Page 29 of My Heart Belongs to You

“Hey,” Joseph crooned. He placed his arm around my shoulder, pulling me closer to him. I inhaled his tonka bean and vanilla scented cologne. His embrace tightened and I hadn’t realized how much I missed his touch. My body betrayed me, pressing deeper into him. “You got this, Robbie.”

Robbie.

I hated that nickname, but I let him get away with it because he was so sweet and fine as hell. He was really into me and trying so hard to show me how great a person he was. It sucked to say I didn’t feel the same. I could hardly believe myself because he checked off all the boxes. He was a career man, family-oriented, and a genuinely nice person. However, it wasn’t enough. I didn’t feel butterflies when he came around, I didn't yearn for his time and attention, it was sad. With Joseph, I wasn’t my usual overly affectionate self. All the signs were there, but I refused to accept them.

Cupping his cheek, I ran my hand along his jawline. The pads of my fingertips brushed over his five o’clock shadow. He drew his bottom lip between his teeth and flared his nostrils.

“What are you doing after this?”

My heart pounded and my mouth dried as I mulled over my response. Desire danced in his soft brown eyes. I removed my hand from his face while giggling.

“You know, the usual. Studying, planning B&B’s opening, and studying some more,” I told him, waving my hands in the air. He nodded, then stepped back while sighing.

“Where can I fit into all that? I have a few hours before my flight.”

I shrugged, ignoring the knots in my stomach. “I’m not sure. Wouldn’t want you to miss your flight.”

I could’ve easily changed my plans for him, but I didn’t like the pressure he was applying to the situation. And it had been weeks since I’d last seen him. I shouldn't be a pit stop on his way out of town.

Joseph chuckled. “Okay.” There was a beat of silence. He leaned against the bar with furrowed eyebrows. “I wanted to talk about this another time, like over dinner or something. But I’m seeing someone else.”

My jaw dropped and my eyebrows hiked. “Oh.”

“Yeah. It’s getting pretty serious too.” He gazed at me; curiosity gleaming in his eyes. “We’ve even talked about being exclusive.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat. Two breakups in a year. I must've been going for some record. It was crazy to even consider this a breakup since we weren’t together. But the rejection felt just the same.

Clearing my throat, I met Joseph’s eyes. “Why are you telling me this?”

“Because I told her that I needed time to think about it. She knows about you and understands my feelings for you.”

“I’m not interested in being in a love triangle. If you want to be with her and she feels the same for you, go for it.”

I folded my arms across my chest, suddenly over him and this conversation.

Joseph shook his head. “I’m saying I want you.”

“But I told you I’m not ready for a relationship.” I threw up my hands. “We haven’t gone on a proper date in months.”

“You have a lot on your plate with the sommelier exam and opening. I was giving you space. I’m willing to wait a little longer,” he told me.

Shaking my head, I replied, “You don’t have to do that.”

“I just assumed.” He paused, running his hand over his face. “Look, I’ll give you some time to think about it because I know this is a lot to digest.”

“Okay, Joseph. I have a meeting in a few minutes,” I told him after checking the time on my phone.

The meeting wasn’t for another half-hour, but I was ready for him to leave.

“Call me later.” He kissed my cheek before heading toward the exit.

A scowl rested on my face as I watched him leave. Once the doors closed, I shook my head in disbelief. I grabbed my phone off the bar to call Adrienne.

“Qué pasa, mamí,” Adrienne sang, making me smile.

“You and your bad advice.”

She groaned. “¡Ay bendito! Give me a second.” After lowering the music playing in the background, she said, “Okay, what happened?”