“I shouldn’t.”
“Mateo. I swear . . .”
“Fine.” He turned his attention fully on me. Every cell in my body lit up with need. “Do you ever think about dating someone in secret?”
He was standing so close—there was barely any space between us. I could feel the heat between our bodies, heady, burning lust singing in my veins.
Do you ever think about dating someone in secret?
The question had run through my mind constantly, but I never considered actually trying it with anyone.
I’d always had eyes for him.
But Mateo always reminded me we were just friends.
“Why would you ask me that?” I asked.
Mateo took a step back, leaning against the opposite wall. His hands fell to his side, flexing. “I’m just wondering, Blue.”
The way he saidBluethis time put me on edge in a different way.
“We’re just friends,” I bit out. “You’ve told me that a thousand times. Justfriends.”
He held my gaze as he straightened slightly. “Did you really believe me?”
What? My mouth dropped. He was joking, right? Just playing with me. But his expression was serious. His tone was tender but firm.
Before I could say anything else, the door swung open to the gallery. Austin poked his head in.
“We’ve made up, kids,” he called. “Want to go to lunch? You too, Avery. We can have Dallas meet us.”
“No,” I said. “I brought a sandwich. I have art to make and emails to answer.”
“You’re always working,” Austin said sourly.
“Oh, don’t even start with me,” I snapped. “Go get some lunch. Take some time off. I’ll catch you Sunday at dinner.”
Austin flashed a grin and winked before letting the door shut. I breathed out, my thoughts racing. I turned my attention back on Mateo, but now he wouldn’t look at me.
What did he mean by what he said? For two years, he’d insisted we were just pals.
Friends.Buddies.
He’d been there for me countless times and was always there to rescue me when I needed it.
He was always there.
When I let loose with Evie and June, he was the one I called to be our designated driver. Not Austin. Not Dallas. Mateo.
He had never let me down, never failed to be there when I needed him. As bittersweet as it had been, I’d tried so hard to accept the fact he’d always been so clear on—we were justfriends.
But after what he’d just said . . .
Mateo headed toward the front door. I rushed after him and caught his hand in mine.
“Mateo,” I breathed out.
He paused with one hand on the door and the other in mine. He still wouldn’t look at me.
