First (Wrong) Impressions: A Modern Pride & Prejudice by Krista D Ball Page B

turned to Lizzy. “I was just asking a question. I worded it wrongly.”
    Lizzy decided to let it go. She really wasn’t in the mood. “I’m too tired for this topic. Let’s save it for when I’m not asleep on my feet.”
    He inclined his head. “No offence was meant.”
    “None was taken,” she answered, though she did take plenty of offence. “I’m going to bed, everyone. I’ve had a long day.”
    When she stood up, Darcy jumped to his feet. “Charles, shall we?”
    “I’m not tired,” Jane said.
    Charles looked at Jane, who gave him a small smile. “I can stay for a while and just get a cab home. Darcy, take the rental.”
    Lizzy tried to conceal her smile.
    Charles fished out his keys and tossed them over. “I’ll get the car from you tomorrow.”
    Darcy frowned, but said, “Good night, Jane, Charles.” He looked around for the door, and Lizzy pointed the way. He inclined his head, and slipped on his shoes. “Good night, Ms. Bennet .”
    ****
    September 22
    Lizzy had fallen asleep listening to an audiobook, so had spent the night with her noise-cancelling earbuds wedged firmly in her ears. She had no idea when Charles had left, but judging by the fact that the normally early-riser Jane’s bedroom door was still firmly shut, Lizzy guessed he stayed pretty darn late.
    Lizzy was shuffling to the kitchen to search for some instant latte mix when she caught a glimpse of an expensive pair of men’s sneakers still tucked against the wall near the side door.
    A small giggle escaped her and she clamped her hand over her mouth to prevent any fangirl sounds from waking anyone. She tried to calm her excitement for Jane. After all, he might not have stayed over in the biblical sense, so Lizzy tiptoed downstairs. The three roommates rented the upstairs from The Faith, and were allowed to use the basement, provided it was available for any out-of-town guests, such as volunteer groups.
    The futon was opened and Lizzy’s heart dropped a little at first, until she realized that the tiny form on the bed was neither Charles nor her sister.
    Lizzy tried to sneak back upstairs without waking her roommate, Ellie, but was too late.
    “Did you end up down here, too?” She muttered, her voice still clouded by sleep.
    “No, I was checking to see if Charles was down here.”
    “Ugh, didn’t you hear them all night?”
    Lizzy’s eyes widened. “I had my earbuds in.”
    “You missed the show.” Ellie yawned. “They were at it for freaking hours.”
    “I’ll let you get some sleep,” Lizzy said, and Ellie already had her eyes closed. She crept back upstairs with a large amount of glee in her step.
    Jane and Charles! Together! She wanted to throw confetti and run around in circles. Jane hadn’t had so much as a date since Todd the Loser Coward had dumped her for having her leg taken off. What kind of asshole dumps a girl two weeks after having her leg removed? Todd the Loser Coward, that’s who.
    And on her first date with the very yummy Charles Bingley, lottery winner heir, her big sister got lucky. Lizzy resisted dancing a jig. She was so happy for Jane. Charles seemed like a genuinely nice guy. Lizzy couldn’t see him using Jane for sex, so this might even turn into a thing.
    Lizzy hoped Ellie wouldn’t give Jane a hard time. When they all moved in together, Ellie had made it clear that she was uncomfortable with men coming and going at the house. It never came up, though. Lizzy wasn’t the casual type, Jane wasn’t actively looking for anyone, and Ellie was waiting until she was married. In the four years they’d been living together, no one had brought a guy home, except Jane when she was dating Todd the Loser Coward. And, yes, that was his official name.
    This was probably a shocker for Ellie, knowing that it was Jane’s first date. Jane was a grown woman, though. The casual thing had never bothered Jane like it did Lizzy. Jane saw the best in everyone and before her accident had no problems with