Chapter Ten
“How are thingsgoing with you and Connor?” Sam asked her after Sierra and Connor had started going out. They’d gone snowshoeing on their last date, which had been fun and different. But Connor had been just as exasperating, barely kissing her good night. At least it was a peck on the lips rather than another on the cheek. But really, was she going to have to throw herself at him?
“Honestly, I don’t know. I can’t figure him out.” She took a sip of her drink and frowned.
They’d met at the pub at the Graff after work to have a drink and chat. Sierra liked the pub’s Irish theme. She found it relaxing and fun. They’d chosen one of the green leather booths in the back, away from the busyness of the bar.
“How so?”
While Sierra had met a number of women in Marietta, Sam was her closest friend, and the only one she felt comfortable talking about Connor with. “I don’t think he’s attracted to me anymore.”
Sam choked on her beer. “You’re kidding.”
“No, I’m not kidding. We’ve been out four times and he’s barely kissed me. I don’t know why he’s going out with me if he doesn’t want to…well, at least to do something less platonic.”
“So he hasn’t put a move on you.”
“Ha! Hardly. Every time we even get close he backs off.”
“Did you tell him you wanted to take it slow?”
“Yes, but I didn’t expect it to be slow as molasses. When we made the deal, I only agreed to give him a chance. But come on, we’ve been out several times. You’d think he’d have made a move by now.”
Sam took another swallow. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you. He’s definitely attracted.”
“Then why hasn’t he done anything? Hell, we didn’t have this problem the night we met.” No, they’d been pretty quick to rip off each other’s clothes. “Why now?”
“You told him you wanted to go slow. How is he to know you changed your mind? Have you given him any encouragement?”
She thought about that. “Obviously not enough.”
“You said he’d barely kissed you. Have you kissed him?”
“No. Maybe I should have.” She’d kissed him back…or tried.
“Sounds like if you want something to happen, you’ll have to make the moves.”
“What if he’s just going out to humor me? Maybe he doesn’t really want to date me but he doesn’t know how to stop. We do work together.”
Sam tilted her head. “Let me get this straight. You think he doesn’t want to date you, but he’s only doing it because you made a silly deal, and he’s regretting it but is afraid to say anything because you work together? Really?”
“It’s a possibility,” she said stubbornly.
“Far be it from me to call one of my best friends ridiculous, but if I were to say anything I’d have to say you’re being ridiculous.” Sierra frowned at her. “Give me a break, girlfriend. The man likes you. You like him. Just go for it.”
“What if I do and it doesn’t work out?”
“What if it does? What if he’s the one?”
“I don’t know,” Sierra said. “That might be worse.”
“Why?”
“I don’t think either of us is ready for anything serious. You know Connor’s reputation. And I—I’m not ready to trust anyone that much after what Phil did.”
“Not all men are like your piece-of-shit ex.”
Sierra laughed. “Tell me how you really feel, Sam.” Sam had no use for Phil. In fact, Sierra thought Sam was madder about him cheating than she was.
