“Isn’t the sun supposed to be in there somewhere?” I laugh, easing the tension that builds in my chest.
“You’re the sun, moon, and all the planets combined. You just have to decide whether you want to take the next step with Dax.”
The next step. It seems so simple, but at the same time, also feels like a giant ravine.
Nerves are burbling up in my stomach. What if Dax doesn’t want to take the next step? What if, after everything we did last night, he’s fine with how things are and doesn’t actually have feelings for me? I don’t want to lose Dax, but it can’t stay the same now.
Everything changed.
“Look, Chloe. I can feel you spinning out from here. Take a few days. Get lost in your jewelry and designs. Then, call Dax and talk to him. See how he’s feeling.”
I gasp. “You mean have a conversation like a grown-up?”
Erica laughs. “Yes. You’re an adult and I know you can do it.”
“Fine,” I grumble. “Only because it’s Dax and I don’t think I can stew on this that long.”
“If you make it two days, I’ll be impressed.”
“And for that reason, I’m going to take three.”
“We’ll see.” She laughs. “Now, if you want to continue this conversation, I’m going to need some coffee.”
“Go back to sleep. I’ll be fine.”
“Call me once you talk to Dax so I know how it goes.”
“I will. Bye.”
“Bye, babe.”
I stare at my ceiling long after the call ends. Dax leaves for a short road trip this afternoon. I miss him when he’s out of town, but this will give me the time to sort through the complicated mess of emotions swimming through me.
Erica is right about one thing. I need to have this conversation with Dax like a grown-up. I put off talking to Duncan for too long because I was mad and wanted him out of my life. That’s the very last thing I want with Dax.
If only I can figure out how to start the conversation.
Hey, Dax. Remember that time we dry humped in a sex club and we said nothing would change?
Well, everything changed…
Chapter Seventeen
DAX
I’m doing it. I’m having the adult conversation.
I don’t care that every single fiber of my being is stressed beyond belief. I was not this nervous before my first NHL game.
That was different.
Thisis different.
It’s Chloe. My best friend. And I want to ask her to make this thing between us more permanent. We were lying to ourselves if we thought nothing could change. Everything changed. I’m hoping for the better, but that remains to be seen.
With the team’s annual fundraiser gala coming up early in the season, I want to bring Chloe as my plus-one.
But I don’t want to push my luck. It’s been a hard few weeks for her. Why would she want to take a chance on me?
