Josie smiles while heat crawls up her neck, and I can’t take it anymore. Standing, I cross the kitchen in two strides, steppinginto her space until her back hits the counter, our bodies so close she has to look up at me. Tucking a lock of curls behind her ear, I lean and drop a kiss to her forehead.
“Let me take you to dinner. Tomorrow night.”
Josie’s mouth opens, but I keep talking.
“It’s one dinner. I know you’re scared to let someone in. I see that. I hear you. And I’m not here to push or pull or ask more of you than you’re willing to give. I just…I care. And right now, caring looks like taking you for a nice dinner and giving you a quiet night where you don’t have to be strong or guarded. It doesn’t have to mean anything. It’s just one night where you’re allowed to exhale and indulge.”
She lets out a breathy, “Okay.” Then she seems to steady herself and she repeats, “Okay,” again.
I step back, relieved.
“Pick you up at seven, sweetheart.”
And with a dip of my head, I turn and walk to the door, heading out into the frostbitten night.
Abby thought she’d be my wing woman and Tyler is now my date to the New Year’s ball.
Cassie
I have exactly zero dresses nice enough for something like that.
Penny
We’re about the same size. Come shop my closet. With all of Austin’s awards shows coming up he keeps showering me in new dresses. I won’t be able to wear any of them once I have a baby bump.
Thanks boo.
He also asked me to dinner tonight.
Penny
Already knew that.
Cassie
Same.
Judas! The both of you. Where’s he taking me?
Penny
It’s a surprise.
Cassie
You’ll like it.
I don’t know how to act around him. I’ve been so hot and cold.
Cassie
Josie, trust me when I say, Tyler wants you. If you also want him, quit fighting it.
Penny
What Cassie said.
If you also want him, quit fighting it. Those words are still buzzing around in my mind hours later as I shower for our date, anticipation bouncing wildly behind my ribcage. I’m so worked up that while shaving my armpits, I dropped my razor and narrowly missed slicing off my right nipple. It was a close one. Thankfully, said nipple is still intact and I’m almost fully dressed.
