Chapter Eleven

I walked slowly back from Chase's house, much to my dismay. I wanted to stay there and continue talking with him, but it was time for me to head back to the carpentry house. Time to see Luke again. It felt so dirty to be leading both Chase and Luke on, but I couldn't help myself. It seemed so natural to be so in sync with them and… Frankly, it felt nice. For once, I was really and truly accepted. But, if I didn't quit leading one of them on, I'd be right back at square one.

Slowly, I crept in the tall wooden door of the nicely crafted cabin. The room smelled of sawdust and coffee. Actually, the combination wasn't that bad. Then I realized Luke was the only one home. He immediately walked up to me and put his arms around me. I knew he was still trying to get me to kiss him. I didn't pull out of his embrace, though. So obviously, some part of me didn't want to protest Luke's strong arms. I felt a cold chill go up my spine as he put his cheek to mine and held it there. I could feel his warm breath.

"How was your day, Angie?" he asked, pulling his cheek off of mine slowly.

"Nice. I spent some time with Chase. We baked some cookies," I answered, smiling brightly.

"Chase? That grouch? Why would you spend time with him?" his eyes seemed to be wild with envy.

"He's nice company…" I could sense the hurt in his eyes, "You are too, Luke."

He pulled me in tighter in his hug. I made no objection. My mind knew I shouldn't be so forward with a practical stranger. My heart was being dumb though, and allowed Luke to loosen the hug and plant a gentle kiss upon my lips. My conscious was screaming at me, fuming. My mind was "tsk-ing" in disapproval. However… My heart fluttered with the joy of Luke's kiss.

I pulled out of the hug, "Goddess, why did I do that?"

Luke stood there, perplexed, "Do what? It was an innocent kiss."

I whirled around, "There is no such thing as 'just an innocent kiss' when… when you've just met, and you're not even sure about your feelings!"

He chuckled, "Angie, love has no timing. It's swift."

I sighed and answered, "Maybe you're right… But, where are your father and Bo at?"

"They went to the Inn to eat… I stayed home to make sure someone was here to let you in at 5… Why are you changing the subject?" he asked.

"It's because… Because… I am, that's why," was the grand and noble answer I gave him.

"Ah hah… Well, if you'd like to stay at home to eat dinner, there are some things in the fridge that you can use… or if you want to go to the Inn…" he said.

"I believe I'll stay here. I don't feel like trudging all the way up to the center of town…" I moped to the kitchen, tired.

Luke laughed, "You city people… You all talk so funny and tire out so easily!"

"Wow, I'm sorry… I shouldn't be saying I'm tired when…" I started.

He interrupted, "It's okay. But only if you'll make me dinner… and give me a kiss."

I laughed, "Okay…"

I went over and pecked him on the cheek. His disappointment was apparent as he realized I had no intention of presenting my lips to his. I chuckled at his discontent. It was funny, it really was. As I headed to the refrigerator to search for food to cook, Luke sat down at the wooden table with benches for seats. He began to sigh quite audibly, growing louder with each light groan.

"You know I didn't mean my cheek?" he said, almost annoyed.

"That's not what you said," I hummed, musically.

"You and technicalities…" he mispronounced technicalities, but I decided correcting his grammar wasn't the best idea.

"Me and my technicalities…" I mockingly repeated as I turned the stove eye on.

I continued with the dinner of fried chicken and baked potato. Luke continued sighing for another five minutes before he finally stopped. It seemed so childish, and began to grind my nerves soon. While standing at the stove, I found myself thinking about Chase. Probably because I was cooking… But I just couldn't shake the feeling I had of wishing Chase was helping me cook… or that I was cooking for Chase, and not Luke. I guess it was because I had suddenly became so annoyed with Luke at the moment… But Chase did make better company. He wasn't always trying to kiss me every chance he got… But Luke was… Which greatly irked me, to be honest.

To be completely honest, I wasn't sure about anything.