10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love

Chapter 4

Joey

I try to quell my nerves as I stand at Brad’s door, but I can’t quite manage it. I like the guy. Way more than I should for having hung out with him for all of an hour and a half. I want this date to go well.

Of course, we need to actually go on the date for that to happen.

With that in mind, I take a deep breath and knock. Brad already buzzed me up, so it only takes a moment for him to open his door. And when he does, my breath promptly leaves my lungs.

Brad is wearing a black shirt tonight, the dark color setting off his light eyes even more. His jeans fit him snugly in a way that has me fighting the urge to touch. And there’s a beaming smile on his face because of course there is.

He’s beautiful.

Brad steps into the hall to give me a hug. It doesn’t last half a minute this time, but that’s okay.

“Joey Kangaroo,” he says happily as we part.

“Hi,” I manage.

Brad locks his door and turns my way. “Ready to go?”

Fuck, I think so. I nod, and the two of us head down the hall.

“It’s, uh, nice to see you,” I say, rather belatedly.

“You, too, man. Where are we going?”

“A small steakhouse nearby. Is that all right?”

“Are you kidding me? I love meat in my mouth.”

I stagger a step, honestly not sure whether or not he meant for that to sound so dirty. But considering he doesn’t even chuckle, I’m leaning toward not . Christ.

“Did you, uh, have a nice night?” I ask since it’s been less than a day since we saw each other last.

He nods, holding the door open for me. We step out onto the sidewalk as he says, “Yeah. I hung out with Jason and Cas.”

I try not to cringe. “That isn’t hard for you?”

“What?” he says, glancing over at me as we walk. “No. It’s not like they live far.”

“No, I just mean because you and Jason used to…you know.”

I can’t imagine hanging out with an ex is easy, but Brad doesn’t seem all that bothered. Maybe he and Jason weren’t that serious? Except they’ve been friends since kindergarten. And they lived together. I’m not sure I’d be as unaffected in his position.

“I mean, yeah,” Brad says thoughtfully. “I do miss what Jason and I used to be, but I’m happy for him and Cas. Sometimes…we have to let the people we love most go, you know? If it’s what’s best for them.”

Fuck .

“Do you still love him?” I ask. I can’t not.

Brad’s brows draw together. “Of course. I think I always will.”

My throat feels thick as I check, “But you’re not in love with him?”

Please, God, say no.

“What?” he says, almost alarmed. “Oh, no way, man. No.”

My breath rushes out of me. “Okay,” I mutter, ridiculously relieved. I should’ve known Brad wouldn’t agree to go out with me if he was still hung up on someone else, but for a second, I’d imagined the worst.

Brad claps the side of my shoulder. “Thanks for looking out. Could you imagine?”

He chuckles, and I shake my head. No, I can’t .

“Well, thank you for coming out with me tonight,” I reply. “I’m glad you’re here.”

His smile is immediate. “Me, too. Besides, it’s not like Jason and Cas want me over at their place all the time. I know I’m a lot to deal with.”

I frown at that. “I don’t think you’re a lot. I think you’re just right.”

Brad stops right in the middle of the sidewalk, causing me to stumble to a stop myself. “Dude,” he says. “I think that’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.”

My cheeks flush under his guileless stare. But then Brad breaks into a wide grin again and nudges my arm to keep going.

“Thanks, Joey-roo. But just so you know, I won’t hold it against you if you change your mind. We only just met.”

“I won’t change my mind,” I tell him. Not possible. Who wouldn’t want someone like Brad around, with his boundless enthusiasm and honest geniality? He’s pure goodness, even if the things that come out of his mouth are, at times, laced with a ridiculous amount of innuendo. The guy makes me happy. How could I get sick of that?

“Fuck,” he mutters almost to himself, stepping around some people on the sidewalk. “I’m really looking forward to that meat in my mouth.”

I huff a laugh, glancing over at him. Yep . Guileless.

When Brad and I get to the steakhouse, I hold the door for him to walk through. He shoots me a smile as he steps across the threshold. From the way he glances around curiously, I’m guessing he’s never been here before, even though it’s relatively close to his place. I discovered it myself earlier this year when I came to talk to my Uncle Johnny about accepting a job. The steak truly is top-notch and the atmosphere cozy.

