“Maybe, but I don’t see the point in testing that. Or risking the good rapport that you and I share by going on a date. After all, based on my romantic past and your romantic past, the odds of a fulfilling relationship materializing from our date are abysmally low.”

“I don’t expect every date I go on to convert into a fulfilling relationship.”

“No? Then why bother with dating? Isn’t the point of it to find a life partner?” That’s what was logical. To the best of her knowledge, that’s why her friends subjected themselves to dating.

“For me, the point is to have fun.”

“Fun?”

“Yes, Leah. Fun. Go out with me, and I’ll show you what I mean.”

From her spot in the dining room, she stared at the books about New England she’d brought back from her trip and stacked on a living room end table.

She knew Sebastian well enough to know that his friendship with Ben was the most important relationship he had. It wasn’t worth jeopardizing in pursuit of “fun.” “I appreciate the kind offer. But the answer’s no. I’m chagrined because I realize that makes me sound ungrateful. When, in actuality, I’m very grateful for your assistance with my hospital records and the gift you sent Dylan. I owe you.”

“You do?”

“Yes.”

“If you think I’m too honorable to leverage that into convincing you to go out with me, you’re wrong.”

She snickered. See? This was the problem with him. She genuinely liked him. She had a weakness for scoundrels.

“Good night, Doctor.”

“Good night, Professor.”

Click.

Sebastian grinned.

Leah had just said no to him, but instead of disappointment, he experienced a stab of determination. She was unsure of him. But their conversation had only made him more sure of her.

He hadn’t risen to his current position by luck. He’d gotten here through a whole lot of dogged, stubborn effort.

At this point, he needed to respond with patience and strategy. He needed to give her a reason to say yes.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

The sunshine on this mid-October Saturday was behaving like a teacher’s pet, making an unabashed bid for Leah’s favor as it slid through the front window of Sugar Maple Kitchen to burnish Tess, Rudy, and their breakfast table.

Tess continued updating Leah on her son. “Trey and Carla have their bags packed and plan to start driving as soon as they hear that Sasha’s in labor so they can arrive in time for their grandchild’s birth.”

“So exciting.”

“I have a photo.”

Leah chewed her waffle, and Rudy poured extra syrup on his pancakes while Tess fussed with her phone. After a moment, she showed Leah the picture of Trey’s very pregnant daughter and her husband.

“Sasha looks both adorable and uncomfortable,” Leah commented.

“She really does look very uncomfortable,” Rudy seconded. “Poor thing!”