Page 36 of Too Good to Be True

Even after having been caught in a downpour, he looked like he could be in a photo spread for GQ.

“It’s not fair that men get ready so fast.”

He chuckled. “We don’t obsess as much, although I knew a guy in college who spent more time in the mirror than most girls.”

If he only knew what she’d been doing in the mirror a moment ago. An awkward silence descended, and she realized their time together was coming to an end. The storm had abated, but it was too wet to do any more yardwork today. She couldn’t think of a single reason for him to stay longer, unless…

“Thank you so much for the help. Can I dry your clothes before you go?”

He shook his head. “I found a plastic bag in the garage and put them in the car already. Besides, you don’t owe me anything. I wanted to help. Heck, I practically forced myself on you.”

Her eyes went wide, and he quickly corrected himself.

“My help, I meant. I practically crammed it down your throat.”

Why did everything he said make her think of sex?

He shook his head, the corners of his lips twitching. “Sorry. I don’t know why that keeps happening.”

She held up a hand. “It’s okay. I know what you meant.” She had to get past this if they had any hope of becoming friends. Now that she’d decided that was what they’d be, she was determined to make it happen.

“How about dinner? I was planning on making spaghetti tonight, and I have plenty. You’re welcome to stay.”

“Wow. How did you know that spaghetti is one of my all-time favorite meals?”

The smile he’d been restraining peeked out and then fully blossomed. The sun hadn’t reappeared outside, but it sure was bright and sunny inside! She looked directly at him this time. You can do this. You can have dinner with a handsome younger man without wanting to jump his bones.

“You’re not just saying that, are you? Because I can make something else instead.”

He laughed. “I’m serious, and I’d be happy to stay and have dinner with you if you’re sure you don’t mind.”

Returning his smile, she said, “Not at all.” It was the first time since she’d met him that she felt in control of her emotions. Now all she had to do was keep it that way.

Ten

While she was making dinner, Nick offered to set the table. She still couldn’t get over how polite he was. Cole had been perfectly content to sit in the living room and watch TV while she made dinner, set the table, and cleaned up afterward. As she stirred the spaghetti, she scolded herself for comparing them.

“Tell me about your family,” she said after pointing out where to find the plates and utensils.

“Well, let’s see. My parents are Gail and Armando. My dad’s family hails from Peru, thus the Latin American surname.”

“Any siblings?”

“No. However, my parents broke down and got me a dog and a goldfish to take up the slack. The dog lived for twelve years, but the goldfish only made it a few weeks. What about your family?”

“My parents are John and Lori, and I have two younger siblings, Jenna and Ryan.”

“Do they live nearby?”

“My parents live in West Bloomfield, and Jenna lives just a few miles away from me. Ryan lives in Chicago.”

Noticing his wistful expression, she decided to veer away from further talk of family, especially since his was so far away.

“I mixed a salad earlier. Can you get it out of the fridge and set it on the table?”

“Sure thing.”

“I have a few different dressings. Pick whichever one you like.”