Page 26 of Don't Be in Love

He bit his lip, catching a laugh before it could escape.

“Are you two dating?” Lottie dug for more information.

“No!” I interjected.

“Leave the poor things alone,” Dotty attempted to quiet them down.

“Why aren’t you two dating?” Evelyn asked, knotting the end of the thread.

“Because we’re not interested in each other like that,” I blurted out.

He bit the inside of his cheek, crossing his arms.Oh really?

“That can’t be possible,” Evelyn shook the idea away. “Isn’t she pretty?” she asked Dorian.

“She is very pretty.” He nodded. His eyes met mine. It was so earnest that it was painful to absorb. Brown orbs swirling with a palette of golden watercolors that threatened to pull me in.

“And isn’t she smart?”

“Incredibly smart.” He nodded. I couldn’t read his face. It was quiet but full of thought. A closed book full of wisdom written in foreign languages, disguised with a simple cover. Only, his face was never simple.

“Well, why don’t you ask her out!” Evelyn argued.

I lost hold of his gaze. He turned to Evelyn. “I have. Unfortunately,she’suninterested inme.”

Oh.

He had rosy cheeks, the color of the strawberry jam I had added to my buttered scone that morning. I looked down at my lap and fiddled with my ring.

The women gasped as if he had told them he was cheated on by his sixth wife and was left without a home and prospects. Theatrical as usual.

“But she’s willing to tutor me, so I’ll take whatever she offers.”

My spine was taut like the Union flags pulled across Regent Street. But my legs were a pool of useless muscles, muddled by unfamiliar emotions. The more he spoke, the more I questioned if this charming act was habitual … or if it was genuine.

“Alright, let’s let them get on with their night. They have a party to get to tomorrow,” Iris spoke up. “We have a book to discuss anyways. Well, except Beatrice.”

The group—minus Beatrice—laughed.

“Here you are, darling.” Evelyn handed me the dress, the seam repaired. “Have a fun time.” She winked.

“I am so sorry about that,” I groaned.

Never did I think I’d be apologizing to Dorian Blackwood, but here I was.

I shut the front door behind me, leaving us in the quiet of the street.

I sighed. “I probably should’ve mentioned the group of women that are intensely interested in everyone’s personal lives. I completely forgot about book club until they were walking through the front door with a bottle of wine and a tray of cheese. I should’ve known the second Iris asked me if you were coming today.”

He smiled as we passed under a streetlamp. No moon or stars tonight in the sky. Only gray clouds swirling around in the wind like cotton. “I’m happy I could supply the entertainment. Even if it means they’ll look at me with pity each time I see them.”

“They will not pity you.” I shook my head.

“Oh really? Because the woman with the big earrings handed me her daughter’s number.” He held up a piece of crumpled paper.

I grabbed the paper from his hand to verify. “Lottie, you mischievous woman!” I shouted when I realized it was real, handing it back over. “I amsoso sorry. That’s so inappropriate.”

He accepted it and threw it in a passing trash bin. “I’m flattered she thinks I’m good enough for her daughter.” He laughed.