Country Brides - Debbie Macomber [119]
“Does this also mean you’re admitting you love me?”
“I’ve never had a problem with that—”
Kate was interrupted by an elderly man who strolled up to their table. With considerable ceremony, he lifted a violin to his chin and played a bittersweet love song.
“I didn’t know they had strolling violinists here,” Kate said when the man had finished. Everyone in the restaurant stopped to applaud.
“This next song is dedicated to the two of you,” the man announced, “that the love in your hearts will blossom into a bouquet of May flowers.”
It wasn’t until he’d finished the third song that Kate noticed he didn’t go to any of the other tables. He seemed to be playing only for them. Some of the customers had apparently noticed this, too, and gathered behind Luke and Kate in order to get a better view of the musician.
“Thank you,” Kate said as the last notes faded.
The man lowered his instrument to his side. “You two have become quite a sensation in Nightingale and beyond. We at Pizza Mania are honored that you’ve chosen our restaurant for a romantic evening. We want to do our part to bring you together in wedded bliss.”
“And you’re suggesting the month of May?” Kate asked, referring to his comment about a bouquet of flowers.
“That would be an excellent choice,” the violinist said, grinning broadly.
“It’s time we left,” Luke said, frowning. He pulled out his wallet, but the violinist stopped him. “Please, your pizza’s on the house. We are delighted that you chose to dine in our humble establishment.”
From the tight set of Luke’s mouth, Kate could tell he wanted to argue, but more urgent was his need to escape. He took her by the hand and charged for the door.
“Your leftover pizza!” Their waitress ran after them, handing Luke a large white box as she cast Kate an envious glance.
Luke couldn’t seem to get out of the car park fast enough. Kate waited until they were on the road before she spoke. “So this is the first time that’s happened to you?”
Luke laughed shortly. “Not really, only I didn’t pick up on it as quickly as you did. Several people have made odd comments about certain months, but until now, I didn’t get what they were actually saying.”
“It’s funny when you think about it. Half the county’s got money riding on our wedding day, and Fred Garner’s making a killing raising and lowering the odds.” Suddenly the lottery was the most hilarious thing Kate had ever heard of, and she started to laugh. She slumped against the side of the cab, holding her sides. She was laughing so hard, her stomach hurt. Tears ran down her cheeks and she wiped them away as she tried to regain control. The wedding lottery and everyone’s interference wasn’t all that funny, but Luke’s disgruntled reaction was.
“Come on, Luke,” she said, still chuckling. “There ’s a lot of humor in this situation.”
He snorted.
“Don’t be such a killjoy. I’ve been getting free advice from the butcher, Sally Daley, the paperboy and just about everyone else in town. It’s only fair that you put up with a few of their comments, too.”
“One might think you’d take some of that free advice,” he muttered.
“What?” she cried. “And ruin their fun?”
Luke was oddly quiet for the remainder of the trip into Nightingale. He stopped at her building, walked her to her door with barely a word, then turned and walked away. No goodnight kiss, no mention of seeing her again.
This was the last thing she’d expected. For the entire drive home, she’d been imagining how good it would feel when Luke kissed her. She’d decided to invite him in for coffee, hoping he’d accept. But this was even worse than Clay’s peck on the cheek all those months ago.
“Luke…”
He stopped abruptly at the sound of her voice, then turned back. His eyes seemed to burn into hers as he came toward her, and she stumbled into his arms. His mouth, hot and hungry, sought hers in a kiss that scorched her senses.
His fingers plunged into her hair, releasing the French braid and ploughing through the twisted strands of blond hair.
Instinctively