Brad beams when I let my hand graze the small of his back. He seems openly affectionate, which I love. My last boyfriend, over two years ago now, didn’t like sharing physical touch in public. I honored that, of course, but I can’t deny it’d be nice to hold Brad’s hand. To maybe kiss his cheek or sit close, my arm around him as we sat on a bench or shared a meal.

I’m nearly lost in the fantasy when the hostess arrives. I give her my name, and she leads us to a table near the back corner of the restaurant. I pull out Brad’s chair before taking my own.

He makes a quiet sound of approval. “This place is nice . If you’d told me it was so fancy, I would’ve dressed up.”

“You look great,” I tell him truthfully. “I like casual over fancy, anyway.”

“Right?” he says, eyes wide. “Give me a pair of sweats and a couch any day, and I’m golden.”

I nearly groan at the visual. Brad. Brad stretched out on a couch. Brad in a pair of gray sweats on said couch.

“That’s the life,” I agree weakly, looking over the menu. “Do you, uh, want something to drink?”

He hums. “Unless they have espresso, I think I’ll stick with water. I’m not a big drinker.”

“I don’t think they have espresso here,” I say, skimming the dessert section, “but we can always stop somewhere after if you want.”

“Yeah? Cool. Oh, hello.”

Brad sits back as our waiter arrives, the man setting down a candle between us. He lights it as he introduces himself. “Good evening. I’m Basil, your server for the night. Can I start you gentleman off with anything to drink?”

“Do you have espresso?” I check.

“We do not,” Basil says.

“Then two waters, please. And a few more minutes with the menu?”

He nods before stepping back. I don’t miss the upward bounce of his eyebrows as he tips his head discreetly in Brad’s direction, though.

Pretty sure Basil and I are both in agreement that my date is hot as fuck.

As Basil walks off, Brad shakes his head. “So fancy,” he mutters, a little smile on his face as he looks from the candle to the food options.

“Espresso this late wouldn’t keep you up?” I ask, curious.

“Nah,” he says with another shake of his head. “I’m a natural night owl. If I’m in bed before one, it’s because I have company. Ooh , look, they have surf and turf. You’re not allergic to shrimp, are you?”

“No,” I say, my swallow more than a little rough. “Just almonds.”

“Good. Shit, let me know if you wanna go halfsies on anything. It all looks amazing.”

Good Lord, he’s perfect.

We do end up getting the surf and turf. Plus the swordfish steak. And based on Brad’s happy moans, I’m fairly positive I’m getting a pretty good preview into what those pre-one-o’clock bedtime activities sound like.

“Good?” I ask hoarsely.

He nods, chewing, his green eyes closing for a moment before they open again. “Good pick, Joey-roo. This place is awesome. Although you might have to tuck me into bed later. It’s the least you can do after stuffing me so thoroughly, if you know what I mean.”

He winks, and I cough, nearly spitting out my water.

Brad’s face falls in sympathy. “Dude. Still sick?”

“No,” I croak. “I’m fine.” I frantically search for a different topic as I wipe my mouth with a napkin. Anything that’s not me stuffing Brad. “Do you, uh…have any family around here?”

“Ah. No,” he says, cutting into his steak again. “Never really had family other than my grandfather, but he’s gone now. Pretty sure my parents are out there somewhere, but I never knew them, so…” He shrugs, and my chest squeezes tight.

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Thanks, but Jason’s been like family to me,” he replies, which… okay . That’s a little odd, but Brad goes on before I can think too hard on it. “How about you? Family?”

“Yeah, my mom is back in New Hampshire. The rest of my family is here. Aunts, uncles, a good handful of cousins. We weren’t close growing up, but we’re making up for lost time now.”

“That’s awesome, dude. I always wanted a big family. But… eh . We don’t always get the things we want, do we?”

“I suppose not,” I agree. His answer makes me wonder, though… “If you could have any one thing, like a wish without all the potential baggage and repercussions, what would it be?”

Brad’s smile tips up, as if he likes that question. He doesn’t have to consider it for long. “A good cuddle sesh.”

