Page 27 of Make No Mistake

“One for me? You’re too kind.”

Despite what I was planning in the restroom, I scooted closer to him until our sides were pressing against each other. If he was going to tease me, I was going to give it back to him in full force.

His arm slowly slid along the bare skin of my arm until it was resting along my shoulders. He pulled me toward him gently as he picked up a fork and dove in.

He was distracting me! I nudged my elbow into his rib, catching him off guard, giving me just enough time to slide the plate away and take a heaping bite with the fork I snatched from Jay’s hand.

I stole a glance out of the corner of my eye and burst out laughing, almost spitting out the cake. His mouth was hanging open and he was frozen, just watching me.

“Did that really just happen?”

I finished chewing and continued smiling. “Mmmmhhhmmm.”

Carter started laughing and it was the first time since coming back to the table that I remembered it wasn’t just Jay and me here. I knew I should have been embarrassed that he and Aubrey just witnessed one of the more immature moments of my adult life, but I just smiled wider.

“You guys really need to get one.”

Carter shook his head, still laughing. “We ordered one for each of us, but asked the waiter to only bring out one just to see how you would react. Totally exceeded expectations, Mac.”

Aubrey was shaking her hair like she was disappointed by my behavior. “You didn’t even offer me any.” Well, at least she wasn’t embarrassed by my barbarisms; she was just jealous.

I was thinking of a rebuttal when three more plates were placed in front of us. Perfect timing. They left me alone long enough to devour their own desserts before going back to picking on me.

Jay nudged my elbow with his. “Thanks for inviting me out tonight, Mac. I learned something new about you.”

“I make excellent dinner conversation?”

“Well …”

“I have impeccable table manners?

“No. Definitely not that.” He laughed to himself as he slid out of the booth and again offered his hand to help me up. “I liked seeing this side of you again.”

That threw me off. “What do you mean?”

“I haven’t seen you be this carefree for a while.”

I smiled at him, but I thought about his words the entire drive home. When Sean dumped me, I was heartbroken, obviously, but I didn’t think I had let it affect me enough for others to notice. I was actually kind of proud of myself for keeping it together and moving on. I guess I hadn’t pulled it off quite as well as I thought.

Once we parked, Jay got out and raced around the car to open my door. I smiled to myself at the gesture, and once again allowed him to take my hand and help me out. This time, though, he didn’t let go.

Carter and Aubrey were walking ahead of us, oblivious to the milestone taking place just feet behind them.

I looked up and met Jay’s eyes. He was smiling down at me, looking happier than I’d ever seen him. “I had a really great time, Mac.”

I could feel the heat rushing to my cheeks. I couldn’t think of the last time anyone had looked at me that way … high school maybe? His eyes gave away his excitement and it was contagious.

“I did too.”

Biting my bottom lip, I looked away, slightly embarrassed. No one would ever say I was the type to ever be at a loss for words, but right now with Jay, a guy who up until a few hours ago I considered nothing but a good friend, I was speechless.

Was I ready for this? The excitement and drama that came with a new relationship? What about our friendship? I truly valued him and his opinion. We worked together. He’s still good friends with Sean.

A million more excuses were finding their way into my brain, but they disappeared when I caught him watching me. Maybe the risk would be worth it.

Aubrey had left the door to our apartment open, making the awkward goodbye situation even worse. Would he try to kiss me? Was I ready for that?

I was debating whether or not to invite him in when he interrupted my thoughts.