I should say no, but I know before the words even come out that I’m not going to. “I’d like that.”
“You can tell me about your books, if you want?”
Surprisingly, I do. I think? I let myself imagine telling him all about the stories I write, and it stirs excitement instead of dread. Huh. “Maybe.”
“I could come back to the pub, or . . . ?”
Without giving myself time to second-guess anything, I pull my phone from my pocket, unlock it, and hand it to him. “Put your number in there and we can sort something out. I’m probably going to want a change of scenery after a few days locked in my room writing.”
His smile is huge as he inputs his number, and I try not to read too much into it.
Friends.
That’s what we both said. Well, no sex is what we said, but that’s the same thing in my book.
He gives me back my phone and I call his number straightaway. “There, now you have mine too.”
“Thanks.”
We both stand, and I’m not sure what to do now.
I don’t know him well enough to go for a hug, and a kiss is off limits.
Pete chuckles. “Well, this got awkward quickly.”
I laugh, relieved. “Right?” I gesture between us. “I’d usually go for a hug, but?—”
“You can hug me.” He slides his chair back, moves around the table towards me and holds his arms out in invitation. “If you want to?”
Ooh, this is going to be such a bad idea.
I step forward and slowly slide my arms around his back. Jesus, he’s so solid andwarm. Gentle arms wrap around me and draw me into a chest that’s as solid as his back.
He’s taller than me, enough so that my nose brushes the side of his jaw. I inhale and almost groan at how good he smells. All fresh and woodsy.
Closing my eyes, I relax against him and savour every second of the best hug I’ve had in months.Sorry, Seb.
I’ve missed this.
Missed how such a simple thing can make you feel so fucking good.
It takes effort not to cling on when he eventually lets go.
Pete clears his throat, and when I look up, his cheeks are wonderfully flushed. Maybe he enjoyed that as much as I did.
Definitely a bad idea. The worst. I already know I’m going to want more of that.
“So...” He grabs his coat off the back of the chair, then lifts his phone. “I’ll message you, I guess?”
He looks unsure, even after I was the one to ask for his number. “You better.” That draws another smile. But as much as I don’t want to, I need to get back upstairs. And at this rate, if one of us doesn’t leave, then Hailey’ll end up having to kick us out. So I force myself to take a step back, out of touching distance. “I should...” I hook a thumb over my shoulder, hopefully in the direction of the stairs.
“Oh, right. Me too.” He shrugs into his coat. “Night, Charlie.”
“Night, Pete. See you soon.”
“Yeah.” His smile this time is small and soft but hits me harder than any of the others tonight. “See you soon.”
I turn and leave before I do something stupid like invite him upstairs with me.
