weekend for some reason, and I don’t want to go.”
“Maybe you can say you can’t get away.”
I sucked in a deep breath and shook my head. “That’s not going to cut the mustard with my mama. I just…hate to go alone. She’s so devious. I don’t put it past her to try to pull something on me.”
“Well, I’m sure Spencer would go with you,” she suggested.
Sweet girl. She was volunteering her own boyfriend to travel with me. “Well, I’d hate to take him away from you. I just know you’re going to have another date coming up.”
“Oh,” she said with a dismissive wave, “don’t worry about that. We can postpone while you travel. It’s fine. You shouldn’t go alone.”
I gave her a grateful glance as an idea hatched in my head. “Well, aren’t you sweet? I have a wonderful idea that I think will solve all of this.”
“Stay home?” she asked with a chuckle.
“No. Would you come with me? We’ll take Spencer, too. You two can spend some time together, and I’d have both your support.”
She raised her eyebrows, her jaw falling open. For a second I thought I’d pushed her too far. “Don’t you think you should check with Spencer first?”
I chuckled at her. “No, darlin’, he’s only my pretend husband. I can invite whoever I’d like. Although, I will warn you ahead of time. My mama is a viper.”
“Well,” she said, raising her chin, “then I suppose you’ll need all the help you can get.”
I grinned at her and reached for her hand again. This little trip would be the perfect opportunity for me to encourage Spencer to open up a little more to Eve.
With any luck, this little trip to Savannah would help turn the tides for their relationship from tentative to irresistible.