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His breakfast declared mutiny on the way to his gut. Paige was the sister he’d never had. Had the easiness between them caused him to overlook overtures on her part for more?
“They seem to think … there’s … something going on.” He wagged a finger between them.
“What did you tell them?” Paige’s smug look and playful tone were more than he could bear.
“I told both people there’s nothing between us … our relationship is friends-only.” He said the words quickly, not missing the wistful look crossing her lovely features. Uh-oh. His thumbs rubbed together of their own accord.
Paige set aside her coffee mug and held her hands out across the table. Rory slowly gripped them. “And you’re worried my feelings might be more?” Her words conveyed a note of compassion.
Not able to break eye contact, Rory tilted his chin in a wordless yes.
She exhaled softly. “I think it’s crossed both our minds—” A corner of her lip turned up. “—and we’ve had our chance.” The wistful look returned. “I believe romantic love starts with friendship and one day … catches fire.” Her eyes twinkled. “I care for you, but we’ve never combusted—into flames or anything else.” She continued. “Oh, I’ve considered us. It always left me feeling flat and disappointed. The excitement was missing. Do you feel the same way?”
Rory’s body sagged with relief. He’d never loved Paige more than he did this minute. His thumbs kneaded the tops of her hands. “Same as you, I’ve wondered. But the desire never happened. I finally reached the conclusion it would wreck what we have—friends with an excellent working relationship.”
Understanding flashed in her trademark smile. “Believe me, I get it.” She slipped her hands out of his grip, wrapping them around her coffee mug. They sat in silence for a while, digesting the conversation.
Paige stirred first. “Who’s asking about us?”
The question landed Rory in a tight spot. If he answered, his interest in Vi would reveal itself. Oh, why not? Paige would figure it out anyway. “You know Jesse and I are accountability partners.” When she inclined her head, he continued. “I told him about a girl I’m interested in. He objected because he thought you and I were in a relationship.” He made air quotes around the last words, still careful to tread lightly. Paige had informed him more than once his “male insensitivity” had lost him points.
She seemed pensive. “Jesse gets protective. When you first mentioned it, I assumed you were referring to business contacts, since we couple at networking events.” Her eyes rolled heavenward. “Maybe the pretense spills over? Not for us personally, but the way others view it?” She frowned, shaking her head. “I’m rethinking the party scene, boss, especially after last night. She waved a hand between them. This latest misunderstanding only confirms it. And the upcoming gala …”
“Are you good for it?” Rory asked. The New Year’s Eve gala remained the pinnacle of Valiant’s fundraising events. Black-tie, who’s-who, old money. Invitations sold for five hundred dollars.
“Honestly?” She dragged the word out. “I’ve been dreading it. The atmosphere reeks of entitlement. I always feel out of place.”
Rory knew precisely what she referred to, but if Paige didn’t attend as his plus-one, he needed to find a date.
She brought him back to the present. “Who’s the other person who thought we were a couple? And who’s this girl you told Jesse about?” Her look warmed him, and his breathing returned to normal. Defining their relationship hadn’t bothered her. “You’ve got to come clean, boss. I can help diffuse wrong perceptions.”
Rory’s collar tightened. “You know her.”
Paige’s brows pinched into concern. “You haven’t rekindled the flame with your ex-girlfriend, have you?”
“Not Stella.”
Paige squinted at him. “Who, then?”
Here goes. “You live with her.”
Paige’s grin could have stopped traffic. “Vi?”
“Yeah.” Yep. Crushing on Vi. Even if she’d turned him down for a date.
Her lips etched into a line. “Hmm. That explains a few things.”
Eager for the tiniest tidbit, Rory leaned forward, but Paige didn’t elaborate. “So, what do you think?”
“Vi’s not super affectionate or one to share deep secrets. If you’re interested, you best grab hold of extra patience and keep it in your back pocket.” Paige tinkered with a package of sweetener.
Rory’s face scrunched. “Great.”
Paige smiled at his wry tone. “You’ll be good for her.” Then her voice dropped as if talking to herself. Rory leaned even closer, and she muttered something about misconceptions.
Not knowing what she meant, he only said, “I’d appreciate all the help I can get.” Shooting her a grateful look, he waved for the ticket. Emilio, a Peeps’ employee, stood at the cashier counter. Did the guy ever not wear the grungy black hoodie?
“Who’s here?” Paige followed his gaze. Then she peered into a compact to reapply her lipstick.
