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“I am, but I still follow her account.” Addy shrugs. “And she apparently went to some Gala. There’s a bunch of pictures of her with—”
“Let me see,” I cut her off, lunging for the phone.
“No...” Addy shakes her head as my fingers connect with it. She pulls it away. “I’m not going to be responsible.”
“Fine,” I huff, digging into my pocket. “I’ll just see for myself.”
“It’s not really a big deal,” Addy says quickly. “I don’t think they’re together.”
I don’t really hear her words as I search for Nila in the app. I pull up her profile and immediately see the post that Addy was referring to. There are tons of pictures from what I assume was last night.
And jeez, Nila looks stunning in her golden gown. It accentuates all of her curves in the best way. Her red hair hangs in breathtaking waves.
I try to catch my breath and process the man standing beside her. I know it’s Garrett Norris. I’ve seen pictures of him. They don’t appear to be getting all that close, but I don’t miss his hand on her back.
And I hate to acknowledge the jealousy coursing through my body.
I flip through the pictures, stopping on the one with her friend Brittany. She’s standing with Garrett as well, but this time, Garrett’s hand is wrapped around her waist. It’s a big difference from the way he was standing with Nila.
I let out a breath. I overreacted.
It’s just work for Nila. There’s nothing wrong with any of it—not like I could say anything about it, anyway. But still, as I flip through more and more pictures, I realize just how big of a deal the Gala was. The crowd is star-studded, and as Nila stands with multiple celebrities and business gurus, a sense of pride swells in my chest.
Good for her.
And without even thinking, I like the post and put my phone back in my pocket. For some reason, the minor moment brings me peace. I don’t know why. Maybe it’s the fact that at the end of the day, I want Nila to be happy—and to succeed. I want all her dreams to come true.
Maybe I really do love her.
“You know, you could’ve invited her to the last game,” Blaze suddenly says, looking away from Addy’s phone and over to me. “I don’t really think that would’ve been all that crazy.”
“Uh, no,” Addy disagrees. “That would make him sound desperate.”
“Why?”
“Because he already shot his shot—and ultimately, she didn’t want him. I don’t think there’s a need to keep pressing the point. I find it unbecoming when men keep pushing once they’ve already been turned down.”
“She has a valid point,” I agree. “It seems messed up to keep trying for something that isn’t there. I have no intentions of being a creep.”
I’ve struggled for years to let people go. But I’m working on that now.
Even if it hurts.
“Well, that’s too bad, because you already are one.” Dylan bursts into a fit of laughter. Everyone makes a face—the kind we make when Dylan laughs at his own jokes that aren’t even funny. It’s excessive the way he does that.
And I have no idea how he attracts so many women.
“I could set you up with one of my friends,” Addy offers, her voice bright as she sets her drink down on the coffee table.
“I’m not interested in Cam, thanks,” Blaze teases, giving her a look.
“Oh stop. I wasn’t even talking to you.” She rolls her eyes. “But really, I know a few girls that would be all over the idea of going on a date with you, Cam. They totally swoon over that whole protective thing you do. I think it’s cute, myself.”
“Wait, what?” Blaze jerks up, his attention fixated on her. “You think Cam is cute?”
“Uh, no.” She folds her arms across her chest. “I think his attributes are cute. I never said I was interested in him. But my friends might be. Besides, I wouldn’t set up any of my friends with someone I’m interested in.”
“Touche,” he mumbles, dropping back down.
