Chapter 3
CHAPTER THREE
Livie
Theo thought she was pretty. She couldn’t wait to text Patience later. It would give them giggle material for weeks. Ugh, now her inner self sounded like a teenager.
“So, are you going to tell me? What did you think I’d be like?” Theo asked again.
Livie twisted in her seat and leaned against the window. She needed space. His beachy, citrusy scent made it difficult to think. Unable to put off his question any longer, she tried to come up with an honest answer. What did she think of him?
Theo wasn’t cover model good looking. His cheekbones were a bit too sharp, but his lips were so kissable. His eyes were hazel but sometimes looked green like today. Eyes she could get lost in. Eyes that seemed to really see into her, to uncover her secret hopes and dreams. But this was silly. She couldn’t tell him that.
Livie needed to focus, to tell him something that didn’t make her sound like a horny teenager. What had she noticed about him first? He was tall. She’d have to up on tiptoes to kiss him, and it might still be a struggle to reach. He kept his dark brown hair short, like the Navy required, but he had a close-cropped beard. She’d love to drag her fingers through. As she’d told Patience, he checked off all her boxes and was perfect boyfriend material.
Theo wasn’t asking about his looks, though. He wanted to know what she thought of him.
“You’re sweet—” she stopped when he flinched. “I mean, you just took care of a practical stranger though a panic attack. Most people would have ignored me or looked on in horror as I melted down. You went over and above.”
“Okay, I guess I can accept that. But sweet? That’s kind of the last thing a guy wants to hear…”
Livie let out a breath. Patience would tell her to go for it, and really, what did she have to lose? “You’re attractive, and yes, I know that’s not something you have control over, but you don’t flaunt it like most of the guys. You’re always respectful of the servers. I think your parents did a great job. I’d date you.” At his sharpened gaze, she added, “I think most of the servers would. Is that what you wanted to hear?”
“I guess I can live with that. But I’m more interested in what you said at the end. You’d date me?” Theo’s eyes sparkled with mischief.
Livie’s cheeks heated; her face had to be on fire. Being a redhead sucked. She’d left herself wide open with her remark. “Ah, yes, I would. In fact, if you were available, I’d take you home with me this weekend.”
“For a family Thanksgiving? Isn’t that quick?” Theo asked.
“Yeah, probably. I have a feeling you’d be able to handle them. You’re wouldn’t want to be my fake boyfriend for the weekend, would you?” Livie knew he was going home to see his family and had meant it as a joke. Although they said most jokes had a modicum of truth.
“Why do you need a fake boyfriend? I’m sure you have men dying to go out with you.” Theo seemed genuinely surprised.
“It’s a long, painful story.”
“Well, you’ve got my undivided attention until we land.”
“You sure you want to hear this?”
“I wouldn’t have asked otherwise.” Theo’s smile lit his entire face and showcased the dimple she’d never noticed. The man could make an iceberg melt in the middle of winter.
“Fine, but you asked for it. If you fall asleep, don’t blame me.”
Theo chuckled. “Deal.”
“Okay, here’s the Cliff Notes version. Uh, do you know what they are?” She thought he might, but he was older, so maybe he’d forgotten.
“How old do you think I am? Geesh. Of course, I know what they are.”
Livie tilted her head to look at him. His question gave her permission to stare. Maybe he wasn’t that old, just an old soul. Though he had some laugh lines around his eyes.
“Umm, thirty-five?”
“Thirty, actually. My birthday was two weeks ago. I guess I’ll have to ask my sister about moisturizers or something.”
“Oops. I won’t make you guess my age. Unless you want to?” Livie was curious about what he thought of her. He’d said she was attractive, but was he attracted to her?
“Hmm, my mother always said it was impolite to ask a woman’s age, but I could guess, I suppose. I know you’re in medical school, so I’ll go with twenty-six.”
“Close, I’m twenty-seven and I’ll be twenty-eight in a few months. But wait, how did you know I was in medical school?” None of her friends at the bar mentioned that he’d asked about her.
“I’m in naval intelligence. I have my ways.” Theo wiggled his eyebrows and grinned.
She giggled. “I think that might be inappropriate behavior, mister.”
