Page 110 of Elevator Pitch

“You aren’t a secret.” Ross scowls, his voice rising as well, and he lifts his body, using his arm to hold himself upright.

“Why would you ask me to go to Philadelphia?” The question is an honest one.

“Because I want my girlfriend to meet my sister.”

“Your girlfriend? What? When did that happen?” When did I become his girlfriend? Not that I need some big declaration, but this is a large label to put on a sleeping partner, who only a few days ago became the other half of an us.

“Vee, I think we’ve established we’re together.” His tone is meant to soothe but it only prickles my skin.

We are together, but everything seems like it’s happening too fast. I’ve gone from a sleeping arrangement with a stranger to a one-night stand of incredible sex to two dates and now I’m his girlfriend. He went out with Chandler more times than he’s been out with me, and he refused to call her his girlfriend. The label seems like too much. Like it isn’t reality when all I want is Ross and I to be real.

I should be honored but I’m off-kilter.

“What about Landon?” His son is only an excuse I’m using to stall. To process how we’ve arrived here so quickly.

“What about him?”

“He didn’t seem too happy to meet me.” We didn’t have the chance to discuss his son’s reaction to me because of my headache last night.

Ross lowers his gaze while a proud smile curls his mouth. “He was worried I’m using you.”

I lift my head and blink at Ross.

He chuckles to himself and lifts his head as well. “He was upset with me, not about you.” He quickly explains the disadvantage to being a child of someone famous.

“Oh.” That’s kind of sweet. “But we haven’t discussed the whole dating, not-dating awkwardness from last night.” I suddenly feel raw and exposed, unable to navigate the vulnerability swirling inside me.

For research purposes, echoes through my head again. The sex was for motivation.

“I think we can safely say we’re dating.” Ross looks at me, hesitation in his eyes as well. “Maybe we can’t have a ton of typical dates during the season, but I’ll try my best.”

Typical. Non-typical. Traditional. Non-traditional. Wasn’t I the one arguing I didn’t know there were definitions to the types of dates.

“Did other women meet your sister?” I shouldn’t care. I shouldn’t ask. Why am I making a big deal about this invitation?

“No.” He hesitates. “I haven’t declared anyone else my girlfriend, either.” His statement reminds me again that Chandler broke things off with Ross because he wouldn’t call her his girlfriend.

“Do you not want to be my girlfriend?” The vulnerability in his tone should have me doubling back, reassuring him I absolutely want that honor.

Instead, I say, “I’m so different from anyone else you’ve dated.”

Ross slowly smiles. “That’s what I love about you.”

My eyes widen.

“I love that you don’t want something from me. That I can surprise you.” He watches my face, seeing how truly surprised I am by everything he’s saying. “I love how you listen to me and then offer advice. Your pep talks are one of my favorite things.” His smile widens.

“How you laugh. Your wit. Your smarts.” Ross reaches out and brushes my hair back over my shoulder. “I love that you’re a writer. You see things differently, creatively.”

For research purposes.

“It just seems like meeting your sister is . . . a step.”

Ross tilts his head, trying to read me. Trying to understand my hesitancy. I don’t know why I’m struggling. I’m being juvenile.

“You met my boys. That’s an even bigger step. I want to take all the steps with you, sweetheart.” Ross kisses my shoulder. “What am I missing?”

His sister is important to him. I should be thrilled by the invitation. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.