Best Dating Rules: A Romantic Comedy (The Best Girls Book 2) (30 page)

She shouldn’t have let him kiss her at the pool. But he’d been so tempting, with his arm draped around her, sans shirt, his sinuous muscles flexing in his chest, his hand playing havoc with the nerve endings in her arm, which were evidently connected to every other nerve in her body.

Originally she thought if she didn’t kiss him anymore, she wouldn’t fall any harder for him. But in reality it was too late. If she was honest with herself, she knew it was true. She was in love with him. It was a tragedy, because she knew it was only a matter of time before he broke her heart.

Then a wonderful thought occurred. There was a bright side to this realization. She might as well kiss him as much as she wanted. Why deprive herself? At least she could enjoy him while she had him. But she had to be careful—she had to hide her feelings. After all, he never claimed to be in love with her. Grace claimed it was true four weeks ago, yet Spencer had never said it. Surely he would have told her by now if it were true.

And at least she could enjoy kissing him until they broke up—as long as they were in a semi-public and safe place where they couldn’t get carried away. One thing was certain… When they kissed, her iron willpower turned to jelly, along with her mind and her muscles.

Stopping on a large green lawn area, he spread out the contents of his backpack. They had a blanket to lie on and all the makings for a great picnic, including grapes, cheese, bread, and summer sausage. He’d even included some brownies for dessert.

“Why are you smiling?” Spencer asked.

“I... uhmm… I was thinking how perfect this is. A great picnic on the grass and a book to read. This is such a cool park, up in the air on an old railroad track. It’s genius.”

“I’m glad you like it.” He leaned over her on his elbows as she stretched out gazing up at the clouds. He was close, so close. Was he going to kiss her? She closed her eyes and waited, sensing the nearness of his lips to hers, feeling his breath on her cheek.

Abruptly, he sat up and pulled off his t-shirt, rolling it carefully. She stared hungrily at his rippling muscles as he moved. He smiled as he lay down next to her, propping his head on his shirt.

“No fair. You’ve got a pillow,” she teased.

“Just take off that shirt, and I’ll make you one, too.” He flashed his even white teeth in a grin.

“I think that wouldn’t be wise. I didn’t come prepared to sunbathe today.” She noted a number of other girls on the park lawn had the forethought to wear swimsuits. “When did you make brownies?”

“I got up early this morning before I picked you up.” He yawned, stretching his arms above his head, and she appreciated the display.

“Wow. After you were up so late last night? I saw you texted me after midnight. What project were you working on with your dad?”

“Uhmm, bathroom. You know, uhmm... plumbing and stuff. We were replacing a vanity and sink.”

“Oh. Sounds hard. Maybe you could show me at dinner Sunday night?”

“Uhmm, yeah. Well, that’s the problem. The new one didn’t fit, and we had to put the old one back. That’s why it took so long.”

“Oh. I see.” He was lying. She was almost certain of it. Her heart broke a little. But maybe there was another explanation. She didn’t confront him because she didn’t want to know the truth. She was in love with Spencer, and right now they were together.

He was sweet and caring and protective. He was the type of guy she’d always wanted—the kind who’d love you so much they’d risk their lives for you. Maybe he really did love her, but he was too insecure to say it. Maybe if she shared her feelings just a little, he’d find the courage to tell her. She steeled her nerves before she spoke in a timid voice.

“Spencer, you know... I really like you a lot. I mean, more than I’ve ever liked a guy before. And... And I don’t know, I just wanted you to know. Because I know you saved my life even after I went out with Asher, and I know I hurt you. And I’m sorry. I don’t know if I’ve ever told you how sorry I am. Except I’m glad I almost died because you saved my life, and that’s how I found out how special you are. Well, that and when you kissed me...” She paused, waiting for his response. But he was quiet. Had she said something wrong? Had she hurt his feelings?

“Spencer?” She sat up and leaned toward him, searching his face.

He was sound asleep.

Spencer knew h
e
had to talk to his parents and enlist their help. It was Sunday, and family dinner was looming. If only he hadn’t used his father as an alibi for Friday night. He groaned. Even if his father agreed to back up his story, his sisters might say something to give away his lie. How could he have been so stupid? He should’ve made up a different story. Sighing, he decided to face his parents first. He could hear his mother and father in the kitchen.

“Hey, Momma. Papa. Uhmm... Can I talk to you guys?”

His mom immediately got that oh-my-gosh-something-terrible-must-have-happened-tell-me-now-before-I-die look.

“Sure, Son.” Joe took his time, filling a glass with water before he sat down at the table with Spencer.

“I got myself in trouble with Emily, and I need you guys to help me out.”

“You got Emily in trouble?” Connie asked with wide eyes.

“No.
He’s
in trouble,” said Joe. “Calm down, Connie. You always overreact.”

“I do not. I’m more sensitive to the underlying emotions. You, on the other hand, have the sensitivity of a shoehorn.”

“A shoehorn? Where on earth did that come from? That doesn’t even make sense.”

“Have you ever met a sensitive shoehorn? Of course not. That’s what I mean—you’re not very sensitive.”

