The moon is high in the sky when we part with a hug, and I hop in an Uber.
On the ride home, thoughts of Ian hijack my brain, short-circuiting every bit of reason. Like in a trance, I walk out of the elevator and stop in front of his door. My hand lifts and falls three times before I gather the courage to knock, jitters getting the best of me.
Ian opens it. “Don’t be mad. Are you mad? I just wanted to help because I believe in you and your products.” He looks so adorably sweet, all flustered and innocent eyes pleading for understanding.
I jump into his arms and hug him tightly, wishing to hold on to him and never let him go.
He sighs in relief, his arms coming around me, cocooning me in warmth and safety. In his strong embrace, I close my eyes, savoring the press of his body against me. I could live in this heavenly feeling forever.
Before I forget we can’t be more, I kiss his cheek, my lips pressing there for a second more. “Thank you. Though you didn’t have to. I’m sure you’re over my advertising budget.”
He chuckles, the sound deep and raspy. “We’re friends, and friends support each other.”
Longing spreads through my chest, leaving hollowness behind. Ignoring that, I focus on wanting to repay his kind gesture somehow.
“Did you eat?”Fabulous idea. Give him food poisoning as a thank you.
He places me down, and I miss the feeling of being wrapped in him instantly.
“No, not yet.”
“Come over. I will cook something.” I guess I am set to repay him by preparing a meal that will taste terrible. I am the worst cook I know. Too late to retract my invitation. He’s so going to regret this.
He accompanies me inside my apartment, and in my small kitchen, he props himself against the counter, watching me get everything out.
I put the chicken and vegetables on the table, trying to season them as best as I can. Maybe I should follow a recipe, but how difficult can it be? While the food simmers in the oven, I offer him a glass of water.
He fills the small space with his magnetic presence and heady scent, intoxicating me. He’s a gravitational pull I can’t help but drift toward.Oh, physics, you have it out for me, don’t you?
“We’ll have to hire more people if this continues,” I say, excitement ringing in my voice.
“I might have created some hype, but people will return for your products. I know I want to drink them daily.”
His belief humbles me while strengthening my confidence. Ian Weston is not only physically perfect. He’s the perfect man. Period.
“Good for you that you’re friends with the owner,” I say in a playful tone.
“Yes, the perks.” His lips thin, mentally crossing the forbidden line.
I go there too, to that place where dreams can’t materialize if you don’t chase them.
“Should we exchange numbers?” I blurt out.
He waggles his brows at me. “We’re taking the next step in our friendship?”
“Do you think we’re moving too quickly?” I ask, not wanting to make it awkward.
He silences my concern with a stare and plucks the phone from his jeans pocket. Unlocking his phone, he hands it to me.
I press my digits in and when I give it back to him, he calls me.
His number flashes on my phone, giving me butterflies. If he weren’t here, I would have probably hugged the phone like a giddy girl with a crush.
I save his number, and he asks, “What are your plans for the week?”
“Not much,” I answer with a smile. “Going out with my best friend. Kat just got engaged to her high school sweetheart.”
His eyes widen, looking surprised. “So those exist, huh?”
