“Battle L.A.”
“The movie in which aliens invade earth? That’s not even realistic.”
Vaughn drank his iced tea. “It’s just as realistic as that attractive heroine falling for the pudgy hero.”
Olivia pressed a hand against her chest. “Oh, unkind.”
Their banter was momentarily interrupted when Carl delivered their dinner. Then they returned to their movie critiques. The topic carried them through the meal and the return drive to Olivia’s home. It was a cozy cottage-like house on the northwest side of town, not far from the university. Vaughn parked his Honda Accord in Olivia’s driveway, then walked with her to her front door.
Olivia pulled her house keys from her purse. “Thank you for tonight. I had a lovely time.”
“So did I. Thank you.”
Olivia unlocked her door, then turned back to Vaughn. There was expectation in her brown eyes. But all Vaughn could think about was Benita.
Vaughn closed the gap between them and took her upper arms in his hands. He lowered his head and pressed his lips to her cheek.
“Good night.” Vaughn sensed her disappointment before he saw it in her eyes.
“Good night.” Her smile was forced.
Vaughn waited until she entered her house, then listened until he heard her turn the lock in her door. He dragged his right hand over his clean-shaven head as he returned to his sedan.
Benita! Dammit! She’d taken up residence in his heart, in his head, and she wouldn’t leave. It was as though she’d been in there so long she’d invoked eminent domain. Vaughn pressed the security button on his key chain to unlock his car, then yanked open the driver’s side door. He threw himself onto the seat and squeezed the steering wheel.
He was attracted to Olivia. He’d had a great time with her tonight, despite the romantic comedy. So why didn’t he kiss her on her lips? Because I’m still under Benita’s spell. What do I have to do to break it?
CHAPTER 10
“Why would you invite Nessa?” Megan asked the question for the second time.
Doreen gave Benita a long-suffering look as the three of them gathered in the kitchen at Books & Bakery Wednesday afternoon. The entertainment business manager didn’t appear to notice as she finished her third cup of coffee.
“As I explained to Benita and Alonzo last night, it would be awkward not to invite the members of the Trinity Falls Town Council to my wedding.” Doreen slid the sourdough rolls she intended to serve with lunch into the industrial oven.
“Alonzo doesn’t seem to have a problem with that.” Benita sipped her caffeine.
“He doesn’t have to work with them.” Doreen turned to the honey wood island toward the front of the kitchen to create the batter for her Trinity Falls Fudge Walnut Brownies.
Megan rose from the tiny circular matching table and crossed to the bakery manager. “Doreen, don’t you remember what happened during your Thanksgiving Dessert Open House last year?”
“What happened?” Benita looked from Megan to Doreen and back.
“Your great-aunt closed the door in Nessa’s face.” Doreen struggled to appear exasperated by the account. But the truth was, she was still grateful for Ms. Helen’s assistance. She also would have paid good money to have seen Nessa’s face when the door had shut on her.
“Oh, no.” Benita covered her mouth with her right hand. Her voice struck a chord between horror and humor.
“Ms. Helen was only trying to help.” Megan rushed to reassure Benita. “I just wish we knew why Nessa’s so antag
onistic toward you.”
“So do I.” Doreen sighed. Talking about the town council president always put her in a bad mood.
“You don’t know?” Benita crossed to the dishwasher and loaded her coffee cup.
“Do you?” Doreen turned to the younger woman.
“It’s not a big mystery.” Benita shrugged. “According to my mother, Nessa’s resented you since high school.”