“I still say that doesn’t—“

“Momma! Papa! Can you argue later? Emily will be here in an hour.”

“Sorry, Son. What is it?”

“Well, I told Emily I was helping you with a bathroom project Friday night.”

“I see,” he said, his eyes narrowing. “And what were you actually doing on Friday night?”

“I was working. I got a job doing valet parking to earn some extra money.”

“Are you having trouble making your rent?” asked Connie. “I thought your internship at Gherring Inc. was paid.”

“It is. I make enough to pay rent, which is better than a lot of my friends. But I don’t make any extra.”

“What do you need the extra for? To take Emily out? Wouldn’t she understand?”

“Well... I’m trying to save money, and I didn’t want her to know. For a ring.”

“I knew it! I just knew you were in love with her. You see.” Connie punched Joe on the shoulder playfully. “It’s because of my sensitivity—that’s why I knew before you.”

“Have you two talked about this? And have you talked to her dad?” asked Joe.

Spencer gulped. He’d forgotten about talking to Mr. Gherring. “We haven’t exactly talked about it. But I’ll get around to it before I actually buy the ring.” He hoped that was true. He still hadn’t figured out how to broach the subject. Saturday had been like torture. He’d been so close to kissing her multiple times, but he’d held himself back. Just barely. He hadn’t wanted to upset her, but it was so hard to resist when her lips looked so kissable.

Joe stood up and clapped Spencer on the shoulder. “She’s a wonderful girl. We’ll love having her in the family. I hope she doesn’t mind being swallowed up by your sisters. I’ll cover for you this time, but you need a better story if you’re going to keep this up. When are you going to ask her?”

“I don’t know yet. As soon as I can afford to buy the ring and think of a good way to ask her.” He hesitated, “So the other problem is my sisters—in case Emily mentions something about me being here Friday night.”

“You’re really lucky. All the girls but Grace were at a movie.”

“And Grace? Was she out with Brad?”

“Nope, he was working Friday night at the hospital, and Grace didn’t feel like going to the movie. I’m afraid she was here Friday night,” said Connie.

“Ughh! I’m going to have to bribe her, and she’s going to make me pay.”

“Sorry, Son.” Joe laughed. “You might as well get used to it. Once you’re married, it seems they spend all their free time thinking of ways to make you pay.”

“Hey,” Connie said in mock outrage. “Watch what you say, you old shoehorn!”

“Hi, Gracie. You look nice tonight.” Spencer stood in the doorway of her room, wearing what he hoped was a sincere expression.

“Oh boy. You want something really bad, don’t you?”

“Can’t a guy compliment his gorgeous sister without having an ulterior motive?”

Grace rolled her eyes.

“Okay. I need a favor. I need you to back me up in case Emily asks anything about Friday night. I told her Papa and I were tackling a bathroom project.”

“I’m listening.”

“I was actually working, but I didn’t want her to know I got an extra job.”

“Why can’t she know you got an extra job?”

“She... She might think it’s because Mr. Gherring doesn’t pay me enough.”

“Hmmm. Nope. That’s not a good enough reason. I think you should just tell her the truth.”

“Gracie!”

“Forget it.”

“Okay... Fine... I’m working to buy an engagement ring.”

“I knew it! I knew it! I knew it!”

“You did not.”

“Of course I did. You’re so gone over Emily. When you’re with her I could absolutely sweep you up in a pan and toss you over the wall, and you wouldn’t even notice. I take it you finally talked about it? You told her you love her?”

“Well, not exactly.”

“Spencer! You haven’t told her yet?”

“I’m waiting for the right time.”

“But when I talked to her Monday night at the pool she still thought you were some player who was bound to leave her for another guy.”

“I told her I wasn’t going to leave her.”

“But she still thinks she’s the last in a very long line of girls you’ve kissed and more than kissed?”

“The important thing is she knows she’s the last—the very last.”

“Why didn’t you tell her the truth? That she was the only one? She’d feel a lot more secure.”

His stomach churned. “It’s too late to tell her that now. I don’t even think she’d believe it.”

“Well, well, well! Are you such a hot kisser she couldn’t possibly believe she was your first?” Her voice rose in laughter.

“Maybe I am. It’s not funny.”

“Oh, yeah—it’s funny. But you’re getting yourself in big trouble because of your ego, brother. You better swallow it, and tell her the truth. If you’re not careful, you’re going to have a great big beautiful ring and no one to give it to.”

“Shut it. Okay? You haven’t told me yet if you’ll back up my story.”

When she smiled at him, he could have sworn she’d sprouted red horns and a forked tail. “Of course I’ll help you, dear brother. We’ll discuss your payment at a later time.”

Emily marched in the Marshall’s front door with a plan. Saturday, after she’d admitted to herself she was in love with Spencer and decided to end the kissing hiatus, he’d missed several obvious kissing opportunities. Either he was finally going along with her earlier no-kissing plan, or he’d lost interest. So tonight, she was going to get him alone and figure out what was going on. She wanted to tell him how she felt about him, stopping just short of saying she loved him. But she wasn’t going to say anything at all until she was positive he was still attracted to her. If Grace was right and he really did love her, then surely he would let her know.

