Page 45 of I Wish He Would

“Are you kidding?” I laugh. “The Vanderbilts love the Mustangs. I’m more worried about embarrassing you.”

“Really? The picture of poise and perfection thinks she will embarrass me?” Austin scoffs.

“I’m not perfect. A perfectionist, yes. But not perfect.” I might always make myself look put together, but it’s with the help of a carefully thrifted wardrobe, a curling iron, and lots of texture spray.

“You are to me.”

His admission sends my heart skittering.

We’re just friends. I repeat the words to myself like a mantra. One I desperately need to engrain in my brain.

I try to laugh off the compliment. “If anyone’s perfect here, it’s you.”

“I think our losses the past two days prove otherwise.”

“You are to me.” I throw his words back at him, but they come out more gentle and genuine rather than a retort. I may as well have giant letters stamped on my forehead that say I have feelings for you.

“Thanks, Lyssa.” His voice is soft and warm, like a hug I never want to end. “I really will let you get to bed. I’ll see you bright and early Monday morning.”

“See you then.”

“Good night.”

“Good night.” I quickly end the call before flinging my phone beside me and burying my face in my hands.

I don’t think there’s a word in the English language to describe how I’m feeling.

Nothing says that I’m happy, terrified, confused, and hopeful at the same time.

Maybe I’ll finally be able to put a word to it in a few days. Thinking about spending that much time with Austin leaves my heart racing and my stomach churning.

There’s no way I’m going to fall asleep anytime soon with the way my body is on high alert. I grab my phone and text Austin the itinerary and then get out of bed to go through my closet again.

Austin might have just told me I’m perfect, but I need to pull out all the stops if I want him to see me as something more than a friend.

Alyssa ends the call just in time to avoid hearing Fletch make a stupid sound equivalent to what a middle school boy would make after being dared by his friend.

Cooper slugs him in the arm.

“What was that for?” Fletch groans.

“Acting like a fool.”

He rolls his eyes. “At least I wasn’t the one who climbed into his bed.”

Hayden holds a hand to his chest like he’s been wounded. “Hey, don’t bring me into this. I’m not the one who just acted like a fifth grader.”

Fletch huffs.

“Okay, let’s get back to the reason we’re here.” Dawson looks at all the guys except me. “Who thinks Alyssa might have feelings for Austin after that phone call?” Dawson raises his hand along with Hayden. “And who thinks she only sees him as a friend?” Cooper and Fletch raise their hands.

An even split.

I swallow. I mean, technically I’m the one who stuck her in the friend zone three years ago, so I can’t be upset by their observation. “What makes you think I’m in the friend zone?”

“Dude, you told her she was perfect, and all she did was laugh and say the perfect one was you. If I said that to a girl, she’d blush and thank me.” Fletch smirks.

I look to Cooper for confirmation. “I didn’t get the vibe she was into you, but I’m also not the best guy at picking up on that stuff.” He gives a half shrug. “At least she’s not talking to that other guy anymore.”