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“No. You’re a good girl who deserves more than a guy like me who would have fucked you in a heartbeat if I hadn’t gotten to know you—”
“See.” I pointed, but again, it was for my benefit only as he couldn’t see me. “Friend-zoned.”
“Friend-zoned because I respect you. I like you as a person which overruled my baser instincts to hook up with you and walk away.”
“I’m still calling bullshit.” I smiled as I held the phone to my ear. I looked up at the ceiling and just blurted out, “Tell me what you’re wearing.”
His chuckle sent shivers through me. “Don’t start. Friends, remember?”
“Only because you say so.”
“Trust me, it’s better this way. Besides, I’m sure you’ve already been hit on at work.” Fire lit up my cheeks which made it a good thing he couldn’t see me. “See, totally fuckable,” he added at my silence. “Are you going to tell me who he is?”
“This is a little weird. I’ve never discussed boys with another guy.”
“Same. I’ve never had a girl friend or rather a girl that was just a friend.”
“Are you going to tell me if you hooked up with that maid?”
“I asked first,” he replied.
“Fine. There is this doctor. He hasn’t asked me out or anything. But you know that look?” Would he know that look? I was so out of my element.
“Yeah. I’ve given that look a few times, but I usually get it first.”
“Of course, you do. Conceited much?” I laughed.
“Honesty doesn’t equate to conceit.”
“Fine. Your turn.” I wasn’t exactly sure I wanted to hear his answer. As much as I liked talking to him, I also very much had an it’s not going to end well crush on him.
“No. I didn’t hook up with the maid.”
“Anyone else?”
“I believe you answered one question and I did the same.”
“Seriously?” I teased.
“I told you I was an asshole.” He chuckled and I giggled again. This time like some manic teenager who caught sight of her celebrity crush. “I like your laugh.”
I didn’t have the courage to tell him I like you because he’d shut me down too many times already. No point in making things weird for him. He just wasn’t that into me. It was also nice to have a friend in New York, like he said. I loved Jody, but she was in Washington, D.C.
“Tell me about your place,” I said, not wanting things to get awkward.
“It’s a two-bedroom, bang in Manhattan.”
“Sounds fancy and a lot closer to the hospital from where I am in Lower East Side.”
“I’m not sure where that is so I’ll take your word for it. This apartment belongs to my brother’s wife. It’s definitely girly. But it’s cool. The fridge was stocked when I arrived.”
“They’re treating you well.”
“My sisters-in-law are good people. More so Kalen’s wife, Bailey. She has this comforting way about her. Lizzy is cool too, but she’s like a ball buster at heart.”
I liked how he just rattled their names off like we spoke about them every day. “Do you think that maybe your dad is the only asshole in the family?” I asked.
“Jury’s still out on Connor and Kalen. I would say Connor is probably easier to get along with than Kalen. But we’ll see.”
“I’m happy for you.” And I was. I’d given him shit, but it appeared his family was open to his presence in their life.
Liam changed the subject on me. “Am I keeping you up? I know it’s late.”
It was late, but I liked the sound of his voice. With it so close to my ear, I was transported back to being wrapped in his arms.
“I guess I should probably go,” I said before I admitted my true feelings.
“Maybe on your next day off, we could hang out.”
“Yeah. That sounds nice.”
“Night, Natalie.”
“Goodnight, Liam. By the way, I’m off tomorrow.”
Hanging up was the hardest thing to do, especially before he could respond to that last bit I’d said. I was becoming far too attached to this man. It was time to let that go. The next day, I would have that opportunity.
Thirteen
Liam
She’d caught me off guard on how she’d ended our call last night. I waited all day for her to reach out and she didn’t.
Funny thing how you can quickly become attached to one person. I’d never believed in the possibility because it had never happened to me until now.
It was late and I laid in bed forcing myself to sleep. It wasn’t happening. I picked up my phone and texted her.
ME: What are you doing?
Natalie: Thinking about what to do?
ME: Want to do something?
Natalie: Want to take me sightseeing?
ME: It’s late.
Natalie: It’s early depending on your perspective. Besides with the city practically shutdown, we will likely be alone.
ME: I’ll pick you up.
Natalie: It’s a plan.
She texted me the address. When I pulled up to the little brownstone she shared with someone, the door opened and there she was. Every time I saw her, I was struck by her beauty.
