"I didn't have to plan one myself," he said. "I know a guy. Hope you're free that night."
The quirk of his lips and deep blue eyes were earnest and hopeful.
"I'll make it," I promised.
How could I say no? I'd told Nathan one of my wishes and he'd made it come true within minutes. It was such a sweet gesture, something I was beginning to realize wasn't out of character for him.
Even as my heart swelled, a small part of me couldn't help but worry.
I'd thought I'd be safe, having a fun night with someone like Nathan. I'd thought he was thelove 'em and leave 'emtype.
But for some reason, he wanted to spend time with me. Running into each other at the pet shop and at the hospital was a coincidence, but there was no real reason for him to invite me back to his mom's house, or why he'd convinced me I had to go zorbing with him, or why he'd invited me to go to a rock star party.
Was it just because he was lonely? Was I just an entertaining, temporary substitute for his best friend? Or was there something else behind his actions?
There was something thoughtful about Nathan Walker. Something genuine. He liked to tease and play around, but there was more to him than that.
The way he'd cradled my face and looked at me with concern, the way he'd taken my hand and squeezed it reassuringly, the way he'd taken me back to his place and helped calm me down…
Something inside me couldn't help but respond to that show of kindness. Of care.
Even as he took the empty water bottle from my hand and offered to drive me back home, a pang of anxiety hit my chest.
I wanted to spend more time with Nathan, too. I had fun with him. I enjoyed getting to know him.
I liked him.
The thought made my heart clench, in an entirely different way, but the panic was the same.
I liked Nathan Walker.
Which meant I was in a world of trouble.