She’d even stepped up her game in an effort to make herself a bit more difficult to resist. She had on a cute short skirt with some heels that made her long legs look even longer. Her top was tight enough to accentuate her slender figure although it wasn’t extremely low cut. Why bother with a plunging neckline when she didn’t have any cleavage to show off? She couldn’t compete with Betty Boobs. She’d even added a touch of mascara and some flavored lip-gloss. So her eyes looked enormous and her lips looked... Well, she hoped they looked irresistible.

She was disappointed when Grace met her at the door. She’d hoped Spencer might answer the door alone, and she might be able to use her allure to steal a quick kiss before dinner even started. Since she decided kissing was no longer against the rules, it was almost killing her not to do it.

“Hi, Emily.” Grace grabbed her arm, pulling her into the apartment. She gave her a speedy once-over. “You look great. Perfect, in fact. Absolutely perfect. Let’s go show you to Spencer.”

Before she could think to protest, Grace dragged her into the kitchen.

“Look, Spencer. Emily’s here,” announced Grace, pushing her toward him.

He turned around from the stove where he was sautéing onions and bell peppers. She was pleased to note his eyes widening as he surveyed her legs. “Hi, uhmm... Hi.”

“Good job, Cyrano.” Grace poured on the sarcasm. “I can see why you’re still waiting for the right time.” He glared at her as she departed the kitchen, her laughter trailing behind her.

“The right time for what?” Emily asked when she left them alone.

“Uhmm, she’s just being Grace. Giving me a hard time as usual. You... You look fantastic tonight. I mean, not that you don’t always look great. But tonight you look even more great.” His voice trailed off to a mumble at the end, his cheeks reddening.

“Your veggies are burning, I think.”

He whipped around. “Shoot! Oh, man! I guess they’ll be okay. Not all of them are burned.” He scraped the onions and peppers where they were blackened and adhering to the bottom of the pan.

“I’ll eat the burnt ones—I like them with a little char. Sorry I distracted you. Can I help?”

“Sure. Can you stir the beans while I get the fajita meat sliced? And then can you get out the sour cream and pico de gallo and serving spoons.”

“This is so great. Mexican food makes me feel like I’m home in Texas.”

“Do you miss it a lot?” His brows furrowed.

“Yes. I love Mexican food,” she teased.

“Yes, but do you miss Texas a lot?”

“I miss the grass and the trees and the wide open spaces. And strangely enough, I miss driving. I used to get a lot of thinking done while I was driving. Commuting on the subway somehow doesn’t lend itself to deep contemplation.”

“Solving the world’s problems?”

“Yes, and listening to TED talks.”

“What about the weather?”

“Well, the summers are much nicer here. We had temps in the upper nineties and over a hundred for most of June, July and August. But, we only had a bit of snow. I’m afraid I’m going to be in for a shock when winter gets here.”

“We need to get you some good warm clothes. I’ll take you shopping in the fall.”

“I hate shopping.”

“How could I forget? But somebody has to take care of you.”

Emily warmed inside. That didn’t sound like a guy who was ready to move on to another girl. Maybe he loved her after all. Maybe tonight he’d tell her so. If he said the words, she was ready to say them back.

Abruptly the kitchen door opened and they were inundated with Spencer’s sisters, complete with talking, yelling, and laughter. Marshall family dinner had begun.

Spencer was so distracted he could hardly eat. Why had she worn that outfit to the family dinner? She looked good—too good. He had a hard enough time controlling himself around her, without seeing those amazing legs in that short skirt. And when she sat down next to him, he noticed that it inched up a little further. She caught him checking her out and smiled. That’s when he realized the truth. She was teasing him, on purpose. First she’d told him they couldn’t kiss, and then she’d worn this super short skirt, simply to test him. Well, two could play at that game.

He returned her smile. And on pretense of adjusting his napkin, he slipped his left hand under the shield of the tablecloth to rest on the soft smooth skin of her thigh. His fingers traced tiny circles on her skin with the lightest of touches. He was pleased to see her struggling to keep her eyes open, breathing shallowly. She clamped her hand over his to hold his fingers still. He maintained a neutral expression, forking a bite of black beans into his mouth. She pushed his hand away, attempting to cross her legs, but bumped her knee on the table.

“Ow!” she cried.

“What did you do to her?” asked Grace.

“It wasn’t him. I tried to cross my legs, but these heels make my legs too tall to cross them under the table.”

“I love your shoes,” said Olivia. “Actually, I love the whole outfit.”

“Don’t we wear the same size shoes and skirt? You could borrow them any time.”

“No!” He must have spoken a bit too loudly, because his entire family was staring at him. “I don’t... I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

Grace grinned, “He means he doesn’t want his sister looking that hot. Right, Spencer?”

“She’s too young,” he objected.

“Give me a break, Spencer. I’m twenty-one.” Olivia turned back to Emily. “I’ve got a super cute skirt and shoes that match. We can trade sometime.”

“That’s a great idea,” said Hannah.

“Hannah likes to steal my clothes,” explained Olivia.

“Not steal—borrow.”