“Kind of like those frozen yogurt places, where you can mix like a dozen flavors and add all the toppings you want?” he asked.
“Yeah, exactly. But with sandwiches. Some of the premium meats cost extra, of course, but it’s actually pretty affordable. And there’re side salads and stuff too. Mel and I like to take turns coming here for pickup orders once a month or so for work.”
“It sounds fun.”
“It is. You’ll like it.”
We pulled up in front of High On Rye and got out. Alex’s smile grew as he looked around the small establishment. It was simple in decor, with black-and-white floors and black tables and chairs. The walls were a light beige with fun cartoon characters painted over it. A long island served as the buffet along the left, with enough room for people to go on both sides. We each chose the wheat bread and piled it high with ham and turkey, Alex making sure to throw a couple of slices of roast beef onto it as well. After adding the rest of our toppings and deciding which of the six pasta and potato salads we wanted, I paid for our meal, and we sat down.
The one fault of the restaurant was that the tables were unbearably small. Alex and I bumped knees when we sat down, and after giving me a shy smile, he tried to move over, but there was just no way we could get settled without touching in some way. Finally, I settled my legs between his and had to bite my tongue not to say something about how I didn’t mind that he was straddling me. Alex’s cheeks turned pink, and he looked away, as if picking up onexactlywhat I’d been thinking, but a reciprocating smirk told me he wasn’t exactly turned off by the idea either.
I was quickly distracted by how the evening light coming in through the window cast a warm glow on Alex’s face. He had a light speckle of freckles across his nose and under his eyes that I hadn’t noticed before, and I couldn’t help but wonder if anyone had ever kissed them before. I certainly would if ever I had the chance.
When I didn’t look away, he gave a soft laugh. “You know, that’s twice in one hour I’ve caught you staring. I’d say it’s a new record.”
I huffed. “Like you even notice how much I check you out.”
The corner of his mouth turned up. “Oh, I notice, Vaughn. Like every time you peek out the window or slow your steps when you go outside for something? Believe me, I notice.”
I turned a little crimson. “Whatever. I think you’re hot, so sue me.”
“Oh, that’s not what I’m afraid of,” he said innocently.
I blinked, trying to make sense of what he was saying. “Whatareyou so afraid of, then?” I asked, suddenly dying to know. “Because frankly, I’ve been trying to figure you out for a while now. If you’re interested or not, I mean.”
“I am,” he admitted without thinking before setting his sandwich down and looking out the window. “I just can’t, though.”
The finality in his voice caught me off guard; it sounded less like he was rejecting me and more like he was refusing himself something.
“Why?” I asked again.
It was a long moment before he replied, his voice low and almost inaudible. “I’m here for Roxy, Vaughn. I don’t want to do anything that would ruin this for her.”
I furrowed my brows. “Ruin what? Making a full recovery? She’s going to be fine. I’ve told you that.”
He still didn’t look at me, idly playing with a piece of bread while he continued to stare out the window.
And then, like a punch to the gut, it hit me what he was truly afraid of.
“You think I’ll kick you out?” I asked, stunned. When he didn’t respond, I tried again. “I would never do that to you, whether or not something happened between us.”
He still didn’t look at me or even acknowledge that he’d heard me, so I reached for his hand.
“Okay?” I insisted.
After a long pause, Alex shifted in his seat, causing his legs to accidentally squeeze mine under the table. He immediately jerked away, but to my relief, he didn’t pull his hand away. Instead he turned his over so he could link our fingers together and gave me a nervous smile.
“I was starting to believe that,” he said, his attention on where our skin touched. “But… it helps to hear it.”
I gave his hand a little squeeze. “Good, because I kinda like having you around too much to kick you out anyway.”
“Why?”
The note of insecurity in his voice made me answer with as much conviction as I could. “Because I think you’re pretty incredible, Alex,” I said honestly. “The things you can do, your kind heart… and well, I think you’re pretty nice to look at too. But it’s more than that. You’re fun to be around, and I really like spending time with you.”
He remained speechless at my declaration, and it was a long few seconds before he seemed to find his voice again. “I think you’re pretty fun too. I kinda like trying to count how many times I can catch you staring at me in a day. It’s becoming a bit of a game.”
I blushed and raised a knowing brow. “Well, at least I know I’m not the only one. I’m going to have to keep a closer eye on you, aren’t I?”
