Drawing away from Ty,I beeline for the sink to hide my pink cheeks. Which I know are probably redder than the game day lipstick we have to wear tomorrow. I should be in bed. But then my brain shifts gears again.
Ty was checking me out. Blatantly.
I want to kick my feet and call Larissa or Ellie or anyone who will listen to the fact that the hottest guy I’ve ever seen in my life was admiringme.As I carefully place my empty cup in the basin, it hits me… So what? So a guy islustingafter me, it’s not like it’s the first time.
Stop acting like you’ve never been around a man before, Avery.
I turn to face him, pressing my back into the counter. His stare is pinned on me, and it’s… it’s nice. It’s nice to be wanted. It’s nice to feel seen.
Ty even scooped Dolly’s litterbox this week when I texted him that I’d be home late from my shift at McMurphy’s. He didn’t have to do that—I won’t be convinced that hewantedto do that—but he did it anyway. It was a thoughtful gesture. Every time I think I have him figured out, he surprises me. He’s sweet, and not nearly as grumpy as I’d thought. If I didn’t know any better, I might even assume that maybe he cares about Dolly and me both. Then his words from moments ago rear their head again, and disappointment washes over me… Ty isn’t interested in getting married. Which means, even considering dating him would be silly because what’s the point if it isn’t going anywhere?
I guess the real saving grace here is the fact that he’s off-limits. Dating him means the end of our credibility, maybe even careers. Well, one of our careers, and namely one of mine. The good thing is I dabble, and at least my plants won’t dump me for who I choose to date. Which isn’t Ty… because him finding me attractive doesn’t mean he wants anything serious. Been there. Done that. Never again.
He runs a hand through his blond hair, and that’s when a dangerous realization hits me. Even if I’ve made that mistake before—and I’m smart enough not to repeat it—Ty is tempting. And not just physically. I’ve seen how generous, kind,calmhe can be…
Orchids in an oven. I’m a goner.
Ty shoves his hands into the pockets of his sweatpants. Which I’m surprised I didn’t immediately die over to begin with.
A guy in gray sweats? Yes.
Ty in gray sweats? Yes,please.
He clears his throat when I have no comeback to thehippo thing. “I’ve been thinking we should do something together soon. Kinda like roomie bonding or whatever.”
“Isn’t that what we’re doing now?”
“I was thinking something more… intentional.” He runs a hand down the back of his neck. “One of my favorite books got turned into a movie recently. I thought maybe we could stream it, pop some popcorn… Maybe have a movie night?”
Is he asking me on a date? In his house? Or am I merely too optimistic for my own good? Maybe he’s ready for anotherfriend date.I wilt a little.
“Sure. Yes. Let’s,” I say.
He perks up, another smile finding his face.
“Two smiles in one night? Who are you?”
He presses his lips together, smirking. “I don’t hand them out to just anyone, you know.”
“I noticed. What a lucky girl I am.”
I could sit here all night and talk to him, but my eyes land on the clock above the oven. “I need to go to bed. I’d get one heck of a lecture if anyone knew I was up late drinking and fraternizing and blah blah blah. Good night, Ty.”
“Good night, Avery.” He lingers on the other side of the island, his eyes locked on me. His lips part like he wants to say something more, but they close again.
If I stay any longer—drink any more—I fear I may make a few choices I can’t take back. Ones that I’m not sure I’d want to take back anyway. So I push off from the counter, heading toward the stairs. Dollyboy appears from the shadows, chittering and clipping my heels. When I getto my room, I realize there’s one more thing to say, so I text him.
Me
Good luck tomorrow. Kick some butt!
A few minutes pass. I hear footsteps in the hall, his door open and close, and then nothing. Seconds later he texts me back.
Ty
Same to you
Except maybe kick a few less butts than me. Good night Avery
