But considering we’d started getting to know each other years before I met any of my current friends, conversations like this felt kind of overdue, too, and I hated leaving things unclear when I didn’t have to.
He scratched the back of his head, which made his hair bob from back to front. “No one has ever asked me that before.”
“Really?” I remembered that he hadn’t answered my question about what he liked in bed the night before, either.
“Not so explicitly. Why? Have all your relationships started off with healthy communication?” His eyes got a little wider. “Not that I’m saying we’re in a relationship.”
I lifted his coffee cup, and he nodded his head to indicate he wanted more. “I don’t have a lot of relationships to reflect on. They all started off with good communication, but as you’re asking me about it, I’m realizing that maybe I’m the one who initiated all those conversations.”
Izzy laughed. “That seems veryKaito me. I’m not surprised.”
I slid him his mug back. I knew my direct nature could put people on the spot sometimes, so even though it was hot as hell to watch Izzy act shy and squirmy, I decided to just share first. “I don’t like to rush into things, but I’m not afraid of commitments, either. Eventually, I see myself in a long-term, committed relationship, but I’m open to figuring out what they will look like. For right now, I’d like to go on some dates with you, and take it from there.”
Izzy nodded, his graceful fingers curling around the mug. “That sounds perfect. Moving slow is usually good for me. And yeah, I’d like a partner one day, I guess. Although it’s not something I really admit that often.”
“It’s my straightforward communication style,” I joked. “I’ll get you admitting all kinds of things.”
Izzy kissed me on the cheek and laughed. “Like the fact that you’re the hottest guy at the wedding?”
“I’d argue it’s you, but I’ll take the compliment.”
He kissed me on the other cheek. “Thanks for being direct.”
“Anytime.”
We finished getting ready, the morning light slanting through the windows. Plans for a second date might not have been a big deal to most people, but I was pretty excited, and it was obvious Izzy was on the same page.
I had a real-life cutie, smiling beside me.
And with a guy like Izzy, how could I need anything more?
Chapter Thirteen
Izzy
Jo relaxed on my couch,sprawled back with one leg hanging off the side. There were purple calatheas in squat pots on either side of her and a framed botanical print on the wall behind. Her hair was freshly buzzed, with only a little length up top, and as always, she wore bright red lipstick and a pair of jeans.
It was weird to not live with my best friend anymore. I was so used to having her there to joke around, and cook for, and clean with, and to do all the other little things you did with another person.
Even just watching her rest her purple eggplant socks on my coffee table again made me happy.
“He picked a flower for you? No wonder you gave it up.”
“I know, right?” I laughed. “How am I supposed to keep my pants on after someone asks for my thoughts on forget-me-nots?”
That was the other thing I missed so much about having her around. Sometimes, you just have to talk about something with your friend to make it real.
“It’s like I always say, you’re horny for those flowers.”
I laughed as I grabbed a pillow from the bed, then threw it at her. “I am not.”
Jo easily caught it, then set it on the couch. I was unpacking my last box and figuring out what to do with a bunch of random stuff.
I lifted an old textbook, then laughed again. “I’m horny for Kai, is what I am.”
“You really never had a crush on him as a kid?”
Frowning, I set the book aside. “It’s embarrassing. I was just so obsessed with River, I don’t think I noticed anyone else, even his brother.”
