Page 36 of Whispered Promises

Leaning back, my face furrows as I try to figure out how to respond.

Me

I’d love to come over for dinner again. Would Friday be okay?

GymAlpha

Friday’s good. I’ll let the guys know. You can save the kisses I’ll miss. Get some sleep.

Even when he’s not with me, it still feels like he’s trying to look after me. I’m so used to looking after myself and other people; it feels good to have someone want to be there for me too.

Steph raises her eyebrow. “So? What did you say?”

“I suggested Friday instead. He replied already and said yes,” I update, trailing a fingertip across my lips as I recall the feel of his mouth pressed against mine.

“Good plan. Plus, that doesn’t mean you can’t message each other until then. Get a little flirty…” she drawls.

I roll my eyes.

Nope, nope, nope.

There’s no way I’m continuing this conversation any longer.

“So how’s it going with coffee shop girl?” I drop the question in, knowing it will distract her from pushing the topic further.

A dreamy smile spreads across her sharp features, and she cups her chin with both hands. “I think I like her. She’s just so intuitive and thoughtful, you know? Like, she just seems to know what to say or do without me needing to voice it. We went to an amazing bakery for our last date, picked up some snacks, then sat in the park and had the cutest picnic.”

“A picnic sounds so nice. Do you think it’s becoming more than something casual?”

Her nose scrunches, and her brows dip slightly.

It’s unusual to see Steph like this. Since I moved in, she’s been adamant she doesn’t have time for anything serious and usually has short flings, then moves on. Whilst I’m happy to support whatever option she chooses for herself, it’s been nice seeing her this excited and wrapped up in another person.

“I don’t know. I did my usual spiel at the start and told her I’m not looking for anything serious. She seemed okay with it. But now I’m not sure I’m okay with it…”

Concern for her creeps in. I hop off my stool, round the counter, then wrap my arms around her from behind, resting my chin on her shoulder and holding her in a tight squeeze.

“You don’t have to think about it or make any decisions yet. But you’re also allowed to change your mind too.”

A long sigh escapes her, and I feel the weight of it.

“Thanks. I know you’re right; I’m just feeling a little confused, I think, and I’m unsure what I want. Part of me wants to dive in headfirst with her, get caught up in the whirlwind of it. But the other part keeps reminding me I wanted to avoid something like this, and it’s hard to ignore that part.”

Giving her one more squeeze, I let go and walk around to lean on the counter in front of her. “So don’t ignore it. Keep listening to both parts. Don’t rush into something you aren’t ready for, and see where things go for a bit longer. You can also talk to her about it too, but if you don’t want to, then you can just vent it all out to me,” I promise, unsure what the right thing to tell her to do is. Is there ever a right or wrong way?

“Thank you.” Her words feel weighted with her thoughts, but she manages a small smile.

“When are you next seeing each other?” I enquire, trying to stifle a yawn as the ever-present exhaustion rises again.

“Friday,” Steph confirms, and her serious thoughts are brushed away as she smiles wider with her words. “So you're more than welcome to bring Nate back here after dinner,” she says with a sly tease.

For someone adamant about avoiding getting attached to anyone, she’s very keen to push me towards someone.

“And that’s my cue to go to bed.” I push off the counter with a laugh, then grab my phone and glass of water.

Loud cackling follows my hasty retreat.

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