“Are you not photogenic?”
He shrugs.
“Because I can help with that. You wouldn’t even know the camera is there.”
Cocking an eyebrow, he steps toward me, and I don’t know why, but I take a step back as his deep voice rumbles over my skin. “So what you’re saying is, you think I’m hotandyou want to get me in a seductive position basically without a camera,andyou’re not hitting on me?”
Ya. Doesn’t sound great. Just keep going, Summer. “Is it because you don’t want to be objectified? Because I wouldn’t do that. I couldn’t do that to you. You’re way more than just your looks.”
He’s stepping closer to me, and like the coward I am usually not, I keep backing away—bump! That’s the wall.
“So…I’m hot. You want me naked, and it’s for more than just my looks.” His smirk is not just cute, it’s annoyingly adorable now. “Sounds like you like me.”
We’re about a foot apart. His hands are braced against the wall on either side of head, and he’s leaning in.
“Ya. Well, you’re great.”
“You wanna go on a date?”
Nervous giggle.
“I’m serious.” Oh ya, those blue flamed eyes are definitely serious.
Shiiiiiiiit. This is—no, this is not good. How did I lead him here? I’d facepalm myself if I thought I could move my hands without grazing his body.
“I can’t go on a date with you, Eli.” His face falls just a smidgeon.
“Why not?”
“We’re friends.”
“Friends can date.” He sounds so sure of that little idea. Like he hasn’t been burned countless times in the past. Like he’s not jaded. Like he believes in the best kind of love still.
Idiot.
“Right. In TV shows and movies maybe. Not in real life.”
“They can date in real life, Summer.”
“No, they can’t.”
“Why not?”
“It just doesn’t work.”
“Not even one date?”
“I’m sorry. I can’t.”
“Why not? Just tell me. I can handle your truth.”
I let out a long huff. We’ve shared openly up until now, so I may as well be honest with him. I have nothing to lose. “Fine. Here’s the thing. I’ve dated friends in the past, and it’s never worked. With four guys, I broke it off and they got made. And three other times the relationships turned toxic. Now, call me a slower learner—fine—but I’ve learned my lesson finally. I won’t ever date a friend again.”
“Eighth time’s the charm?”
“Sorry, Eli. I really don’t want to lose our friendship. It means too much to me.” Just the thought of him not being my friend deflates my heart. Like a tiny valve just opened and all the air is slowly seeping out. See? Already I have to protect myself.
He tucks his chin and sighs.
