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My eyebrows leap up. “At The Square? It’s not a huge place, but there will likely be a crowd.”
“I know. I want to check it out anyway. The courtroom will be crowded too when they go to trial, won’t it? And there’s no way I’m not going to be right there beside you.”
On days like this, I’m in awe of his strength. It feels like a battle for me every day to try to be positive. To enjoy things. He’s still living in a nightmare where he doesn't have a past and look at him.
“You’re amazing, you know that?”
He blinks and a half grin grows on his face. “Of course I do, but I’m not sure what you’re referring to.”
“I’m serious.” He gazes down at me when I approach and look him in the eye. “You’re so strong and kind after all you’ve been through. I don’t think you realize how much you’ve helped me too. I’m not sure how I would’ve gotten through this without you.”
He brings his hand up to cup my cheek. “You’re the strong one, El. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.”
“I guess we make a good team.”
His thumb brushes over my cheek. My heart speeds up when his gaze drops from my eyes to my mouth. When he looks back up at me, I’m surprised to see desire burning in his eyes, and more alarmed to find my body responding to it. His tongue peeks out to wet his lips, and I wonder how he’d taste, how his lips would feel.
Would they be like Alden’s?
That intrusive thought shocks me back to reality. Stepping back, I force a smile. “The Square sounds fun. I love live music.”
A small smile replaces the flash of disappointment on his face. “Good. I get to take you out this time.”
Whatever flickered into life between us just now is still there when we gaze at each other. “I’m looking forward to it.” My words feel awkward and hesitant. “Um, I should go finish dinner.”
“Okay, I’m going to go take a shower.”
He bounds up the stairs that he used to take slowly not long ago, and I sit down on the edge of the couch. What the hell just happened? He wanted to kiss me. I wanted to let him. What is wrong with me? This is Alden’s brother.
Alden, the man who loved me more than anything. The man I still dream about and yearn for every day. Seven months has brought me the ability to cope with his absence but hasn’t taken one ounce of my love for him.
Oliver and I just heard good news that we’ve been waiting on forever. We got caught up in the moment, that’s all. Neither of us said anything. It should be easy enough to act like nothing happened. When honestly, nothing did.
The stir fry I was making for dinner is done by the time Oliver returns. We spend a nice evening together. After dinner, I make a pan of brownies, and we watch a movie. He decides to watch another while I head up to bed.
As I’m dozing off, it occurs to me that he might not be living with me for much longer. He’s fighting so hard for independence and driving himself was a big step. He may want to go back to his apartment. The thought is more upsetting than I’d like to admit.
Does that mean I’m developing feelings for him? Oliver is sweet and brave and every bit as attractive as his brother was. Of course he is, he wears his face. But he isn’t Alden.
* * *
I’m excited to go out tonight. It’s been forever since I dressed up nice or went out for a drink. When I call Tori to tell her the news about the arrest and invite her and Paul to join us, they have other plans, but we arrange to get together later in the week.
Oliver is in the shower when I get home from work, and I hurry to get ready as well. The Square isn’t the kind of place you dress too fancy for, so I settle for tight jeans and a clingy shirt that shows the right amount of cleavage. I’m not trying to get hit on or anything. I just want to feel good. I take my time putting on my makeup and doing my hair until it falls in soft waves to my shoulders.
Oliver steps out of his room as I’m on my way down the hall, stopping me in my tracks. “You cut your hair.” The words spill out of my mouth unbidden.
“You sound disappointed. You don’t like it?”
I reach up and run my hand through the short locks. “Of course I do. It just surprised me. I liked it long, but you look great.” I step back, and he grins at me while I look at him. He’s gained back the weight he lost in the hospital and most of it appears to be muscle. His long sleeve button-up hugs his body in a flattering way. “New shirt?”
“I went shopping. I’m not crazy about some of my old clothes.” He runs a hand down the front of his shirt. “It’s okay. You can tell me how sexy I am.”
I love how much his mood has changed over the last weeks. He’s happier and much more upbeat. “You look very handsome,” I tell him with a chuckle.
“You look beautiful. Are you ready to go?”
“Yep.”
