Page 64 of Something Like That

“What are you guys going to do?”

She knew the question was coming, but it still made her feel scraped raw. “Move forward.” It was the only thing they could do. And lucky for her, she was good at it. She just wished the universe would stop making her prove it.

He pressed a kiss to the back of her hand. “Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help, okay?”

She nodded, not trusting herself to speak. She wasn’t sure if actual words or a sob would come out if she tried.

“Do you still want to go out tonight? I totally understand if you don’t.” He kept his voice even, but she heard the hope in the question.

Part of her wanted to tell him no, she didn’t feel like going out, and then heading home to lick her wounds. But the other part of her knew hiding was not the healthy option, especially considering Em wasn’t home. She’d be alone, wandering through the house like a lost soul. One of those sad, bitter people, shutting themselves away.

Besides, her time with him was limited. Why would she voluntarily give up even a second of what was remaining? There’d be plenty of time to dwell and fret later.

At the reminder there was a ticking clock looming in the background, a bubble of disappointment floated up her throat, but she swallowed it down. Something else for her future self to unpack.

She pushed it all away. Learning to compartmentalize had been how she’d gotten through the last decade, and she wasn’t sure now was the right time to analyze how good it was for her mental health. Another future Alex problem.

This time when she smiled, it felt easier. “Yeah, I do still want to go out tonight. But would it be okay if I invite Janelle? She could probably use the distraction, too.”

“Of course. I’d love to get to know Janelle better. I know how close you guys are.” He squeezed her fingers.

Her stomach did a cartwheel, followed by a full front flip. He obviously didn’t mean anything by such an innocent statement. It absolutely did not mean he wanted to get to know more about her, or the people in her life. She was being ridiculous.

She stood and chewed on her lower lip for a moment. His gaze zeroed in on her mouth. “I’m just going to swing by my place and freshen up a bit.”

“Sure. I’ll text you the name of the restaurant.” He pushed to his feet. The move put him right in her personal space.

The spicy scent of his aftershave swirled around her. She wanted to bury her face against his chest again, this time for very different reasons. Not that she was thinking about those right now, either. She needed to get home and wash her face. Maybe put on a little makeup, change into something more impressive than jeans and a sweater.

Not that this was a date, or anything. This was just friends getting together for a meal and some fun conversation.

Right?

Right.

She pushed up onto her toes and pressed a quick kiss to his lips. It was so not what she wanted, but she didn’t have time for anything more. Anything hotter.

“See you soon,” she said, and spun, heading toward her car in the parking lot. His gaze remained on her the whole way, the burn lighting her up until her skin buzzed. Anticipation and need made her feel tight and tingly.

Without looking back, she climbed into the car and pulled out of the parking lot.

Nick glanced at the door of the restaurant, drumming his fingers on the table top.

Ty laughed and took a sip of his beer. “Man, have you got it bad.”

Nick looked at him. “What?”

“That is the fifth time you’ve looked at the door since we sat down ten minutes ago.” As if to make his point, Ty lifted his glass toward the front of the restaurant.

He resisted the urge to glance in that direction again. Jesus, he needed to get a fucking grip. He wiped one of his palms on his jeans. “I just don’t want them to miss us. This place is pretty busy.”

“Uh, huh.” Ty took another sip of his beer.

The asshole was clearly taunting Nick with that stupid, delicious looking beer. His mouth watered, aching for a taste of the bittersweet, malty brew. He grabbed his glass of water and took a big swallow.

Alex had said she’d meet them here at six thirty. It was now six forty-five. What if something had happened? Maybe he should check to make sure she hadn’t tried to text or call. He reached for his cell phone, which was in the pocket of his coat hanging on the back of his chair.

Ty blew out a breath that was just this side of a whistle. Nick looked up and his heart damn near stopped.