He blinked. “Rhett?”
“Rhett Lawson. Your teammate.” The words poured out of me in a rush. “It happened one time like two weeks ago. It’s not a big deal, but our date tonight was going really well, and I wouldn’t feel right if things went any furtherwithouttelling you. Because you’re teammates, obviously. Now I feel awkward, and you’re not saying anything, you’re just staring at me, and I wish you would saysomethingso I know how you feel.”
“Relax, June,” he said, bracing me by the arms. “You’re right: it’s not a big deal. But I’m glad you told me anyways. Honestly, I kind of suspected something happened between you two. Rhett isn’t very good at hiding his emotions, and I’ve noticed the way he acts around you. It’s nice to get confirmation.”
“So, you’re not mad?” I asked hopefully.
His face twisted in confusion. “Of course not. You can do whatever you want. Although it makes me question your taste in men. I think I’m changing my bracket answer to Juno the Roman Goddess.”
I must have made a face, because he quickly added, “Ahaha, just yanking your chain. You’re still my favorite June. And honestly, Rhett’s a really great guy. He’s cocky and full of bluster on the outside, but it’s all an act. Deep down he’s actually kind of a softy.”
“So you still want to go out with me?” I said. “On a third date?”
“In spite of your horrible opinion on Davids? Yes.”
Relief flooded into me. Ihadn’truined things.
A man in a white chef’s frock came out and waved to everyone. “I’m really sorry, but we had a small grease fire in the kitchen. The fire suppression system covered everything. Unfortunately, we will have to close for the remainder of the evening. Please give your names to the hostess and we will find a time in the future to bring you back for a complimentary meal.”
“Looks like you’re off the hook for the second date bill,” Cole said.
I leaned in close and whispered, “I actually snuck into the kitchen and started the fire to avoid paying. Follow me on TikTok for more budget-friendly life hacks.”
That made Cole laughreallyhard. “I’m glad we ordered appetizers, or I’d be starving by now.”
“Same. I’ll see what other restaurants are around here.” I pulled out my phone.
“Actually,” Cole said, “how about we go back to my place for a drink?”
I smiled up at him in surprise. “Counter-offer: my apartment is closer. I can make you that boozy cider you missed last time.”
“That sounds great,” Cole said casually. “It’ll taste great. After.”
“After?”
“After,” he repeated, with a smile that was full of promise. I leaned a little bit closer to him.
So much for Cole being a Canadian Boy Scout.
“Do you remember where my apartment is?” I asked.
“I think I can find my way.”
“Meet you there?”
“I’ll try not to run all the lights.”
I checked my hair in the rear-view mirror on the way home. I couldn’t stop smiling. The date had gone so well! I was fully prepared to receive a polite kiss on the cheek at the end of the night, so this was an unexpected surprise.
I’d never vibed so much with a guy on a date. I was almost in a daze from it. My whole body was buzzing!
I took a shortcut to make sure I beat Cole there, because I couldn’t remember what state I’d left my apartment in. I knew it wasn’tbad, but nothing would ruin a mood like a basket of dirty underwear next to the bed. After parking my car, I hurried to the entrance of my apartment complex and wondered if I had enough time to swish mouthwash around in my mouth.
But there was a man standing outside the door with his hands in his pockets. I didn’t recognize him until I was only a few feet away and saw him smiling.
“Rhett?”
19
