“Morning, sunshine!” I teased. “You look well.”
He grunted, walked by me, grabbed two water bottles, and disappeared into her room. Did I secretly stare at his muscles? Yes. I wasn’t a hero. Lo was lucky.
My mind appreciated the momentary distraction, but it was back to my regular scheduled bullshit.
Dean.
I watched the coffee brew, eyeing the list like it was thevillain in my origin story. How could I look Dean in the eyes now, after we did what we did for the list? Nothing more than that.
No feelings, nothing else.
I wasn’t made for this. My stomach cramped at the stupid idea of these challenges. I couldn’t be a fun girl, no-feelings girl, no-attachment girlie. I had too many nerves and insecurities to just… be.
Coffee would help. It’d clear my head and help me think. My throat hurt from all the talking last night, and a hot cup would ease it. Vee’s ex started shit, and she and the ex yelled. A lot. Then we had to talk it out, Ale, Vee, and I in an ice cream shop after. Vee cried. Ale and I consoled.
There was no reason I should be up this goddamn early after last night. The coffee finished brewing, and I poured a large ass mug, opened the patio door, and curled up on one of our chairs that overlooked the parking lot. It wasn’t the best view, but it wasaview. It had trees and a small garden instead of a back alley. I was grateful for the crisp morning air, cooler than it should be for summer. Maybe I’d go for a run to get over the hangover and regret clouding my thoughts.
Seriously. I knew better than imaging Dean would be anything other than a crush. Ugh. I’d tried foryearsto flirt with him, to see if he was interested. He’d never noticed and was fixated on the next party or the next hot girl. He was always kind and respectful but very clearlynotinto me that way. No lingering touches. No looks or flirtatious remarks.
But last night!
I closed my eyes, resting my forehead on my arm just as someone said my name. A familiar voice. One I knew well, but was I in a halfway, half dream situation? I’d heard of these. Lucid dreaming, maybe? That voice should not be here, near me.
My heart tripled its pace as I swallowed. Any chance I was still drunk?
No.
Glancing up, I found Dean Romano in our parking lot with a brown bag and a tray of coffees. He wore a backwards hat, a navy Central State football shirt, jeans, and Vans. He looked way too good for the morning. His dimples teased his cheeks, and there wasn’t an ounce of shame in his eyes.
I rivaled a raccoon. He looked like a god.
“Uh, what are you doing here?” My voice came out all scratchy. It was from the damn yelling. I took another sip of my coffee and choked.
He frowned and hustled toward our patio. “You good?”
“Yeah.” I coughed again. “Wrong pipe.”
“Hate when that happens.” He glanced from my face to my sports bra, then to my shorts.
It was what I slept in. Royal blue spandex and a matching sports bra. I wore it to run or work out, but right now, with the way his eyes heated, I felt like I was wearing lingerie.
“Uh, what are you—why are you here?” I tried again. I brought my knees up to my chest and wrapped my arms around them. “Lo is still sleeping and won’t leave hibernation until eleven, at least.”
“I know.” He set the bag and coffees on the table in front of me. Then, he stepped over the gate with his long ass legs.Oh, no big deal, I’m Dean Romano and can just scale fences like its nothing.What a weird thing to find hot.
He smelled like cinnamon, soap, and cologne. The wind hit just right, and I breathed him in, memories of last night hitting me like a ball to the head.His hands on my breasts. His hard cock against my ass. His tongue on my skin.
“I brought these for you.” He sat across from me, his browneyes crinkling on the sides. “I recall you losing your mind for a bear claw once.”
“It’s happened more than once.” I pursed my lips, still very confused. “Dean. I love a pastry. But why are you here?”
“Because of last night.”
He regrets it. He’s going to say to forget about it, remain friends.
I mentally prepared myself for his argument, and I would accept it, gladly. I’d do it with dignity because I was a damn hero. My stomach twisted, and my throat closed up, but I faced him.
“Okay, let’s talk about it.”
