“Good idea. Don’t look. I’ll deal with it tomorrow.”
He pulls me into a hug. “Thanks, Jiminy.”
I say goodbye and leave. As I walk the two houses down to my parents’ house, my phone vibrates. I go to pull my phone out of my pocket and realize I’m still wearing Micah’s jacket. I snuggle deeper into it and pull the collar to my nose. It smells of sandalwood and warm spice—like Micah—and it makes my insides tingle.
Micah kissed me. Again. Not my lips, but he kissed my cheeks. I practically died and went to heaven. I have no idea how I would handle his lips on mine. It’s probably a good thing he didn’t kiss me for real. I might not have lived through it.
I check my phone screen, expecting it to be Micah sending me something silly, but it’s River. My heart sinks. Oh. River. I totally forgot about him.
Hey, it was fun hanging out with you and Micah today. But I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind going out with me, just the two of us? You know, like a date?
As I contemplate what to say back to him, another text comes in.
Sorry if I’m coming on too strong. I like you, Cricket. And I kind of felt like we had something going today.
I bite my lower lip. River is a nice guy. And I did have fun with him today. Micah doesn’t feel that way about me. I should be allowed to go find someone who adores me like Mr. Darcy.
I text him back.
I would love to go on a date with you.
Great! How about tomorrow evening? I could pick you up around six.
I unlock my front door and slip inside, grateful my parents are still touring Asia. The house feels nice and quiet after all the chaos at Micah’s. I answer River.
That sounds perfect.
Any preferences for where we go?
I kick off my sandals and head upstairs, still wrapped in Micah’s jacket. I should probably give it back to him, but not tonight. Tonight, I want to keep it.
Surprise me. I’m pretty easygoing.
I like that about you. You’re not high maintenance like most women I’ve dated.
I frown slightly at that comment but shake it off. He’s probably trying to give me a compliment.
Thanks, I think?
I add a smiley face to that so he knows I’m kidding.
It’s a good thing, I promise. So, tell me something about yourself that I don’t know yet.
I step into my bedroom and think about how to respond. What do I tell him? That I’m secretly in love with my best friend? That I’d do anything to be near him, even volunteer to be his manager? I shake my head.
I’m majoring in marketing, but I really want to be a novelist someday.
That’s cool. What kind of novels?
I start getting ready for bed. I set my phone down to brush my teeth then pick it up again to respond.
Romance. I’m writing one now set in a small town about two people who have known each other forever, but one doesn’t realize they’re perfect for each other.
Like enemies to lovers?
More like friends to lovers. She’s been right there all along, but he’s too blind to see it.
I realize what I typed and quickly send another text.
