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Chapter Eighteen
Andi’s heartbeat quickened as she turned off her car’s ignition. Hill had parked on his side of their duplex, having left WorkAround a few minutes ahead of her, and by the time she pulled into her driveway, he was leaning against the side of his car, arms crossed casually but expression intent. He lifted a hand in silent greeting. He looked so tall, broad, and confident in the golden light shining from the porch, and her body gave a kick of appreciation.That guywas the friend she now had permission to touch. How the hell had she landed here? She’d somehow hit the friends-with-benefits lottery. Now she had to find the guts to cash in that ticket.
They’d had a great dinner in the WorkAround kitchen and had laughed their way through the video despite the somber conversation beforehand. Hill had given her approval to post a video, but she had no idea if she’d even have enough usable material to share with her followers. At this point, she didn’t care if she had a single shareable minute. She and Hill had cooked together, joked around, and she’d manage to make a delicious bowl of spicy pasta with his guidance. It’d been like an exorcism, chasing the demons out of the room with a relentless commitment to having a good time.
But now they were back home, and she was going to have to face one of her biggest fears—taking this to the next level. She knew without a doubt that Hill would end the night right now if she asked him to. If she told him she wasn’t ready for anything tonight, he’d walk into his side of the duplex. But she didn’t want to tell him to do that. After the playful kissing and touching they’d done in the kitchen tonight, she was aching for more of that connection, that feeling of normalcy with a guy. She wanted to touch him without fear, wanted to be touched without panicking.
Her nerves were pushing at the edge of her brain, an army always on call, but she refused to let them take over this time. If panic showed up to the party, she’d deal with it when it came. Right now, she wasn’t going to overthink this.You’re okay. You’re safe.
Hill headed over to her and pulled open her car door, ever the gentleman. Or maybe he was afraid she’d never get out on her own—a distinct possibility if she let her panic take over. Andi smiled, grabbed her purse, and took his hand as she climbed out. “Why, thank you, kind sir.”
He gave a little bow and shut her car door. “My pleasure. You okay?”
“Yep,” she said a little too brightly. She glanced toward the front porch, reality rushing in and making her hesitate, the weight of this decision heavy on her. “I’d offer you a glass of wine, but I’m all out. I might have beer. Or hard liquor. I’m not sure. But—”
He squeezed her hand, gently cutting her off. “You’re nervous.”
She cringed. “That obvious?”
He gave her a pointed look. “It’s okay, you know. To change your mind.”
She swallowed past the lump in her throat, frustration welling. “Ugh. I don’twantto change my mind. That’s not what this is. It’s just…old habits die hard. I’m getting in my head about it. I trust you, and still, my mind wants to overthink every little thing. I mean, look at you.” She flicked her hand toward him. “Whowouldn’twant to have sex with you?”
Hill laughed. “Lots of people, I’m sure, but I’m real glad you’re not one of them.”
She tipped her head back. “I’m sorry I’m being weird.”
“Hey.” He tugged her closer, tucking her hand against his chest. “I love your weird. No apologies needed for that, but maybe I can help with the overthinking.”
She lifted her head and eyed him. “How?”
He reached down with his free hand and pulled her phone out of the front pocket of her purse. He handed it to her. “Call your friend. The one who knows about our situation and your past. Tell her you’re with me and that you’re spending the night at my place. Send her a photo of me. Cover all your bases.”
Andi wet her lips. She knew doing all of that was unnecessary. She really did trust Hill, but the fact that he didn’t mind that she went over the top with her safety measures made her breathe a little easier. She took her phone from him, snapped a photo, and then texted it to Eliza. Once it had gone through, she hit the button to call her friend.
Eliza answered almost immediately. “Hey, girl.” A pause. “Whoa. Who’s the dude?”
“Hey, Eliza,” Andi said, staying close to Hill. “That’s my neighbor, Hill Dawson.”
“Oh, wait,theneighbor?” she said with delight. “Damn, you’ve got good taste. Hot werewolf, indeed.”
Hill smiled, and Andi realized he could hear every word. Her cheeks heated. “I’m going to be staying at his place tonight, next door to mine. He wanted me to let you know so that I feel better, having a friend know where I am and who I’m with.”
“Hewanted you to call me?” she asked. “I’m impressed. You feel good about this?”
Andi let out a breath. “I do.”
“Hallelujah, praise Jesus,” Eliza said. “Give him the phone.”
“Wait, what?” Andi asked.
“You heard me,” Eliza said impatiently. “Come on, I promise I’ll be nice. Let me talk to him.”
Hill had heard all of that because he lifted his hand. She reluctantly handed him the phone.
Hill stepped back a little. “Hello.”
Andi couldn’t hear at the increased distance, and she frowned because Eliza was apparently going to say more than hi.
