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“It’s supposed to be relaxing and meditative.”
“Is it?”
“No, it’s stressing me the fuck out.”
Donal laughed. “I thought you might have gone out tonight.”
“Nope. Just enjoying a quiet evening at home.”
“We’re a couple of real party animals, aren’t we? Home alone on a Friday night.”
This was my opening. A chance to climb through that window of opportunity Dawn had talked about. I took a breath and edged a toe over the sill. “The really sad part is that I forgot to go to the store, so I don’t even have any alcohol in the apartment to celebrate my night off.”
“That is sad.” A pause. “I happen to be fully stocked up over here.”
“Oh yeah?” I asked trying to sound casual. “Lucky you.”
“Mmm hmmm. Beer, wine, a few kinds of whiskey…” I leaned forward as I heard him draw in a breath. “Did you know I make a mean Manhattan?”
“I did not know that about you.”
“It’s true.” We were both working hard at the casual act. I wasn’t sure which one of us was winning.
“You know, I’m not sure I’ve ever had a Manhattan,” I said, breezy as a stroll on the Lake Shore path.
“I could make you one if you want to come over.”
“Okay.” I might have forgotten to play it cool and accidentally answered too quickly.Oops.
“Really?” Donal asked after a beat.
“Sure.” My throat felt like it was lined with cotton. “If it’s a serious offer.”
“It’s a serious offer.”
I exhaled. “In that case, I’ll be right over.”
CHAPTERNINETEEN
DONAL
Standing on my doorstep in an ankle-length dress that clung to her curves and showed off enough cleavage to obliterate my composure, Tess looked like she’d stepped straight out of a fantasy.
Inviting her over here tonight was asking for trouble. Big time. The last time we’d been alone in my apartment I’d completely lost my head. The chances of me doing something similarly stupid were astronomically high.
I couldn’t afford a repeat of that mistake. She’d made it clear where her boundaries were, and I’d agreed to abide by them. Hell, I was even pretty sure she was right. Us plus sex almost definitely equaled a Very Bad Idea.
I’d have to keep myself in check tonight. If we were going to be friends, this would only be the first of many tests to come. I needed to get used to being around her without crossing any lines.
Starting now.
“I feel underdressed,” I said as I stepped back to let her in. I’d changed into a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, but I’d purposely avoided dressing to impress. Friends didn’t dress up for each other. Sure, I’d brushed my teeth and applied some fresh deodorant, but only out of politeness. Proper hygiene was just basic good manners.
Tess’s gaze slid down my body in a way that felt a lot like a taunt. “You look good to me.”
“Yes, but you look beautiful. Then again, you’d look beautiful in a paper bag.” Friends were allowed to compliment each other, okay? It was called being supportive.
I bent to kiss her cheek, and if my lips lingered on her for a second longer than strictly necessary, who could blame me?