His answer takes me so off guard, it’s a moment before I can say anything at all. “Really?”

“Yeah, man. It’s been a while for me, you know? I miss, just, like…touching someone. Holding.”

Fu-u-uck .

How long would it take to custom-order a ring?

“How about you?” Brad asks, cutting the last of his swordfish into two pieces. “What would you wish for?”

I guess I don’t have to think about it for long, either. “Happiness. That’s what I want.”

Brad’s lips tip up again. “I like that. You’re a good dude, Joey-roo.”

“You’re not so bad yourself.”

His grin feels like all things right in the world.

When Basil comes back around with our bill, I pull out my card. Brad’s eyebrows wing up.

“I can pay for myself,” he offers.

“I got it,” I tell him. “I invited you out, after all.”

Brad doesn’t fight me on it. He simply folds his napkin and nods. “Next one’s on me, then.”

I try to play it cool, but I’m pretty sure my smile betrays me. “Deal.”

When Basil returns with my card, he gives me a knowing smirk. We thank him before leaving. Cheeky waiter aside, I don’t think this night could have gone better.

It’s a little cooler when we emerge onto the sidewalk, but it feels nice. I look for the nearest coffee place. “Still want that espresso fix?”

Brad visibly perks. “Yeah. Let’s do it.”

The coffee shop is just a block down the street. Brad breathes in deeply once we’re inside, following it up with an audible sigh that has me chuckling.

“My favorite smell,” he admits sheepishly.

“Tell me the truth,” I tease. “Are you addicted?”

He cracks a smile that has me feeling warm. “Yeah, man. Bean stew. I can’t go without it.”

“Bean…stew?” I ask, mildly horrified.

Brad’s eyebrow pops up. “Tell me I’m wrong.”

The scary thing is…I can’t.

Smile still on his face, Brad steps up to the counter and orders a double shot of espresso to go, plus…whipped cream? “Want anything?” he asks me.

I shake my head, watching as he pays and jokes with the barista, so naturally charismatic it’s hard to look away. When he gets his to-go cup of espresso piled high with whip, he turns to me, nose crinkled in happiness.

“Ready?” he asks.

I nod. And nod again, charmed beyond words. Charmed by this man and his whipped cream and the easy yet confident way he walks through life. Charmed by his lack of propriety and how goddamn refreshing that is. Charmed, even, by the tiny cowlick at the back of his head.

I am so completely and utterly screwed.

It’s not a long walk back to Brad’s place. He waits to drink his dessert espresso until we’re close, not wanting to burn his tongue, as he tells me. We keep up a steady stream of chatter on the way, the minutes passing far too quickly.

My pulse is racing by the time we reach Brad’s hallway. He’s talking about pants now, and how pants are a single item, yet so is a pair of pants, and isn’t that just the weirdest fucking thing?

It is, and I never considered it before, but all my focus shifts to Brad’s mouth as he sips his espresso, a small bit of whipped cream staying behind on his lip. His smile goes crooked when he sees me staring.

“What, uh…”

His words trail off as I cradle his jaw, wiping the whipped cream off the corner of his mouth with my thumb. I linger a little longer than necessary, having a hard time pulling myself away. It takes me a good long second to realize Brad’s eyes have gone wide. We’re standing so close I can make out all the specks of color in his light green irises.

Fuck , they’re gorgeous. He’s gorgeous.

Brad swallows roughly. “Uh, Joey? This might be a strange question. And I could be way off base. But, uh…are you about to kiss me?”

“I was thinking about it,” I admit, voice hoarse. Although I would have asked first.

“Oh,” Brad says, letting out a single puff of air before stepping back, the move dislodging my grip. “Oh, shit. Joey… I think… Fuck , I think I made a mistake. Please don’t hate me. Please, please don’t. I didn’t realize. I just…” He groans, and I shake my head, at a complete loss. “Jason was right.”

“I don’t understand,” I say, my gut sinking somewhere down near the bottom of my shoes. “What’s wrong?”

Brad cringes, his eyes sorrowful. “I’m so sorry, Joey. I really am. I… I’m straight.”

Oh.

Ohhh .

Well, fuck.