“How about you?” he asks after a beat. “Where is home for you? I don’t think you ever mentioned.”
“My van seems more like home these days than anything else.”
Or, more appropriately, Hayden’s house does.
But it shouldn’t. It’snotmy home.
I need to keep reminding myself of that.
“Where did you live before?” he asks.
I open my mouth, but hesitate. I haven’t even mentioned to Hayden I’m originally from Chicago. It’s not like I lied. It just never came up.
Although when he’s brought up Chicago, I purposefully avoided telling him I also lived there, too worried he might put two and two together and realize the truth.
“Chicago, actually,” I finally admit.
“Like Hayden,” he muses. “Small world, isn’t it?”
I glance out my window as the downtown area transitions into quaint residential neighborhoods. “It sure is.”
Although he has no idea exactly how small.
We continue our conversation during the rest of the short drive, Joshua sharing stories about the town. About his job. About his mom. He even tells me how he’s recently reconnected with the father he never knew he had, since he’s the result of a one-night stand. But thanks to an ancestry kit, he found him.
“Thanks for the ride,” I tell him after he pulls up to Hayden’s house and helps me down from his truck. “And the introduction to karaoke. I had a lot of fun.”
He gives me a warm smile. “Me, too.”
I start up the driveway, but only make it a few feet when his voice stops me.
“Rowan.”
I turn to face him as he approaches.
“Do you want to go out again next weekend? Just the two of us?” He takes another step toward me, his body a breath from mine. “I’d like to get to know you better.”
I part my lips, not immediately responding.DoI want to go out with him?
I did enjoy spending time with him. He’s fun. Full of life. Makes me laugh. And best of all, he’s not some brooding grump whose personality can change in a heartbeat.
Maybe this is what I need. To spend time with someone else. Someone more appropriate. Someone who can help me forget about that kiss.
“I’d like that,” I finally say.
“Great.” Joshua’s eyes light up in a way I don’t think Hayden’s ever have. “Are you free Saturday evening? Say around seven?”
“It’s a date.”
“Perfect.” He leans in and brushes his lips against my cheek. “See you then,” he murmurs in a husky tone that sends a slight shiver down my spine.
It’s not the same as the shivers that overtake me whenever Hayden is close, but I need to stopcomparing everyone to Hayden. He’s my boss. Nothing more.
“See you then,” I echo, turning from him once more and making my way into the house.
But as sleep evades me throughout the night, it’s not Joshua’s kiss I replay in my mind.
It’s Hayden’s.
