Chapter Sixteen
Nate
I cannot stop smiling like an idiot, and it’s all because of AJ. The last thing I expected when I went to the firehouse was to end up coming down Mr. Hot Stuff’s throat, but that’s exactly what happened, and I am not mad about that one bit.
Because that man just gave me the best blowjob I’ve ever had.
Which I totally have to pay him back for, of course.
And I’d be lying if I said I haven’t been thinking about doing just that since I left the firehouse.
Lacey looks up at me from her coffee cup.
“So… who is he?”
“Huh?” I blink, slipping out of my daydreams and back into reality.
“You’ve had your head up in the clouds for the last three days, Nate. You’re either in love or you’ve got some serious brain fog,which, if that is the case, I might suggest getting checked out by a medical professional.”
She sips her coffee with attitude, and I can’t help but shake my head.
Just as I am about to change the subject, my phone goes off with a notification of a text, and I know who it is without looking.
We’ve been texting each other on and off for the last couple days, since he’s been on call and I’ve been working late because Halloween is just around the corner. I have to admit it’s nice, even though they are probably the most basic texts ever.
He texts me every morning to say good morning, and I text him every night before I go to bed.
It almost feels like we’re together. Except we haven’t actually gone on a date.
I know not all men want to be in a relationship.
Plenty are fine with just living the single life and enjoy the freedom it provides when it comes to their sex life.
I’ve been with enough men to know that sex does not equal a relationship.
But I don’t think what’s going on between AJ and me is just physical, either.
Though I can’t deny that there is definitely a solid physical attraction there that goes both ways.
But could I have a relationship with him?
What would that even look like?
I don’t know, and the more I think about it, the crazier I feel.
Which is why I asked him to meet me for lunch today. To talk.
Clear the air.
Ask him if he’d like to go on a date… for real. I know better than to put all my eggs in one basket, and staying here because of a guy is not a good reason to stay. Especially when I don’t know how that guy feels about me.
I’ve already seen how that movie ends, and I don’t need a straight-to-DVD sequel version.
But I’ve thought about it. About staying.
Which is why I shouldn’t go down this road again. But AJ isn’t Evan.
Not even close.
“I’m just meeting AJ for lunch. It’s not that serious.”
Lacey hums as she sips her coffee.
“You like him.”
I tense as heat floods my cheeks, and I know there’s no use denying the truth because it’s written all over my face.
“It’s… complicated,” I say, averting her gaze.
“What’s complicated about it?”
“I—” I try to find the words, but I can’t.
“He clearly likes you,” she says nonchalantly.
“I know he likes me, but I don’t know if he likes me.”
Like I like him.
Like I want him.
Lacey sighs. “Trust me, he does.”
“How do you know?” I press, checking the clock. I have to meet AJ in twenty minutes, but La Fonso’s isn’t that far of a drive. It’s just down the block.
“How do you not know?” she asks, raising an eyebrow. “Are you blind? AJ’s obsessed with you. He asks about you every time I see him. He spends most of his free time with you.”
“He’s helping me with the house, that’s—”
“And meeting you for lunch on a Tuesday,” she says dramatically.
I glance at the clock again, knowing I have to leave now.
“Speaking of, I need to go,” I say as I get up.
Lacey sets her coffee down, and follows me out, wishing me luck.
The whole way to La Fonso’s, I can’t help but think about Lacey’s words, about my own wants and desires, and suddenly I’m not sure this is a good idea. Nerves are setting in.
I take a deep breath as I park the car and head inside. Just as I am getting ready to text him, I hear him.
“Hey.”
I look up from my phone to see him sitting at the table, and have to do a double take.
He’s wearing khakis and a blue button-down, the sleeves rolled up to expose his forearms.
Fucking khakis.
His dark hair is perfectly styled, not a hair out of place; his facial hair trimmed just right. But it’s the look on his face, that almost hopeful, wishful gaze that strikes me in the chest.
He looks every bit his age, but there’s an air of youthful effervescence behind his eyes, like something… no someone is waiting to come out and play.
“Hey,” I say, my breath catching as I take in the sight of this handsome, complex man who makes my heart beat faster.
And that’s when I realize I’m well and truly fucked.
Because I don’t like AJ.
I think I’m in love with him.
And I’m terrified my sudden streak of luck is about to run out.