Well damn. I honestly hadn’t been expecting that. I reached up and kissed him on the cheek. “You really are an amazing guy, Kyle. And if you tell anyone I said that, I’ll deny it.”
He shrugged, shut the door to the back where Cat was, and walked around to the driver’s side. Before he got in, he said, “I mean, you must think so if you’re dating me.”
I couldn’t help but laugh as I waved him away. He started up the truck and drove off.
“What in the living fuck? You and Kyle are dating?”
Spinning around, I let out a groan when I saw Candace standing there with a stunned expression on her face.
“Has hell finally frozen over?” she asked while making the sign of the cross on her chest. “I thought you two couldn’t stand each other. Was it all an act? Oh my God, I’m losing my touch. I didn’t see this coming. At all.”
I laughed, walked up, and hugged her. Then I stepped back and gave her a good looking over. She was stunningly beautiful. Warm brown skin that was flawless and made me jealous as hell. Her curly hair was up and piled on top of her head, and those brown eyes of hers sparkled with curiosity. There was something else in them that put me on guard, though…
“Have you been crying?” I asked.
With a furrowed brow, she replied, “I could ask you the same damn thing.”
“I haven’t been crying.”
She raised one knowing brow.
“Fine, but why have you been crying?” I asked.
She waved me off. “No, I’m just tired. I mean, I might have had too much to drink last night and then I dug up this old spell book Greer and I found in college. I might have stayed up until four in the morning trying to put a curse or two on Rick’s dick, so it would rot and fall off. Other than that, I think it’s lack of sleep. I need a good cold eye mask, and I’ll be fine.”
I stared at her, my mouth opening and closing. Then opening again. “Wait, you put a curse on Rick’s dick? Rick? Your boyfriend? Care to share why?”
With a shrug, she replied, “He cheated and then proceeded to say it was my fault. So yes, I hope he rots in hell. But apparently that’s not going to happen because it hath already frozen over. You and Kyle are dating?”
“No. Yes. No.” I shook my head and sighed. “It’s complicated. Are you free for dinner tonight?”
She nodded. “I came by to see if you wanted to go out for your birthday since I’m single now.”
“Kyle and I are having dinner at Bella’s at seven. I’ll explain it all then.”
Candace nodded, then said, “I brought you a birthday basket.”
I kissed her cheek and took the basket. “Come on, I’ll make us some tea. Just promise you won’t ask or say anything about Kyle.”
Crossing her heart with her finger, she said, “I promise. I’m a patient girl, I can wait.”
We walked up the steps right as the door opened. Luke stepped out—and Candace let out a scream so loud, I was positive my eardrums burst.
She pointed at him while her other hand went over her heart. “Holy mother of God. You’re Luke Walters!”
Then she ran forward and threw her arms around him. He stumbled back, his arms pinned at his sides. I wasn’t the least bit surprised Candace would do something like that. When she fangirls, she apparently gives it a hundred-and-ten percent—like with everything she does.
Luke looked at me for help, and I casually glanced down at the basket she’d brought me. It was full of beauty supplies…and an apple. What was up with the apple?
I took it out and bit into it. “Don’t worry. She’s harmless. She’ll get over the shock in…” Glancing at my Apple Watch, I counted down, “Three, two, one.”
Candace let go of Luke and took a step back. “I’m so sorry. Oh my gosh, I don’t know what came over me. I’m so sorry!”
Luke smiled and held up his hands. “No worries at all.” Then he looked at me. “I need to head out; I’ve got to be on set. I don’t have to worry about…” He looked at Candace.
“No, she won’t say a word,” I said, trying to sound like him being here wasn’t throwing me for a damn loop. “Don’t worry. Have fun.”
I grabbed Candace by the hand and pulled her into the house.
“Bye, Luke! Have fun! Will I see you again?” Candace cried out. “I hope I see you again! By the way, I loved Mark Johnson!”
I kicked the door with my foot, slamming it shut before Luke could say anything. I dropped Candace’s hand and made my way to the kitchen.
“Holy shit. Bree! Bree! Did Luke Walters really just step out of the bed and breakfast?”