“Nah. I overheard you and Patience talking about it a few times. I’m good at lurking, it’s part of the job.”
“I guess so.”
“Enough stalling. I want to hear the reason you need a fake boyfriend.”
“Would you like a drink or a snack?” the flight attendant saved her from having to answer right away. Did she really want to tell him about her family?
“I’ll take a coffee, two sugars, and a creamer, please,” Livie said.
“And I’ll have a black coffee and peanuts if you have them.”
“Sorry, sir, no peanuts. Someone on the flight is allergic. I have pretzels or cookies.”
“Pretzels will work.” Theo reached for them, then passed Livie her coffee.
“Thank you.” Theo and Livie responded, and she laughed.
She made her coffee while Theo got his. After taking a sip, she felt his gaze on her. Of course, he was still waiting for her to answer his question.
“I think we’re done with interruptions for a while.” He tore open the bag of pretzels and offered them to her.
“No, thank you.” Where should she start? At his quirked eyebrow, she dove into her explanation. “Well, you already know I’m a medical student. Fourth year, actually. We’re one semester from graduation. I’ve wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember.”
“That’s wonderful, but it still doesn’t tell me why you need to bring a fake boyfriend home for Thanksgiving.”
“Yeah, I know. I’m getting there. My family runs a winery—it’s the family business, I guess you’d say. Everyone in my family works there but me. I’m the black sheep who deserted them. They love to remind me how I’ve let them down every time I go home. They really want me to settle down, have a family and toe the family line.”
“Really? They’re not proud of you for following your dream?”
“Unfortunately, no. I hoped after I started med school they’d get over it. But it just seems to get worse each time I go home. Dating is almost impossible with my schedule, or I should say meeting anyone is. But dating wouldn’t be easy either. Most guys wouldn’t put up with me being so busy. I can’t even remember the last time I was on a date, let alone had a boyfriend. If I bought home a fake one, I wouldn’t be a complete failure in their eyes. Maybe, anyway. It might take some of the pressure off for the weekend, at least.”
“Damn. I can’t believe they’re like that. I’m surprised you visit at all. If I wasn’t going home to surprise mine, I’d volunteer for the fake boyfriend duty in a heartbeat.”
“You would?”
“Yes, Livie, I would. Why not? You’re beautiful, funny, and smart. Everything I would want in a girlfriend. It wouldn’t be a hardship to pretend for a few days and make your life easier.”
“Wow. Your nice guy rep just increased one thousand percent. I know you don’t like “nice,” but seriously. I’m just happy you didn’t laugh at me. It’s a stupid idea, anyway.”
“If it would make your visit home more enjoyable, what’s wrong with it? You wouldn’t be hurting anyone.”
“I guess not. But it’s a moot point. So where is home? You never said.”
“Duluth, Minnesota. My parents are high school teachers. I haven’t been home in a few years, but my sister just had twins. I figured it would be fun to surprise them and see my new nieces and my nephew. He’s three now and I’ve never met him.”
“Wow. That’s a long time. They’re going to love the surprise. How old are the twins?” His family would be ecstatic when he walked in the door.
“Two months. They were a few weeks premature and had to stay in the hospital for a couple of weeks. But now everyone is home, and they don’t have any medical issues.”
“That’s great. It will be so much fun to see them when they’re so tiny. And your nephew will love his uncle, I’m sure.”
“Hopefully. I didn’t get to pick up any presents yet, but I’m hoping I’ll find something at the airport before my connecting flight.”
“I could help? I’m just picking up a rental to drive home. And as you know, I’m in no hurry to get there.” Livie grimaced.
“Really? That would be great. I don’t have the first clue what to get a three-year-old boy that isn’t a choking hazard.” Theo smirked.
“No worries. Usually, it’s right on the package. My sister has twin three-year-old daughters. So, I’ve got you.”
“More twins, huh?” Theo chuckled.
“Yeah, crazy, right?”
The rest of the flight passed quickly as he shared why he’d joined the Navy and gone into naval intelligence. Livie could have listened to his deep voice forever.
When the announcement came to prepare for landing, Theo laced their fingers together and gazed into her eyes. He kept eye contact until they were safely on the ground. For the first time, Livie didn’t freak out even a little.