Page 16 of A Little Bit Engaged
But she would do this. For Caitlin, but also for Brody, who needed to stop feeling indebted and cut the puppet strings.
Cara extended her left hand.
He grabbed the small box off the coffee table, opened it, and removed the ring.
As he slid the band onto Cara’s finger, his hand brushed hers. At the point of contact, a spark shocked her.
Must be static from the rug.
Staring at the diamond on her finger, Cara fought her growing unease. She would call the library to let them know she wouldn’t be volunteering for a while. “So what’s next?”
“Do you have to work at the bookstore today?” Brody asked.
“This morning.” She forced her attention off her hand before placing her arm behind her as if that could hide what she’d agreed to do. “But only until one.”
“Once you’re off, we’ll get started.”
“Pretending to be engaged?”
“That and…” Brody glanced out the window again. “Planning our wedding.”
♥ ♥ ♥
In the passenger seat of her neighbor Geoff’s Audi, Cara buckled the seat belt. “I appreciate you getting me out of the building and driving me to the bookstore.”
“Anytime.” Geoff adjusted his glasses. “Though…”
He wore a designer suit, a lightly starched dress shirt, and silk tie, the typical uniform of a guy who worked in the Financial District, except she’d never seen him dressed in anything other than work clothes or running apparel. She wasn’t sure if he owned a pair of jeans or khakis, but he defined the term gorgeous geek, though she’d felt nothing but friendship for him.
“What?” she asked.
“Troy McKnight shouldn’t have had to call this morning to say you needed my help. You could have done that yourself.”
Her boss’s husband was a friend of Geoff’s. It was Geoff’s recommendation that had gotten Cara the book concierge job at Cassandra’s Attic. She owed him big-time for that, but calling him, or anyone, about her current situation had never crossed her mind. “I know, but…”
“I’m happy to help, so call me next time.”
“I will.” Although there wouldn’t be a next time. At least not with her sister involved.
The garage door opened. As the car backed out, the paparazzi peered inside before glancing away in disappointment. Of course no one gave her a second glance. They were expecting the woman who’d attended the Oscars with Brody, not the mousy bookworm who carried an I’d rather be in Narnia tote bag and had fallen in love with more book boyfriends than real men.
Geoff drove toward the bookstore. “You okay?”
“I have no idea.” Cara realized what she’d said. Time to backtrack. “I mean…”
“Troy told me what he’d heard online,” Geoff said in a sincere tone. “I’ll admit I’m surprised you’re engaged to Brody Simmons. I had no idea you were dating anyone.”
“It’s complicated.” She didn’t know what else to say. “People will be saying a lot of stuff about me. Not so nice things.”
“Lies and gossip. That’s Hollywood for you.” He didn’t miss a beat replying. “I’m on your side, Cara. Whatever’s going on, I assume you have a good reason.”
Not trusting her voice, she nodded. Knowing she had someone in her corner sent a rush of relief flowing through her. Cara wanted to tell Geoff the truth, but she couldn’t right now. More for Brody’s sake than her own.
Geoff repositioned his hands on the steering wheel. “Promise you’ll call if you need anything.”
“I will.” And she would.
He double-parked in front of Cassandra’s Attic. “Let me know if you need a ride home.”
