That’s a level of vulnerability that I don’t think I’m ready for. Even with someone as cool as Rowan. I faintly hear a ding, but I’m too lost in my thoughts to pay much attention to it. I reach into my purse to get the keys to my car out.
“Want to go to dinner with me, Daredevil?” I stop and look over to find him watching me expectantly.
“Dinner?” I ask, surprised. His smirk is a sight that I’m not sure I will ever get used to. The left side of his mouth tilts up the perfect amount, his cheek pulls just enough to have a slight dimple playing peekaboo, his eyes full of mirth and playfulness.
“Dinner. It’s the last meal of the day and some say the most important.”
“I thought that was breakfast.”
“The other half would agree with you.”
“You don’t?”
His mouth kicks up once again as he seems to contemplate my question. “I like breakfast just fine, but I never really get to sit down and enjoy it because we usually have early morning practices. The last thing you want is a heavy breakfast on your stomach and then have to do suicide sprints.”
“Eww,”I say in distaste as I crinkle my nose up.
He laughs before saying, “Yeah, so dinner is the one meal I have time to actually sit down and enjoy.”
“Lunch is the most underrated meal, but I think it’s the true champion. Especially if it’s like an early lunch brunch situation.”
“Lunch, seriously? I mean it’s so boring,” he sasses just as we reach my car.
I turn around and lean my left hip on the side of the door panel. “If it’s boring, that means you’re doing it wrong. I think it’s the best of both worlds. You can do breakfast food if you want, or steak and potatoes or a salad. The possibilities are endless.” I smile up at him and watch as he leans forward.
My breath catches and my pulse starts to race.Is he going to kiss me?Did our non-date turn into a date, date? Do I want him to kiss me? Of course I want him to kiss me! Have you seen him?My thoughts race in my head and just before I close my eyes in anticipation, he props his forearm up on the top of my car with a casual smile that screamsjust friendsinstead of leaning forward to place his lips on mine.
I swallow and push down the wave of disappointment that follows. I didn’t come here expecting Rowan Pierce to declare his undying love for me so why the hell am I so disappointed?
“I do love a good steak for lunch,” he playfully responds.
I quickly push down any brewing romantic feelings. I need to remember he’s my friend, a person I very much enjoy spending time with and one that I would love to get to know better. I could really use a friend right now.
“What’s your favorite meal?” he asks, suddenly.
I tilt my head and scrunch my nose. “That’s a hard one because I really love food but if I had to pick it would be a Reuben.”
He laughs. “A sandwich is your favorite food?” he asks, incredulously.
“Yes. What’s wrong with that?” I ask, a smile playing on my lips the whole time. I like talking to him, but I think I like verbally sparring with him even more.
“Nothing. There’s nothing wrong with it. I think it’s cute.”
“It reminds me of when I was little. My dad makes the best Reubens. It’s this whole big thing. Homemade sauce and bread. He buys extra fancy sauerkraut and cheese and even gets the corned beef from a local butcher. He’s made it for every single one of my birthdays.”
“Damn, Millie. I was expecting you to say something about how you liked it ’cause this one time you had a really good one at a restaurant not that your dad is basically a Reuben badass and no other Reuben will ever compare.”
I laugh, “don’t ever tell my dad that, it will go straight to his head. He already thinks he’s pretty cool.”
“Oh, I’m definitely telling him if I’m ever granted the prestigious invitation to try one of these bad boys.”
“I’m sure I could finagle an invite one way or another, but you have to promise one thing.”
His eyes twinkle and the soft smile on his face has all my lady parts lighting up and paying attention. “What’s that?”
I lean forward, dramatically whispering, “you have to lie to my mother and tell her her chocolate cake is actually good.”
He laughs and it’s the best sound I think I’ve ever heard. My chest tightens and my fingertips tingle from the sound leaving his perfect lips.
