Heat spreads through my chest. His hoodie is still warm from him. Still smells like him. My heart ping-pongs inside my chest like it’s itching to burst out. I curl my fingers around the fabric and tug it closer.
“Thanks. Do you want to come over for Thanksgiving dinner?” I say in one breath before I chicken out.
A sexy—I mean, annoying—smirk stretches across his face. “You’re inviting me over?”
“I just thought since we’re both alone, it might be nice to have some company. I owe you for the drive home. And for clearing my driveway,” I add, feeling my cheeks heat.
Standing in only a T-shirt, he braces his palm against the doorjamb. His biceps bulge, the tattoos on his arms shifting with the movement.
I can’t tear my eyes away from them.
“I was going to have dinner with a friend.”
My excitement dims.
Anotherfriend? Jesus, he really doesn’t waste any time, does he? After his unexpected acts of kindness, I'd almost forgotten about that side of him.
The pang of disappointment inside my chest is more than a little absurd. I clear my throat. “I shouldn’t have assumed you’d be alone.”
He drags a hand over his beard.
“Never mind.” I take a step back, tugging his hoodie closer around me. “I’ll ju—“
“Can I bring my friend with me?”
I blink. Is he serious? Are we talking about some kind of third-wheel scenario? That sounds awful. Everything inside me screams no, but…I owe him. And I don’t like owing people.
So if that’s what he wants, I guess I’ll just have to go along with it. “Of course.” I force a smile. “Does she have any dietary restrictions?”
A beat passes. Something entirely too amused flashes in his eyes. “My friend's ahe. My business partner—Sam. And he eats everything.”
Ohmigod. What is wrong with me?
I have to pray the relief I feel soul deep isn’t blatantly obvious on my face. “Okay. Come at seven.”
Rowan looks like he’s holding back a laugh. “We’ll be there.”
It’s only when I jog back home and close the door behind me that I realize I still have his hoodie wrapped around me.
CHAPTER 12
NERO
Sandro sighs.
“What?”
“I thought we agreed you’d take it easy with the women. Just today, I had two appointment cancellations. And one of them told me point-blank it’s because of what happened with Abigail and you.” Sandro paces the length of my living room. “Now you’re dragging me to some new girl’s house, where I’m supposed to do what? Be your wingman? It’s like you don’t listen to a word I say.”
I grab my keys and head toward the door. “You don’t need to do anything. I didn’t want to ditch you, so I told her you’re coming along. I thought you’d appreciate the gesture. Instead, you’re giving me an earful.”
“Hey, don’t try to turn the tables on me. Are you trying to hook up with this girl tonight? Yes or no?”
Great question. Truth is, I’m a bit confused. I thought Blake and I left things on decent enough terms the night of the blizzard, but I sure as hell wasn’t expecting her to invite me over.
She showed up at my doorstep without her coat on. I’d never seen her so excited. And when she thought I’d already made plans with another woman, her excitement dimmed.
So, yeah. I’m no mind reader, but I’m fairly certain she wants me. And I’m planning on testing that theory tonight. “We’ll see.”
