“Maybe in the future,” I interrupted politely.
She was great at her job, and I trusted her with my life, but designing pieces on my own, crafting them, manufacturing them, and ethically sourcing the jewels was a lot.I got overwhelmed just thinking about it.
I changed the subject to her girlfriend as we ate our dinner and trying my best to ignore the absence of Dylan’s smirks.
Weirdly enough, they were growing on me.
“She was so excited to meet you!”Amanda whined.
I hadn’t met Tina yet, but from everything I’d heard, she seemed sweet and a perfect match for Amanda.
I smiled, sinking back into the couch as a reality show about celebrity relationships played softly on the TV.“I’m glad you moved on from Bl—your ex, and found Tina.”
I had to stop myself from saying her name.They’d been in an on-and-off relationship for over a year, and it had been a toxic mess, taking a toll on Amanda’s mental health until I told her to break it off.
I always thought I was blunt, but in the end, I was glad she’d listened.Now, she was in a happy relationship with someone who truly cherished her.
“Enough about me!”Amanda chimed, a Cheshire grin spreading across her face.“Tell me about your little work crush.Did you flirt with him yet?”
Dylan walked out of his room, overheard our conversation and went straight to the kitchen.I ignored the way his T-shirt was clinging to his broad shoulders, as well as his perfectly styled hair.
“I’m planning to ask him to lunch soon,” I said, focusing entirely on Amanda and holding my smile in check.“Maybe on my birthday?”
Definitely on my birthday.I had been planning it for months, summoning every ounce of courage just to say the words.
“On your birthday?!”Amanda practically squealed, hugging me again.“I’m so excited!I just know he’s going to swoon all over you?—”
“Stop screeching like a bird,” Dylan interrupted, strolling over and setting a tub of blueberry cheesecake on the coffee table.“Got this for you, Katie.”
His smile looked genuine, but his eyes were hard, like he was holding something back.
“Thank you,” I replied, picking up a spoon and digging in.The cheesecake was perfect.Soft and creamy, with just the right hint of tangy blueberry.
When I opened my eyes, he was staring.At my lips.Feeling suddenly self-conscious, I licked them.Amanda rambled on, completely unaware of the tension thickening the air.Dylan’s eyes darkened, his jaw clenched, and he shoved his hands in his pockets.
“See you soon,” he murmured, turning on his heels and leaving the apartment.
I took another bite of cheesecake, wondering if he’d gone to an appointment fromRented Romeo.I wasn’t sure I liked the tight, uneasy feeling building in my stomach.
Why did it feel like jealousy?
Jealous of Dylan being with other women… or maybe men?
I stared blankly at the tub, feeling the bitterness of the thought settle in.
“No way!”Amanda gasped, eyes glued to the TV.“Did you see that?He just kissed Eva!”
“He did?”I asked, paying attention to the reality show.
Amanda shook her head, leaning back on the couch, exasperated.“He literally said in the interview that his type was younger women… and now he’s making out with the only single mom on the show.Lying jerk.”
I swallowed.“He might’ve changed his mind after meeting her.”
Amanda glanced at me and shrugged.“Could be.I can never figure out men.Or what they think.”
“Yeah… me neither,” I said, thinking about Dylan and how persistent he had been.
“I think Dylan is turning into a player,” Amanda blurted, lowering the volume as the contestants began bickering, and turned to me.“He’s been going out a lot, coming home late.And not just that… he’s been bringing a few girls over, and I?—”
