Until We Touch (Fool's Gold #15)

“He is.”


“He’s taking me to lunch. He said there’s a Mexican restaurant with enough food that I won’t be hungry for hours.” His expression turned wistful. “That’s a nice feeling, not to be hungry.” He glanced at her, then away. “Not that I care about that kind of thing. But some people do.”

Her heart cracked a little as she wondered how many times the teenager had gone to bed without anything to eat that day.

“You’ll like Kenny. He’s a great guy.” She pulled out a chair and sat next to Percy. “I hope you’ll think about what you want to do for your future,” she said. “Maybe college.”

Percy turned his attention to the magazine in front of him. “Jack talked about that this morning. I need to get my GED first. He’s, ah, gonna help me with that.”

“Good.”

“Are you two, like, engaged?”

Larissa jumped to her feet. “No. Of course not. What a silly question. Why would you ask that?” Before he could answer, she was heading for the door. “I’ll check in with you later,” she called over her shoulder.

Engaged? That would never happen. Jack didn’t want a permanent relationship and she wasn’t interested in one now, either. Certainly not with him. Jack was the kind of man who...

She walked down the hallway. Jack was nice enough, she reminded herself. Good-looking. Successful. He cared about people and she trusted him. But he was also into his bimbo of the week. His idea of an in-depth relationship was one that lasted two weeks. She would know. She bought the parting gifts he gave his lady friends.

Her and Jack? Ridiculous. They were friends. Good friends. Good friends who had kissed that one time, she thought with a sigh.

She wandered into Taryn’s office only to see her friend jump in her chair.

“What?” Taryn demanded. “Why are you here?”

Larissa held up both hands in a gesture of surrender. “Why are you crabbier than usual?”

Taryn sighed. “Sorry. That was guilt.”

Larissa looked at the computer. “Seriously? Are you on a  p**n  site or something?”

Taryn turned the computer to show Larissa the display. “No, wedding gowns.”

Larissa stared at a beautiful dress that was fitted to the waist, then flowed down in a cascade of fabric and lace and flowers. “If there’s rain we can all take cover under the skirt.”

Taryn’s mouth twitched. “Shut up. You don’t know anything about fashion.”

“Which works out because you know enough for both of us. Do you like that?”

“Sort of. I worry it’s too much for this damn town.”

“You’re too much and yet you love it here.”

“I know. Life has quite the sense of humor.” She leaned back in her chair. “Isabel is getting me some samples to try on. If I go with something couture, it’s going to be months before it’s ready.”

Larissa sprawled in a seat on the visitor’s side of the desk. “What about the designers Isabel already works with? You’ve said there are several you like. Ask them to design you a gown. If it’s just a drawing, you’re not committed or anything. And it would be faster than some famous designer.”

Isabel had a clothing store and a bridal gown store in town. For a sleepy little tourist town, Fool’s Gold had some great shopping.

Taryn’s blue-violet eyes widened. “That’s a brilliant idea.”

“Please don’t sound surprised. I can be intelligent.”

“You always are. And that’s great. I’ll talk to Isabel and see what she thinks.” Her eyes narrowed slightly. “Why are you here?”

“You mean your office, right? Because if we’re going to talk about the metaphysics of life on earth, I need a cookie.”

“Why are you in my office?” Taryn clarified.

“I’m bored. Jack’s at a meeting and the guys are all doing different stuff. Want a massage?”

“I just had one.”

Larissa shrugged. “See? I have no responsibilities.”

“Speaking of taking charge and being left to handle the work, what’s up with the kid?”

“His name is Percy.”

Taryn waved away the information. “Your latest project?”

“Jack and I found him last night. He was homeless. He’s just eighteen and he needs help.”

“You found him?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Why isn’t the rescue cat enough?”

“Dyna’s lovely. This is different. Besides, he’s not living with me. He’s with Jack.”

“Of course he is. What are you going to do with him?”

“I don’t know. Jack and I are working on that.”

Taryn’s expression turned knowing. “You’re always going to try to save the world, aren’t you? I can’t figure out if you’re truly that good or if you’re simply distracting yourself.”

“Ouch,” Larissa said. “I have feelings and I care about people and creatures in trouble.”