“Was it worth it? Taking the risk with Adam, I mean.”
River leaned back in his chair and smiled. “He actually made the first move. I’m not sure I ever would’ve had the guts. Hewasstraight, after all. But no. I don’t regret it. Even if we don’t work out, I’m glad I had him even for a short time.”
River looked at me, a spark of his usual perceptiveness returning to his eyes. “Are you finally going to talk to West about your feelings?”
“I want to, but I’m terrified.”
“Only one way to find out.”
I nodded at the words I’d heard for the second time in maybe ten minutes. “Thanks, River.”
River’s eyebrow quirked up, a hint of amusement breaking through his fatigue. “Glad my romantic woes could be of service. Now go get your man.”
I laughed, heading for the door. “I’m on it. And, River? Don’t worry. Adam will come back to you.”
As I stepped out of the office, my mind raced with possibilities. West’s favorite foods, the perfect wine, maybe some candles and a movie?
The drive home was a blur of planning and anticipation. By the time I unlocked my front door, I was practically vibrating with nervous energy.
I surveyed the kitchen, mentally cataloging ingredients. West loved my homemade pasta sauce, and I had some bread I could slather with garlic butter. As I started pulling out pots and pans, I hoped West would like my surprise. If nothing else, we’d agreed to spend more time together after the fundraiser, and so far, I’d barely seen him.
My hands trembled slightly as I chopped garlic.
Get it together, Drew. It’s just dinner with your best friend. Who you happen to be in love with. No pressure.
Who was I kidding? This wasn’t just dinner. This was me finally putting my heart on the line.
As the water started to boil, I hummed alongside the music playing from my phone, my earlier nerves giving way to excitement.
I nearly jumped when West leaned over me to look at the food.
“What are you cooking?”
God, he smelled nice, like he’d just had a shower. I knew that soap. I’d been tempted to use it so many times, but I always stopped myself because I didn’t want things to get weird if he asked why I smelled like him.
“Drew?”
“Oh yes. Um…I’m cooking dinner. You up for your favorite pasta, wine, and a movie?”
His eyes widened, and he looked away. “I was…actually going out.”
6
WEST
The moment I said the words, I wanted to take them back.
Drew’s bright-blue eyes clouded over, his usual sunny smile dimming. “Oh. Right, of course.” He turned back to the pot and stirred the bubbling sauce. “I just thought…never mind. I’ll put the leftovers in a container so you can have it tomorrow. You know, if you want…for your lunch at work or something.”
“Everything okay?” I asked, studying his face.
Drew shrugged, aiming for nonchalance and missing by a mile. “Yeah, totally. I should have asked you first. Off you go,” he said, pushing me toward the door. “You don’t want to leave your date waiting.”
“Wait—what?”
“Your date. You have a date.”
“I do?”
