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I hate how weak and pathetic I sound. But I can’t help it. I’m utterly mortified that my best guy friend—the friend I’ve been crushing on—knows this embarrassing and personal part of me.
At least he doesn’t know the worst part about me.
That thought offers little comfort as I stand there and watch the grin drop from Tyler’s face. His eyebrows crash together. He looks genuinely upset. Actually, worried is more like it. Worried about me.
He takes a step toward me and starts to reach for me but stops himself. He moves his arm back to his side.
“Tori, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
His voice is soft and sweet and strained. It’s all too much.
I shake my head and hold up a hand. “It’s fine. Let’s just go back out there and finish up brunch, okay?”
I start to turn and walk back toward the dining area, but Tyler gently grabs my elbow.
“Wait. You don’t have to go back out there when you’re feeling this way, Tori. If you want, you can go home. I’ll handle the rest of the brunch just fine by myself. I don’t want you to feel like you have to stay when you’re upset.”
I gaze into those deep, burnt umber eyes of his. The most beautiful shade of brown I’ve ever seen. The color of cocoa and mahogany.
That pained look in his eyes sends a wave of emotion through me. He looks like he’s suffering just from seeing me upset.
I stand there for a second and process just how much it hurts him to see me like this, how he’s going out of his way to make sure I’m okay, how nothing else in this moment seems to matter other than my feelings and my comfort.
“It’s okay. I’ll be fine,” I say quietly.
He shakes his head. “Tori. Please.”
That softly growled please sends a shockwave through my body.
Please.
God, the sound of that word on Tyler’s lips is enough to make me pass out.
I take a moment to collect myself. “I’m okay, Tyler. Really.”
His gaze turns focused. He scans my face like he’s making sure I’m as fine as I say I am.
“You sure?” he asks.
“Positive.” I give him a small smile.
That seems to be enough. Together we walk back out. I tell everyone I have to head out and say goodbye, making sure to thank Gage, Becca, Theo, and Maya for inviting me.
Tyler walks up to me, hands in his pockets, a timid look in his eyes.
“I can walk you to your car,” he says.
I shake my head. “It’s okay. Stay here with your family.”
He nods even though I can tell by the look in his eyes, he doesn’t want to let me go. That sends a flash of heat through me.
“Text me to let me know you made it home, okay? Please?”
Please.
That same soft growl. That same pleading look in his eyes.
“I will.”
