Page 23 of The Proposal (Brides of Beaufort 1)

“Hey, don’t spin out,” Layla said. “There’s such a thing as subtlety. You don’t have to go charging up to him with a big flash-mob-style declaration of love. Just make plans to hang out with him like old times and see what happens. Okay?”

I blinked at her. “Okay, but if we hang out like old times, don’t I already know what will happen? We’ll hang out… as friends.”

The girls shared a look, then Aria gave me a sly smile. “Like old times, but maybe with a little bit of romance thrown in.”

“Yes,” Lyndi agreed. “Invite him for dinner and a movie, like you guys always do, but set the scene. Light some candles. Dress up like it’s a date.”

Layla nodded, pointing at me with the neck of her beer bottle. “I bet something will happen if it’s supposed to, especially after the way that conversation went with you guys the other night.”

I looked at each of them, imagining Paul in my apartment for a romantic date. He’d been there many times, even crashing on the small sofa when he was in town for the holidays when we’d stayed up late watching movies. But picturing him in my place in a romantic way set every atom in my body abuzz. Could I really do it? Did I have the guts toset the scenefor Paul without feeling like a total idiot?

“I’ll think about it,” I said finally. “That’s the best you’re going to get out of me tonight.”

My friends giggled and nodded, and Layla threw her throw pillow at me, narrowly missing my glass of wine as I held it in the air. “Coward.”

“Hush.” I laughed, throwing the pillow back.

I might not be ready to agree to this plan out loud, but I knew I’d go through with it. Once the idea of a romantic date with Paul entered my mind, I knew I wouldn’t be able to get it out without taking my shot.