Page 90 of Twice as Tempting

Chapter 29

Kelly’s week was filled up with work, both at the bookstore and at Damian’s shop, followed by evenings spent at either her apartment or his. If their neighbors didn’t know that they were an “item” before, they certainly did now, what with all the traipsing back and forth across the parking lot.

Kelly set up the next book club meeting for the second Friday in December, and she didn’t forget about Damian’s offer to be a participant. When she sent an email to the ladies in the group asking for their opinion, the response was an overwhelming yes, they would love to hear a man’s perspective at the next meeting. When Kelly reminded Damian of his offer, he first pretended to have forgotten, and then he tried to back out of it.

“But I told all the ladies you’d be there,” Kelly said, glaring at him.

Damian smoothed his index finger over her furrowed brow. “I must have agreed to that in the heat of passion,” he said. “I probably didn’t even realize what I was saying.”

“As I recall, we were fully clothed at the time. But our ‘passion’ will be put on hold unless you do this for me.”

Damian chuckled and threw up his arms. “Ok, ok. I’ll do it.”

There were no complaints after that.

On Saturday evening after work, Kelly donned her MSU sweatpants and a matching hoodie. She put her long hair up in a high ponytail and started to wipe the makeup off her face, but then she decided against it. It was movie night for her and Emma, but she planned on seeing Damian later, so she kept her “face on.” Damian had told her countless times that he thought she was beautiful au naturel, but Kelly always felt a little better with a touch of makeup.

Emma showed up promptly at seven o’clock bearing two grocery bags full of snacks and frozen daiquiri mix. When Kelly opened the door for her, she glanced across the street and spotted Zack jogging up the stairs to Damian’s apartment. Damian leaned casually against his open door, with his hands stuffed in his jeans pockets, and Kelly swore she could see him roll his eyes from across the street.

“Have fun, ladies,” Zack called before disappearing into Damian’s apartment. Kelly gave Damian a thumbs up before she ushered Emma inside and firmly closed the door.

“Zack was really looking forward to tonight,” Emma said as she unpacked the bags.

“Yeah? Damian too.” Kelly said with her fingers crossed behind her back. A little white lie never hurt, right?

“So, what all did you bring? This looks like enough food for the entire Kostas family,” Kelly teased.

Emma giggled. “I really am adopting some of their habits, aren’t I?”

“Yes, you are.”

“Well, get used to it, because you might be part of the family someday too.”

Emma had been making more and more references like that, and they always made Kelly feel slightly squeamish. Not because she didn’t want a future with Damian, but because she was afraid to be too hopeful. She was actually content with the way things were between them right now, and she tried not to look too far ahead.

“Zack mentioned something about Damian looking at a house the other day…” Emma said, but she stopped talking when she saw the shock on Kelly’s face.

“A house?”

“Yeah. You know, those rectangular things with windows,” Emma teased.

“Funny, he didn’t mention that to me,” Kelly replied.

“Uh-oh. Maybe I wasn’t supposed to say anything.”

“Apparently, Damian still likes to keep secrets,” Kelly said.

“Maybe he wants to surprise you. Don’t say anything, Kell. I mean it. Wait and let him tell you.”

Kelly shook her head to clear the thoughts that were zinging around like they were in a pinball machine. “Ok. Let’s talk about something other than our men. This is ladies’ night after all!”

“You’re right. You make the popcorn while I whip up some drinks.”

They worked side by side in the tiny kitchen, and their talk turned to other topics. Whenever either of them accidentally mentioned Zack or Damian, they quickly switched gears. They brought out their drinks, bowls of popcorn, and M&M’s (chocolate was a must for ladies’ night) to the living room and set them all on the coffee table.

“So, which movie do you want to watch, The Notebook or The Lucky One?” Kelly asked, waving both DVDs in her hands.

“Hmm…that’s a tough one. Ryan Gosling or Zac Efron? Who am I in the mood for?”