Chapter 3 #2
I push down that uneasy feeling reminding me that it’s entirely possible I’ll be working backstage on this one. “Why were you so late getting in last night?”
“You mean after you were outside getting cozy with Adam and then freaked out and ran home?”
“I already told you, we were pretending, and I was tired. Don’t turn this around on me.”
“Sadly, my whereabouts aren’t as exciting as you and Adam flirting.
I went with Maverick and Jordan on a taco run that lasted forever.
A lot of people want tacos at two in the morning.
So… did you finally tell him?” Dakota asks with a smile that takes over her face.
My friends are entirely too invested in my crush on Adam.
For almost two years I was able to hide it from everyone, and those were much easier times when no one was dissecting every interaction I had with him.
“No, I was his fake date so the group of puck bunnies that came over with Jordan wouldn’t harass him.”
“O-kay,” she says the word slowly. “Since when does Adam shy away from female companionship?”
I feel myself getting defensive of him. “He wants to take some time between relationships before he jumps into something new.”
“How is fake dating you for a night different than letting some random girl hang on him?” She huffs a laugh. “Leave it to Adam to figure out a way to not date but still date. Was it awful fake dating a guy you have a massive crush on or amazing? I can’t decide if it’s tragic or exciting.”
“I went into the zone. I barely remember it.” Mostly accurate, but I’m never going to forget the feeling of being wrapped up in his strong arms. Tragic. Definitely tragic.
“I’d hoped you’d finally told him. You have to tell him, Rea.”
“I will. I am. I’m just trying to figure out how.” I was so close to telling him last night, but I don’t want to ruin everything.
“Easy. Go over there tonight and tell him. Blame it on last night if you have to. We need you to tell him.”
“We?”
“Yes. Even Rhett is starting to pick up on it. Oblivious Rhett! Besides, the sooner you tell him, the sooner you’ll stop going out on dates with all of these losers.”
“They aren’t all bad. What about Hunter, the guy from my psychology class?”
“He brought you dandelions in a Dixie cup.”
“I thought that was sweet!”
“If you say so. I think subconsciously you’re saying yes to these guys you know you won’t like because you don’t want to like them. You only want Adam. You’re never going to move on until you tell him.”
Move on. The way she says it as if the idea of us together is unlikely makes my chest ache. Like I should tell him, let him laugh in my face, and then get over it. Okay, even Dakota isn’t that cruel, but is that what she’s expecting?
“I will tell him,” I reassure her. I just have to find the right time.
When we’re done at the track, Dakota heads to work at the Hall of Fame, and I go back to our place.
Adam’s coming out of his apartment when I get to the top of the steps of our shared second-floor landing. He’s dressed in dark jeans and a T-shirt that hugs his broad shoulders.
He tips his head when he sees me. “Hey there, sexy girlfriend.”
“Whaaat?” My heart races and my brain short-circuits.
He waves it off. “Sorry, I was referring to the other night. Thanks again for that. Could have used you earlier today in the cafeteria.”
“I think finding a real girlfriend would be easier.” I meant me, of course, but the look on his face makes it clear that is not where his head’s at.
Stupid. Stupid. No, he should not find a real girlfriend if it isn’t me.
I swear I don’t just put my foot in my mouth around this guy; I put the whole leg.
He chuckles softly. “Yeah, I guess I shouldn’t complain. Most of them are nice, but I can’t tell which ones are in it trying to help the guys win the bet or which ones actually might be interested. Mav is playing dirty to win. Hooking up with someone for a bet…” He shakes his head.
This is my window, maybe? Perhaps I’m overthinking it and I don’t need a perfect moment or perfect way to tell him.
“Any girl would be lucky to date you. I’m sure they’re all interested. Speaking of, I’ve been trying to figure out a way to tell you something.”
“You have? What?” His hazel eyes soften, but he crosses his arms at his chest. Classic Taurus preparing to hold his ground. He must think it’s something bad I want to tell him.
While I organize my thoughts, the door to the guys’ apartment swings open and a shirtless Maverick fills the doorway.
“Oh good, you’re still here,” he says to Adam. He smiles at me and juts his chin. “Yo, Rea.”
“Hey, Mav.” I wave with one hand.
He looks to Adam. “Can you grab some food while you’re out? The pantry and fridge are bare.”
“Dude, you don’t live here. Go rummage through your own pantry for food.” There’s no bite to his tone. Adam shakes his head. Maverick lives downstairs in a single apartment, but he spends so much time at their place he’s basically the fourth roommate.
Adam’s phone pings. He pulls it out and then rolls his eyes as he reads it. “Thanks for the great oral. Seriously?”
Mav cackles and throws his head back. “You’re the best, Scott. Get some of those Little Debbie swiss rolls.”
“You know my mom has access to my Venmo, right? She’s going to see you sent me a hundred dollars for great oral.”
“Then she’ll be very proud of your oral game. Moms want their sons to give good head, right?”
Adam winces. “Too far.”
“Thanks, Scott. You really are the best.” With a wink, he disappears back into the apartment.
“I would apologize for Maverick, but I’d spend my entire day doing nothing else.” Adam smiles at me. “What were you going to say before?”
“It’s nothing.” I chickened out somewhere around the mention of good head.
“All right.” He’s slow to move. “I guess I should go. Good to see you, Reagan.”
Inside my apartment, I bang my head against the closed door. I have to tell him, but not today.