“Stop that. He’s not mine in any way.”
“He’d definitely like to be.” Maria smirks, and I swat her with a napkin.
My sister is a menace, just like my brain. My brain has developed a problem.
It refuses to leave me alone when I’m trying to fall asleep.
It drags Caspian into places he has no right to be.
Presents him in a soft light, without the polo shirt.
I’ve had fantasies where we kiss, and fantasies where we more than kiss.
They all begin with the miraculous revelation that he’s not, in fact, Ryan’s friend. And they all end with… I groan.
I can’t think about that now.
I refuse to acknowledge where those fantasies go.
Or what I do during them.
But my pillows certainly know more about Caspian Stone than they should.
CHAPTER 24 – CASPIAN
Never in my life have I felt this stupid. I’ve been rehearsing lunch. I even wrote a list. An actual goddamn list where I remind myself to greet, tip, and order normally.
I’m going to ask for Antonio’s number today. The thought makes my stomach clench in a nauseating mix of hope and terror. I’ve been practicing the asking part, too, because that’s what I have become.
For what must be the fifth time already, I stand in front of the mirror.
“Could I have your number?” I say out loud.
Oh God.
I shouldn’t be allowed in restaurants. I shouldn’t even be allowed in public.
Success seems unlikely, but apparently that’s not stopping me.
I even invited Cole with me for moral support and to show Antonio I’m not some weird loner.
I haven’t told Cole about Antonio, though. What could I say?
Hey, Cole, guess what? I think I’m in love. Every thought of him is an exhilarating swoosh in the pit of my stomach. Ps. He hates me.
“It’s here,” I tell Cole after I’ve parked. I gesture toward the trattoria. “Hidden gem. Family-run. Traditions.”
My hand sweeps the air.
“Okay,” Cole says slowly, looking at me funnily.
I can’t blame him.
I sound like I’m shooting a commercial for an authentic pasta lifestyle.
“Did you get a haircut?” Cole asks.
“Yeah. Maybe.”
