Page 51 of Mac Meyers Needs Me

“You like me?” she parrots.

“As more than friends,” I add. “In case that wasn’t clear.”

Her eyebrows lift, confusion turning to shock. “Really?”

“Is that so hard to believe?” I ask. “I love spending time with you, you’re easy to talk to, kind, smart, talented, thoughtful, fun. You’re sexy as hell on skates, and in a dress.” I bite my lip and lean, lowering my voice. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about that kiss the other week.” I go all in. Shoot my shot.

“Me neither.”

I’m uncertain if that’s good or bad until a shy smile curves the corner of her mouth. “I’d love to go on a real date.”

“Yeah?” Relief crashes over me, followed by a wave of excitement.

She ducks her head. “Yeah.”

“Are you free tonight?” Might as well strike while the iron is hot.

She laughs. “I am actually.”

“I’ll pick you up at your apartment at seven?”

“Okay.” Her phone beeps. “Shit. I have class. I gotta run.” She kisses me on the cheek. “See you at seven.”

“Which shirt is better?” I hold up a dark blue one and a green one.

“Either works.” Gage is on his phone, brows furrowed as he thumb-types.

“I like the blue one,” Chase says.

Brody adjusts his ball cap. “Same.”

“So what finally flipped the switch?” Gage sets his phone down, which is rare for him.

“Your intervention threats.” I unscrew my pomade and swipe a dollop. “Plus, we’ve been spending a lot of time together, and I like her.”

“Yeah, but you’ve always liked her,” Gage argues.

“We’ve been friends, and now I want us to be more.” Why is this so hard to understand? I’ve never been a rush into things kind of guy. Maybe part of it has to do with my parents splitting up. Like it would suck to get emotionally involved with someone just to have them leave. But I’m already emotionally involved when it comes to Fee, and now that I’ve kissed her, I don’t think I can be around her without wanting to kiss her again.

“I don’t get it.” Gage rubs his chin. “She’s been hanging around with us all year and you’re just realizing this now, though?”

“Not everyone has to fuck a person before they realize they might like them beyond physical attraction, Gage,” Brody says. “Not that there is anything wrong with sex for the sake of pleasure, or whatever floats your boat, but some people need an emotional connection with another person prior to wanting to fuck their brains out.”

“Really?” Gage seems mystified.

“Really,” I agree. I’m not sure we’re at the fuck each other’s brains out stage, but I definitely want to end tonight with my lips on Fee’s.

“Cammie and I had an instant attraction, but I realized real quick that I wanted a lot more than just her prec—more than just getting into her pants.” Chase’s cheeks turn pink.

We are all aware that he calls his girlfriend’s special parts her “precious” because he’s mistakenly done it more than once in front of us, usually when he’s drunk.

I refrain from commenting or calling him on it. Personally, I think it sounds nicer than some of the alternatives, and he and Cammie are their own brand of happy, horny weird.

“And you need that? Emotional connection before you get naked and stuff?” Gage doesn’t seem like he’s being an obtuse jerk, more that he’s genuinely curious.

“Yeah. It’s why I’ve hit the friend zone a lot in the past,” I admit.

“There’s merit to it though. I’ve hooked up a lot and most of the time we don’t make it past the first few dates because we don’t have anything in common,” Gage says. “Except I never hook up with my tutors, but sometimes the temptation is real.”