The fluffy mashed potatoes sit closely by the bright green asparagus. I’m almost drooling. I forgo whatever I was going to say to August and instead grab my fork and steak knife, eager to eat.
From the corner of my eye, I see August pick up his own fork and knife. While I focus on cutting my steak, I bite back a grin from his kind gesture.
That small act of kindness toward me makes my heart beat a bit faster.
And I don’t like it.
SEVEN
RILEY
“Is this how it feels to be pregnant?” Rowan pats his stomach. “I can’t believe I ate that entire lobster and steak dish.”
I walk out into the cool night air, and it wakes me up from my food coma. Just a little bit.
“Are we gonna grab a beer at the brewery?” August points at Rowan.
Rowan, Ellie, and August want to keep the night going. Sitting that close to August, with our knees touching, the food waiting thing he did for me… I think I’m going to call it a night. I need to be by myself and drown out all these thoughts running through my head.
And I really need to unbutton my pants.
“I’m gonna get going,” I tell them.
“Aw, really? Come on. Just one drink.” Ellie holds my hand, pouting at me. That move may work with Rowan, but it doesn’t work with me.
“I’ve had a crazy day. I just wanna go home and lie down.”
“Are you sure?” she asks.
August stands behind his sister and next to Rowan. He pushes his hair back, only for a small strand to fall near his temple. Something shines under the collar of his shirt, and I glance away before he catches me staring.
“Yeah. I’ll see you tomorrow at the bakery.”
“Boooo,” Rowan shouts with his hands cupped around his mouth.
“Okay, fine.” Ellie points at me. “But text me when you get home.”
“I can take you home,” August says.
Ellie whips around and cocks an eyebrow at her brother. I step in so she doesn’t start asking questions, making the entire situation awkward.
“I’m good.” I tuck my hands in my pockets, hiding them from the cold air.
He pulls his keys from his coat pocket. “It’s not a big deal. I can meet up with them after.”
Ellie looks at me. “Take him up on his offer. I don’t like the idea of you walking home.”
I hold my phone up. “I was gonna request a car.”
“Okay, well, now you can save money and take the offer from August. Don’t be stubborn.”
“I’m not stubborn.”
August snorts, and I glare at him.
“She’s right,” August says, striding toward me. “Stop being stubborn. I parked around the block.”
“Are you sure?” I ask, trying to get him to change his mind.
