AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Because that meant no more living with Lucas. And soon, our four experimental dates would run out. Because we were on date three out of four, if we counted Halloween as one. Which we probably should; where else would that night fit otherwise?
And after our research was over, if we didn’t live together, I wouldn’t be spending any more time with Lucas.
No more Lucas.
Because after that he’d leave New York, too.
Taking in a deep, shaky breath, I noticed Mr. Castillo frowning.
“That’s good,” I croaked when I recovered. “Really good. Very good. Thank you.”
He tilted his head.
I shook mine, cursing myself for being so silly. I should be happy. This was good news.
“Sorry, I’m just…” Why was my throat feeling dry? “I’m tiredand that’s why my face is not showing it, but I’m really happy. Thanks for letting me know, Mr. Castillo.”
That seemed to appease him somehow, because he waved his hand in front of him and said with a new smile, “Please, call me Aiden.”
“Oh, sure.” I tried to return it, willing my lips up. “You can call me Rosie, too.”
“Perfect.” He nodded his head slowly, as if coming up to a decision. “You know, I’m actually very happy I ran into you. I was wondering, now that we…”
The door opened behind Mr. Castillo, his voice fading into the background the moment I noticed the man entering the coffee shop.
My heart did a cartwheel in my chest, the sweetest brand of surprise filling my tummy, even if I had told Lucas that I’d be working here.
Lucas spotted me immediately. He was wearing his blueINYCcap and his face was parting with that bright smile I wished was just for me.Me, Rosie. Not for Rosie, his roommate or friend.
I watched Lucas stride in my direction, his gaze fastened to mine, moving like a man on a mission, closing the distance almost as quickly as the beating of my heart.
He came to a stop beside Aiden, his focus on me, and said, “Hello,preciosa.”
“Hi,” I answered, the word coming out wobbly at thatpreciosa.
I’d looked it up. I knew what it meant, and it might be one of my favorite words now that he’d decided to use it on me every time he saw me.
Preciosa. Beautiful. Precious. Gorgeous.
Aiden cleared his throat, reminding me that he was still there. And judging by his expression, he was waiting for… something?
“So, what do you say, Rosie?” Aiden said, looking at me with a small frown. “I know this great place. It’s not far from here, actually.”
I blinked at Aiden. Crap. I had no idea what he might have asked me. I’d gotten distracted. Befuddled by Lucas’s arrival. By thatpreciosa. By him.
Aiden’s smile faltered, gradually falling. “I was saying that if you’re done here, we could head out and grab a bite.” He paused,and I watched his eyes bouncing up, probably following the motion of my brows shooting to my hairline with shock.Was he… asking me out?He scratched the back of his neck. “I said that if you really didn’t mind the tux, or my fan club, I could take you. I was hoping you…” A strange laugh left him, and I was pretty sure he blushed. “But I think I might have read all of that wrong.”
Okay, hehad beenasking me out.
My cheeks flamed.
And Lucas was standing right there, not saying a word. Just… watching. In silence. Probably feeling awkward and thinking of a joke he’d make later on.
“I…” I scrambled for an answer. “No, you got that right, Mr. Castillo. The tux is great. You look really handsome.”
It was then that I somehow decided to look over at Lucas. And I couldn’t miss the way he tensed up. In fact, it was hard to miss how he looked down at himself. A quick glance down, as if checking for something.
And because my own gaze followed the motion, it was only then that I spotted the bag hanging off Lucas’s hand. I immediately recognized the takeaway logo on its side.
