“Was I that obvious?” I grin back as Steven eases us away from the curb.
“Obvious?” Alex scoffs. “You practically sucked all the oxygen out of the car. It’s a wonder we’re still breathing.”
“You’re ridiculous.” I place my hand over his, and he startles.
“Do you think she knows?” he asks.
Ah, so that’s what this is about. All the nervous twitching and weird energy. I should have guessed. He’s a straight man, after all. Or at least he had been prior to Friday evening. Now he’s back in his head, overthinking everything.
I get it. I really do.
And yet… yeah, I’m disappointed.
“Emilee?” I say gently. “She’s a smart girl, Alex. I’m sure she suspects something is up.”
He slips his hand out from under mine and slaps his palms across the top of his thighs, bouncing them anxiously.
Maybe I need to slow down. Take him on arealdate.
Christ, I haven’t dated in years.
And I’vedefinitelynever dated a straight man.
To say I’m nervous is an understatement.
And now Gabriel’s popping into my head. I really need to talk to him—set up some boundaries. The last thing I want is for Alex to feel on edge around him. Gabriel’s a lot, especially with his dirty sense of humor. It takes some getting used to. But he’s harmless.
“I’m sorry,” Alex says, pulling me from my thoughts.
To my surprise, I look down and see my own palms sliding across my thighs—mirroring him.
¡Carajo!
I’m used to being affectionate, used to holding hands with my husband. But this isn’t Gabriel. And I need to be mindful that not all men are wired the same way.
I settle my hands in my lap.
“No need to apologize,” I say softly. “So… have you given any thought to Emilee going to Spain? Ana’s really excited.”
His smile returns—tentative, but real—and I finally exhale.
“I sure have. I think I’ll allow her to go.”
Then—out of nowhere—he places his hand back over mine.
I freeze. Not sure if it was intentional. Not sure what it means.
But I don’t move.
“She’ll have a blast with Ana,” he continues, his hazel eyes meeting mine as his thumb gives the lightest, most deliberate squeeze.
“And Gabriel’s very nice. Plus…” His voice drops just slightly. “I trust you. And I’m glad we met.”
Well, damn.
Didn’t expect him to say that.
I open my mouth to respond, but—nothing comes out.
