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“What do you want?”

“Ah, so you think I’m going to win, too?” I tease.

He laughs. “No, I mean, what should the prize be?”

I know what I want it to be, but I also know I can’t ask for that. There’s no way a guy like Luca would be interested in someone like me.

Still, I can’t help but hope…

“How about dinner tomorrow night?” I suggest.

“Deal.”

We nod at each other and head into the store. I try to bury my feelings for him as we mosey around the store, but it’s useless. The more time I spend with him, the more I learn, and the more I want him.

Just be happy to have a friend, I tell myself.

But when Luca looks at me, I can’t help but want more.

TWO

Luca

“What are you doing with Blake today?” My brother, Milo, asks as he gets ready for his shift at the fire station.

“I’m not sure yet. Just that she’ll be done with work by three.”

He nods, checking his bag and shoving in a phone charger.

“How does it feel?”

I frown. “How does what feel?”

“To fall in love?” he asks with a knowing smile.

“I…How did you know?”

“Please, Luca, it’s obvious. Besides, I’ve been there before. I saw Lilou, and that was it. Game over. I knew she was the one for me. I get the feeling that you feel the same way about Blake.”

“I do,” I admit. “It’s kind of crazy. I mean, five days ago, I didn’t even know she existed. Falling in love wasn’t even on my radar. I was going to settle down here and try to figure out my life. But then I walked into the diner, and there she was.”

It’s been a whirlwind few days. Blake is so much fun, and we’ve spent most of our time running errands, eating, or exploring the town.

“Have you asked her out yet? Officially?” Milo asks.

“Not yet. I’m working up to it.”

“Hmm.”

I roll my eyes. “Didn’t you wait like a year to ask Lilou out?”

He grins sheepishly. “Yeah. You should learn from my mistakes and not waste so much time.”

“Noted.”

He finishes grabbing his stuff and stands. “It’s been great having you home.”

“Yeah.”