“Yes.”
She waited expectantly. “And?”
“And all I’ll say is… I was right in what I told you that night. He has a painful past, but he’s growing from it, and I think he’s learning to let people in again.”
I could tell she wanted to know more, but I wasn’t about to abuse Alex’s trust a second time. Turning my full attention on her, I said, “Please trust me, Bri. He really is a good person.”
Her concern softened, replaced with a genuine smile. “You’re not just serious about him. You’re completely falling in love with him.”
A weight lifted from my chest as I nodded. “Yeah, I think I am.”
She squeaked in surprise when someone cleared their throat. When I turned around, I saw Alex standing only a couple of feet away with a bucket in one hand and a shovel in the other. His cheeks were bright red, and as much as I wanted to believe it was from the cold, I knew it was because he’d overheard what I just told Bri. Again. Crap.This was becoming a thing. To my relief, Bri had been just as surprised by Alex’s sudden appearance this time and hadn’t led me into a trap.
“Um, sorry. I just… I was cleaning up the dog run. Didn’t mean to—”
“You’re fine,” I said quickly, smiling.At least, I hope things are fine.
“Hey, Alex,” Bri said.
He tipped his chin in a silent greeting.
“Do you like theme parks?” Bri asked out of the blue, obviously trying to cut through the awkward tension.
“Excuse me?”
“Theme parks. You know, roller coasters and Ferris wheels. That kind of thing. My friends and I were heading to Silverwood, since they have their Halloween festivities going on. You guys should come.”
“When?” I asked.
“This weekend. It’s only open for a few hours in the evening.”
“That sounds fun to me. It’s been a few years since I’ve gone.” I gave Alex a questioning look. “What do you think?”
He set the bucket and shovel down before shoving his hands into his pockets. He cast his gaze to the floor, seemingly completely unsure how to answer.
“I can get tickets,” I added, not wanting him to feel like he couldn’t go.
“I can get us some discount coupons from work too!” Bri chimed, nearly bouncing on her toes with excitement. “They always have them.”
Alex still hesitated. “Um, yeah. Okay. It sounds fun.”
He still hadn’t met my eyes, but at least he wasn’t turning her down.
“Okay, great,” Bri said. “I’ll call Vaughn with the details tomorrow.”
Bri turned to leave, giving Alex and me a few seconds alone.
“Sorry,” I said quietly, though I wasn’t sure what I was apologizing for.
Alex finally looked at me, a mix of shock and unease clouding his face. “It’s okay. I’m the one who barged in on the conversation.”
I wanted to ask if things really were okay because he suddenly looked like he was going to be sick. But before I could, Alex reached out and pulled me in for a kiss, drowning whatever either of us had been about to say. It was a chaste kiss but had just enough promise behind it that I could breathe and get through the rest of my day without worrying.
“See you tonight?” I whispered.
“Tonight,” he agreed before turning to head out the side door.
21
