Page 12 of Does He Know?

Emerson

“Are you on your way?” I ask Monroe as I sift through my closet. I’m trying to find something sexy to wear tonight, but I don’t want it to look like I’m trying too hard.

“I just got into my car, and I’m bringing options.”

“Thanks,” I tell her.

“You’ve been evasive all week,” she reminds me. “I’m going to need details before I give up the goods.”

“That’s unfair.” Not really. Monroe and I tell each other everything, and I’ve yet to tell her about my run-in with Roman at the shop on Monday. I don’t know how, but we managed not to be alone together again the rest of the week, partly because I kept his schedule full and partly because I made sure to always know where he was and disappear if needed. I’ve found some creative places in the shop to hide.

It’s not that I don’t want to be alone with him, but this push-and-pull thing we’ve been doing is confusing as hell. Does he want me? Does he want to push me away? Honestly, I’m not sure. I don’t think even Roman knows what he wants.

What I do know is that my brother insists on having a little welcome home get-together tonight at our place, and I plan to look my best. Do I think something will happen? No. Do I hope that something happens? Yes. Most certainly, yes. Hence the reason my bestie is bringing me options.

“There’s not really anything to tell. I’ve been avoiding him as much as I can this week while we’re both at the shop.”

“Uh-huh,” she replies, not at all convinced that I’m telling the truth.

“Fine.” I sigh. “There might have been a small little run-in, but it was nothing. All it did was leave me even more confused.”

“Did he kiss you?” There’s excitement in her tone.

“Nope.”

“Did you kiss him?”

“No. I thought maybe he might, but then a customer walked in, and the chime of the door pulled him out of wherever he was in his head, and he pushed me away. Again.”

“Girl, you know you should just take my advice and take what you want.”

Monroe has been telling me the same thing ever since I confessed about the night he slipped into my room during spring break. She thinks I need to show him that he’s what I want.

“I don’t know,” I tell her. “It’s going to be all kinds of complicated. He’s so much older than me, and Forrest is one of his best friends. I need to just let this go.” I say the words, but even as I think them, I know I can’t. I don’t know what it is, but I’ve always had a thing for Roman.

“Age is just a number. Besides, it’s only ten years. You’re both legal adults.”

“I’m not so sure he sees it that way,” I tell her.

“He didn’t seem to have an issue watching you pet your kitty.”

“Monroe!” I scold. She’s barely containing her laughter, and I can’t help but join her.

“I’m pulling in,” she says.

“I’ll meet you at the door.” Ending the call, I toss my phone on the bed and bound down the stairs. When I pull open the front door, she’s already making her way up the steps with a huge duffel bag tossed over her shoulder.

“Did I forget to mention I’m staying here tonight?” she asks.

“You did, but I assumed that you would be.” I step back, giving her room to walk inside, before shutting the door behind her.

“How much time do we have?” she asks.

“Forrest and the guys cut their schedules short tonight, so an hour tops.” They do appointments only on weekends for the most part, and apparently, my big brother made sure they all knew this would be my welcome home weekend, so to speak, and all five of them made arrangements to be here.

“Well, your hair is on point, so we just need to find you an outfit.” With that, she turns and starts up the stairs with her big-ass duffel bag on her shoulder. “So, I think casual sexy is the way to go,” she says once we’re in my room.

“Agreed. I don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard. But I want him to notice.”

Source: www.allfreenovel.com