“But how did we become more?”
I sip my beer, thinking on it before it dawns on me. “You wooed me with your soups.”
He rolls his eyes. “Be serious, Hunter.”
I laugh. “I am. What’s wrong with that? I could have been sick one day and you brought me chicken noodle soup to nurse me back to health. I’ve been a goner ever since.”
He waggles his head back and forth. “I mean, I guess that could work.”
“It will, because anyone that knows you knows how much you love soup. It’s your love language.”
Ollie blushes. “I mean, I would do it if you really were sick. Minus the falling for me part.”
“Who knows?” I shrug a shoulder. “Maybe some guy will be at the bar, see you, come over and talk to you, and the rest will be history?”
He snorts. “Okay, nice try. That won’t happen, but at least I feel better about how this whole thing started.”
“Any other questions your coworkers are liable to ask?”
“First date. How serious we are. Are we getting married?”
“Shit, really? That seems nosy to me.”
He nods, adjusting his glasses. “They like to be involved in everyone’s personal lives. Hence why they keep trying to set me up.”
“Well, in case they ask…how serious are we?”
His blush grows even darker. This is something that always happens to Ollie.Always. No matter what, any time there is a hint of digging into his personal life, this happens. He doesn’t like being the center of attention.
“Umm, how about exclusive? Is that okay?”
“Works for me. Most exclusive relationship I’ve had in a while.” I nod. “If they ask, I’ll be sure to answer.”
He blows out a breath, going back to his soup. “Thank you. You know how nervous I get.”
“I know.” I reach across the table and squeeze his forearm. A warmth spreads through me. One that is not entirely unwelcome. It’s only because I’m helping my friend. “I’ll make sure I’m likeable, but not so likeable that they want to invite us out again.”
“Seems like a fine line to walk,” he says, staring at his arm where I’ve just pulled my hand away from him.
“Trust me, I’ll make sure we get through the night in one piece.”
“I might need more drinks than normal.”
“Uh-oh.” I smile. “Is four-drink Ollie going to come out? Maybe even five?”
He covers his face with his hands. “I don’t know what will happen if I have five drinks. I can barely handle the one I have when we go out.”
“I will make sure you keep it in check.”
“Thanks, Hunter. You’re a good friend for doing this with me. I know not everyone wants to be their friend’s fake boyfriend, but it means a lot to me.”
That same warmth from earlier blooms in my chest. “You know I’m always here for you. No matter what you need.”
“Well, if I can ever return the favor, I’d be happy to.”
I snort laugh. “If I’m ever in the market for a fake boyfriend to impress Brooks, I’ll let you know.”
That earns me an easy smile. “You do have more people than just Brooks that work for you.”
