Not a Date Library Date
After passing Elizabeth her glass and gently brushing her hand, Lucas took his seat across from her at the table. Both of them felt heated from their little exchange. Both of them equally affected by each others presence.
"Elizabeth I know I have been open and honest about how I feel. I laid it all out there for you in Union City. I plan to be patient and wait for you to figure out your heart, but I also hope your big heart will have enough left in it to let me in. I know you have not decided between Nathan and me, but I need you to know that I just want to have you in my life any way that I can. If Nathan makes you happy, I will be heart broken, but I will find a way to be happy for you. You must know that I will patiently wait forever if you need me too."
Elizabeth was feeling overwhelmed by Lucas's words. At this point she knew they had crossed a bridge they could not go back from. She absolutely knew she had feelings for Lucas. It was in this moment she was finally realizing how strong her feelings were. His words brought a smile to her face and warmth to her heart. She felt something completely different for Lucas than she did Nathan; she had to talk to Nathan before she could tell Lucas he could court her. She was absolutely dreading that conversation. For now she had to be very careful about her words.
"Lucas I appreciate your honesty and thank you for this lovely meal! I just need a little more time. I am still trying to work things out in my heart. I promise you I will let you know soon and Thank You for always thinking of my happiness and putting it above your own. You are the most selfless man I have ever known."
"Let us toast then! They raised their glasses. Here is to Hope Valley's newest published author! May you be as successful as you are beautiful!"
Elizabeth blushed under that last line of his. He always knew exactly what to say to get a reaction from her. They clanked their glasses together and drank to future success.
"What are you going to do about the oil company?" She asked.
"I am not sure. I just need a little more time to think things through. I wish Henry was not so stubborn and had come to me sooner. Together we could probably have fixed this before he got in to deep. What's done is done and no use dwelling on the past. I will figure something out. I should have taken more interest in my investment from the beginning. This was a mistake I will definitely learn from, as well as asking for permission before I send something private of yours to anyone ever again. He winked. Elizabeth it is getting late, can I walk you home and I will clean this up later?"
"Yes you may."
Lucas walked her home and to the door. "Congratulations again Elizabeth, you deserve it! I will see you tomorrow." He took her hand and gave it a gentle kiss and headed back to town.
Elizabeth went inside and closed the door. She took a deep sigh and let out the breath she had been holding since they left the library. Only Lucas could affect her in such a way. She knew it was time to do what she needed to do. She needed to confront Nathan about her feelings. Tomorrow she was going to tell him.
Lucas went back to the library and was cleaning it up. The evening had gone so well, he could tell he had an affect on her, but she was still keeping him at arms distance. He would think about her all night, but for now he was going to continue to remain patient.