She had him there. But the thought of herseeingsomeone else didn’t sit well with him. He’d wasted countless months on the sidelines while she figured out she wasn’t interested in the engineer. He had no intention of wasting any more time.
“Then you want me to see other people?”
She scowled, making him smile. “I didn’t say that.”
“Then you don’t want me to see other women… while we’re taking it slow?” He knew he was pushing her, but he didn’t see any other way to make her see that taking it slow wasn’t an option when they already had history.
“I don’t know.” She slipped her sunglasses back in place.
“You want to see other guys?” He worked his jaw when he realized he’d asked the question through clenched teeth. “Be honest with me if you do.”
She sighed. “This is all happening so fast. I never expected you and I to…” She touched her lips. “Reconnect. I thought it was over. I thought I wanted it to be over.”
“And now?”
“I’m seeing a different side of you.” She gave him a quick once-over. “And letting you see a different side of me. A side I don’t share… with anyone. I don’t do vulnerable, so last night was new for me.”
“I love that you let me in last night,” he said, his voice gentle as he bent to look into her eyes. “I need you to keep letting me in. So if you need time and space to get used to the idea of us I’m willing to give you that.”
“You’re sure?”
He didn’t blame her for questioning him. She had every reason to doubt him, especially since he’d been pursuing her relentlessly. “Backing off just might be the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.” His mouth tipped up at the corner. “But if that’s what it takes, I’m game.”
“I appreciate that.”
“And we’re on for dinner one night this week. As long as you let me pick the restaurant.”
She shrugged. “Okay, never let it be said I’m unwilling to compromise.”
***
Bella was enjoying a rare lunch alone with her bestie while her mom babysat for Grace.
“So fill me in,” Grace said, popping a bite of grilled calamari wrapped in spinach into her mouth. “What’s been happening with you and Loran?”
“What makes you think anything’s happening?” He had been honoring her wish to take things slow, which was making her a little crazy. They’d had three meetings to discuss his house plans and had been out to dinner twice in the past two weeks. Both dates had ended with a kiss on her front porch… even after she invited him in for a night cap.
Grace gave her the stink eye. “You’re really going to hold out on me? I know you’re designing his new house. You can’t tell me nothing’s happening.”
“We’ve been out together a couple of times,” she conceded. “Outside of work.”
“And I’m just hearing about this now?” Grace looked genuinely hurt. “I thought we told each other everything. I know you think I’m busy with Ethan and the kids now, but I’ll always have time for you. You know that, don’t you?”
“Of course I know that.” Bella covered her friend’s hand with hers. “And I love you for caring so much, but I know you.” She sat back, wagging a finger at Grace. “If I told you I was seeing Loran you’d be pressuring me about taking it to the next level and I don’t know if we’re ready for that yet.”
Grace’s jaw dropped as she held her hand up. “Wait a minute.” She shook her head. “Let me see if I got this right. You guys are dating but you’re not sleeping together?”
Bella gave her a dirty look when the waiter returned to re-fill their water glasses. “Will you keep your voice down? I don’t need the whole restaurant to know I’m not getting any.”
Grace laughed, then covered her hand with her mouth. “You and Loran… two of the most sexually active people I know… have taken a vow of celibacy? You’re joking.”
“Not a vow of celibacy.” Though it felt like that sometimes when she watched him walk back to his truck. “We’re just taking it slow. It’s different with him.”
“Different how?” Grace asked, wide-eyed. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying? That you’re in love with him?”
“No! God no!” And why did that question make her heart race. “Don’t be ridiculous. It’s only been a couple of weeks. Besides, you know I don’t throw the L word around.”
Grace looked sad when she said, “I hate that you’ve never been in love.”
