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“Why?”
“It’s easier to just take a date out to eat.” He shrugs.
“Because cooking would require having someone who you’re only interested in having sex with see you in a relationship-y situation, and subsequently make them think you’re letting them stay the night,andcooking them breakfast?”
Tyler just blinks, staring at me for a long few seconds. “Huh,” is all he says, rubbing the back of his neck.
“I’m right, aren’t I?” I smile, shaking my head.
“Maybe…I never really thought about it like that.”
“Don’t worry, I’m not judging you,” I assure him. “Just making an educated guess. I’m glad you don’t think I’m like one of those women. I one hundred percent know the deal going into this. And I also want to experience more of your cooking.” I smile.
“You’re not like most women,” he states honestly.
“Thank you,” I reply, meaning it. “I’ve never liked the idea of being like everyone else. I’ve also always been able to see the world as it is. I don’t expect more than what’s laid out in front of me. I’ve learned that if I don’t expect more, then I can never be let down. I don’t like being disappointed.”
“No one does. But it happens. No matter how careful you are, you’ll inevitably be let down. You can control yourself, but not everyone around you.”
“It’s not about control, per se, it’s about acceptance. I take people as they are – flaws and all. Just as I would want people to take me as I am. I do draw the line at people betraying me, though,” I add softly. “That I don’t accept.”
“And you shouldn’t,” he says, rubbing his jaw. “But I don’t think that should mean you have to compromise in expecting more from life and those around you. My brothers and I pushed each other growing up, and because of that, we all ended up better people than if we just cruised through life accepting what we had and where we were headed without putting any fight into getting what we wanted.”
Oh…wow…when he phrases it like that, I sound like a fucking idiot. No wonder I’m 30 and haven’t made one single step towards following my passion in life until now. And that’s only because I had no other options…
“You’re right,” I say, staring emptily at the countertop, lost in thought. “It’s my own fault, then.”
“What is?”
“Kyle, being alone, being stuck in a job I hated for so long – take your pick.”
“Elizabeth,” he says gently, placing his hand on my forearm. Just that simple touch has my body heating, and I’m snapped out my zoned-out reverie, his eyes holding mine. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. You just made me realize something I should have long ago.”
“Someone treating you like shit isn’t your fault. There’s nothing wrong with living your life cautiously so you don’t get hurt, but only for a while. You have to realize some time that you need more. And it’s okay to want more. It’s not selfish, and it’s not a set-up for failure. Believing in yourself is the first step.”
“You’re a lot wiser than I would have thought.”
A sound close to a laugh mixed with choking exhales from his chest, and he gives me a wry smile. “Shocking, I know. I’m not really known for that around here.”
Flinching, I look away, embarrassed. “Sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I’ve honestly never had a conversation like this with anyone besides Ash, Mel, or Ally, let alone a guy. I didn’t know your species could be so…insightful?”
“Our species?” He laughs. “Sugar, it’s a good thing I’m taking you under my wing.” He winks.
“And why’s that?”
“Because I plan on showing youallthe benefits of having a real man in your life.”
Uh…
What?
Blinking, I stare at him – dumfounded. A chill runs down my spine as little sparks of awareness make my skin flush with heat and settle between my legs in a steady rhythm.
“As a friend?” I whisper, my throat clogged with too many feelings I don’t know what to do with.
Flashing me a wicked grin, he picks his fork back up. “Of course. What else would I mean?”
