. . until I’m not.” I want to be married, but at the same time, I have no intention of wasting my time with a man who isn’t my future.
“You’re an asexual?” I’m not being very clear here.
“I’m very open to falling in love. I would jump headfirst for the right man if he came along. But he hasn’t. I’m not half a person looking for someone to complete me. I’m whole on my own.” It took years of therapy to recognize my self-worth. “I have friends, a wonderful family, and a successful business.”
Lucas pops a French fry into his mouth. “Right. You told me you were a business owner. Tell me about it.” Good. Thank goodness we’re abandoning the relationship issue.
“It’s a retail shop called Law’s Attraction Boutique. Named for the law of attraction and because my friend’s call me Law.”
“Clever name.”
I wonder if he even knows what the law of attraction is. Or anything about the type person I am. “Has Ollie told you much about me?”
“A little.” Figures. Ollie isn’t known for spilling much.
“I’m not exactly your typical kind of girl.”
Lucas laughs. “No, you’re definitely not. And it’s one of the things I like about you.” He likes that about me? I believe Mr. Broussard is back to flirting.
“Have you ever been to River Street?”
“Never even been to Savannah.”
“That’s a shame. My hometown is beautiful. You have to come when you have the chance. Consider this your official invitation.” Did I just invite Lucas Broussard to come to my town? Yes, I did.
“I hear it’s a beautiful city.”
“It is and I love it. My shop faces the Savannah River. Best view in the city if you ask me.”
“Sounds much better than the one we have of the parking lot at the brewery.” Yeah. That would be depressing.
“Tell me more about your boutique.”
“I sell a wide variety of things. Of course there’s the usual stuff like clothing, jewelry, bags, and aromatherapy supplies.”
“And then there’s stuff people don’t consider usual?” I think Ollie may have told him more than he lets on.
“Essential oils. Healing crystals. Herbs for herbalism. I’m fascinated by holistic healing. But that doesn’t mean I think one shouldn’t seek medical attention if needed. I’m not a quack. Nor am I into witchcraft.” Might as well put it out there now.
“Why would anyone think you’re a witch?”
“Many of the items I carry in the store are used in spells. Some people think that means I practice witchcraft or voodoo. All idiots. I guess it’s more interesting to say I sell rose oil for love spells rather than for its all natural medicinal properties.”
“I don’t know anything about that kind of stuff.”
Most people don’t. “It’s intriguing.”
“Give me an example.”
“Okay. I used to have trouble sleeping. A few drops of lavender oil on my pillow fixed that. I sleep like a baby, and I’m energized when I wake. A few drops in my cleanser help my skin stay clear and healthy. Peppermint oil is great for congestion, nausea, and headaches. That’s just a few uses. There’re so many I could go on and on.”
“Ah, lavender. That’s the scent I’ve noticed every time I’m near you. It’s very nice.” When was the last time a man told me I smelled nice? Has it been that long since I’ve had someone interested in me? Is that why I’ve felt a little alone lately? Is that also why I’m sticking around for the weekend? Or is that just the sexy man sitting in front of me?
“What do you do when you’re not working?”
“I hang out with friends, go to the beach, do yoga, volunteer at the humane society.”
“You’re an animal lover?”
“Yeah, but I don’t have any pets. I get my animal fix by helping out at the shelter.” I wish I had time to devote to a pet but I stay at the shop for too many hours at a time to leave an animal alone.
“Are Ivy and Kelsey uninhibited like you?”
Lucas is more aware of things about me than