“Works for me.”
She still didn't know much about him, but tonight wasn't the only time they'd spend together. “Can you think of anything else we should talk about tonight?” she asked, struggling to hold back a yawn. Although she'd climbed into bed at a decent hour last night, she hadn't fallen asleep until well after two this morning because her stupid brain wouldn’t stop.
Duncan cringed. Considering the topic, it wasn't an expression she wanted to see. “I slipped earlier and told Gianna you were at the door. Then, without thinking, I said no when she asked if we were going on our first date tonight.”
Tory couldn't hold that against him. She was guilty of answering without thinking herself.
“Can I tell her what's really going on?”
Most people she knew wouldn't bother asking. Instead, they'd do whatever they wanted. It said a lot about Duncan's character that he'd asked her first. “If you want.”
The chances of Duncan's cousin ever conversing with Grant or anyone else at the wedding was about as likely as the New England Rebels drafting Tory to play football.
“I'll let you know what I decide. I might tell her I invited you over so we could plan our other dates, which we still need to do.”
“We don't need to do anything special for our dates.” She'd meant to tell him that last night. “I think we'd get to know each other better by just spending time together like we did tonight.”
They didn't need to know all of each other's secrets. However, if people were going to believe they were a couple, they needed to know more than that they both liked to drink espresso while eating tiramisu.
“There's no reason we can't do both.”
She couldn't argue with him. And the more time they spent together before the wedding, the more comfortable they'd be with each other while in Puerto Rico. “I'm meeting a friend tomorrow night, but do you want to come by Tuesday around six for dinner?”
“I can't Tuesday, but I'm free Wednesday.”
There was no stifling her yawn this time. “Wednesday at six works for me,” Tory said, coming to her feet. “I'm sorry. If I sit here much longer, I will fall asleep.”
“You really know how to boost a guy's ego.”
“It's not you. I didn't—” Tory stopped when she spotted Duncan's grin. She was comfortable teasing and exchanging friendly insults with only a handful of people, individuals Tory knew well. But the way Duncan was smiling at her, she couldn't help it now. “On second thought, maybe the company is making me tired. I did feel fine when I got here.”
“Wednesday, I'll try to be more entertaining. Maybe I'll even put on a show for you,” he said as they reached the door.
“Now, I'm curious. What kind of show?”
“You'll have to wait and see.”
FIVE
“Don’t be surprisedif you hear from Grant. He’s in Boston this week.” Ivy’s voice came through Tory’s earbuds as she prepared dinner on Wednesday night.
“Already did. On Sunday, he asked if we could get together this weekend.” Tory added the chopped cucumbers to the salad and then reached for the tomatoes. “I told him I had plans.”
“I wish he’d meet someone already.”
“You and me both. But hopefully when he sees me with Duncan in Puerto Rico, he’ll accept there is no chance of us getting back together and move on.”
“Have you and Duncan gone on your first date yet?”
“No, we’re going on Saturday, but last Sunday, he cooked us dinner. And he’s coming by tonight. If we’re going to pull this off at the wedding, we need to get to know each other.”
“Wait a minute. He cooked dinner for you, and you didn’t tell me. Was it any good?”
“It was delicious. Even my parents would’ve enjoyed it, and you know how picky they are.” Tory placed the salad down on the table and then turned off the buzzing oven timer.
“Maybe you should see if he’s interested in an actual relationship. I don’t think there are too many men around that can cook a meal good enough for them.”
She couldn’t argue with Ivy there. They’d been known to complain at the best five-star restaurants in Beverly Hills.