Page 96 of I Wish He Would

“I kind of let it slip that I love him.”

There’s a chorus of cheers and squeals.

Kelsey’s eyes light up. “What’s wrong with that?”

I stare out the window. “He didn’t say it back.”

“What was his response?” I look back just in time to watch Tess shoot me a pitying frown.

“Did he say something weird, like ‘thank you’?” Mallory asks.

“Or did he not respond at all?” Shayna’s voice wobbles, always the empath.

I think back to the wedding reception, trying to get the details right. “I had just stood up for him to Bianca and said something about how I couldn’t hold back when she came for someone I love.”

Kelsey quirks a brow. “You go, girl.”

“That wasn’t how I’d planned on telling him.” I let out a dry laugh.

“What did he say?” Tess leans in closer, her dark hair moving around her in a gentle wave as she waits for the grand reveal.

I close my eyes, going back to the moment. “He cupped my face and asked me if I just said I loved him.”

“And?” Shayna squeals.

“Then Patrice interrupted us.”

They let out a collective groan.

“An interrupted love confession might even be worse than an interrupted kiss.” Shayna pouts.

Mallory laughs. “You watch too many romance movies.”

“Says the girl dating an actor,” Shayna deadpans.

Mallory tilts her head. “Touché.”

“What happened after Patrice interrupted?” Kelsey asks loud enough that Winston lifts his head up to make sure she’s okay before resting it back on her feet.

“He brought it back up after she walked away.”

Kelsey claps. “Yeah, he did.”

Tess turns to face me straight on. “He still didn’t say he loved you, though?” I shake my head. She leans over and rubs my arm. “What an idiot.”

“Yep. I told him he wasn’t supposed to hear that, and he said he was glad he did, and then he kissed my head.” I laugh. “Like, what is that even supposed to mean?”

“I think Tess already said it best.” Kelsey shrugs. “He’s an idiot.”

“Yes, that,” Shayna echoes. “But didn’t you mention recently he might get traded mid-season?”

I nod.

Mallory frowns. “What does that have to do with it?”

“Maybe he feels bad progressing too quickly, not knowing where his career will take him.” Shayna’s voice is soft, treading lightly. “Think back to when Griffin was leaving to prepare for his next movie. No man in love wants to leave his woman behind. Austin might be feeling scared to tell you the full extent of his feelings without knowing where he’ll be living next week, let alone in a few months. He knows Alyssa has a whole clientele here and probably doesn’t want to make her think he’s saying something just to get her to move with him.”

I bite the inside of my cheek. I hadn’t thought of that. Well, I’ve considered the fact he might be moving to another state, but I hadn’t considered that it might make him hesitant about the commitment level he’s asking of me.