Crossing Paths by Melanie Stinnett Read Free Book Online Page B

me. “What do you say we cook dinner at home and drink some wine tonight? We can talk about your trip, and maybe the alcohol will get you a little more loose-lipped about whatever happened in New York.”
    “Ha! I doubt that, but some good pasta sounds wonderful. Stop at the Epicurean Market, and we’ll grab what we need. I think we need some See’s Candies to go with our meal, too.”
    “You speak to my heart. Italian food, wine, and chocolate. If you were a man, I would marry you right now.”
    June laughs loudly, throwing her head back. She seems so cheerful. Even if I don’t find out what happened in New York, I know something has altered her mood in the best way possible.

    When we get home, June cooks dinner while I pour glasses of wine. After I open our See’s Candies, she asks me to grab her phone, so I can play a new song by some British girl. She gushes about the song, telling me how the lyrics are so great. If June wasn’t in such a good mood, I would tell her that a song about dancing at discos and eating cheese on toast is not exactly enlightening. Just as I’m about to suggest a song change, my phone chimes to tell me I have a new text. I walk to the other side of the couch and turn away as if the back of June’s head could read the screen on my phone.
     
    Are you busy Friday evening? I have this event to attend, and I was hoping you might be available to join me. —Liam
     
    Did I read that right? Crap! This can’t be happening. I am not supposed to get involved with June’s brother. Wait, I have the perfect excuse to avoid him on Friday night.
     
    Would love to, but I actually have a charity event to attend for work. —Caroline
     
    It doesn’t happen to be for the Boys & Girls Club, does it? —Liam
     
    Yes, that’s the one. —Caroline
     
    There is no way he is attending the same event!
     
    Sounds like we’re headed in the same direction. Could I convince you to let me pick you up?
    —Liam
    Well, I had plans to go with some girls from work, but I’m sure they wouldn’t mind just seeing me there. —Caroline
     
    Great, it’s a date. I’ll pick you up at 6:30 on Friday night. —Liam
     
    Okay, thanks. See you then. —Caroline
     
    A date! He definitely said it’s a date. With the strangeness of today, I reread the text a few more times to make sure it’s not a mirage to my weary eyes. What am I thinking? You know what? I don’t care. It’s not like I’m pursuing him. He asked me. My smile has already spread from ear to ear as I walk back into the kitchen. I’m trying in vain to hide my excitement, but June sees through me with one glance.
    “Who was that?” she asks with a knowing grin.
    “A guy I met at work. He wants to go to the charity event together on Friday.”
    June’s mouth drops open. “I was only gone for one day. You must have really wowed him. Is it the one you told me about last week? The hot guy from the office down the hall?”
    I hesitate, thinking about my answer. I don’t want to lie. “No, it’s a new guy I just met. I don’t know much about him, so there isn’t much to tell.” A certain level of vagueness isn’t considered lying, right?
    Thankfully, June leaves it at that. “Dinner is served,” she announces as she places our dinner on the bar place mats.
    The food and wine are wonderful. The See’s Candies are otherworldly. And, of course, the company is the best part. I am so glad to have June home even though I have to hide the fact that I’m lusting over her brother.
    Thinking forward to the rest of the week, I know Wednesday and Thursday will pass in a blur. Things are going to be crazy at work as we get ready for client meetings and prepare for the charity event. Since my boss is head of the committee in charge of the event, I’ll be running around, arranging flowers, setting tablecloths, and making sure everything looks beautiful. As the date gets closer, I know there will be last-minute additions to make sure my life does not