Page 25

His face turns serious. “Just because we haven’t really talked in years doesn’t mean I forgot about you.”

I gulp, the air between us feeling suddenly heavy with an emotion I can’t explain. Memories, attraction, regret. Perhaps all three?

He takes a step back, putting some space between us. “Listen, I just need you to know that I broke up with Katarina months ago, before I even moved.” He purses his lips and drags a hand down his face. “The tabloids make it sound like I move from woman to woman every week, and that’s not accurate.”

“Okay… It must suck constantly being in the public eye.”

“It’s not always fun.” He smiles. “I’ve dated, obviously, but I don’t even have time to take out a different girl every week. Even if I wanted to.” He huffs a laugh. “Which I don’t,” He adds the last part with wide eyes like he was concerned I’d think otherwise.

I chuckle. “I believe you.”

His shoulders relax. “So, anyway. Dinner is ready. Are you hungry?”

“I am, actually. Did you cook?” I quirk an eyebrow. I can’t remember West ever cooking.

He laughs. “I did. Hopefully it turned out okay. I took some cooking lessons in Canada for fun. I got tired of takeout.” He sticks his hands in his pockets, making him look like the boy I knew all those years ago.

“I’m sure it’ll be great. Anything homemade is a treat.”

He gestures toward the round dining table. The wood looks fashionably distressed and it’s surrounded by matching upholstered chairs. The table is set for two and he pulls my chair out for me before walking into the kitchen and taking a tray out of the oven.

West plates the food then picks up a tablet from the kitchen counter, taps the screen a few times, and music begins playing softly throughout the room. The music is upbeat and French, I believe it’s Carla Bruni.

He smiles at me from the kitchen and I laugh. “Wow, you’re so fancy now. Listening to French music.”

He laughs, it’s the laugh I remember from my childhood. He’s not holding back or trying to impress anyone, just his normal, goofy laugh. It warms my heart.

“I’m just the same kid you grew up with. The only thing different is my bank account.” He gives me an over-exaggerated wink and I giggle.

This feels normal and comfortable, which gives me hope we can fix this… whatever this is, happening between us.

I cut into my baked chicken. “There are definitely a few things that have changed besides your income,” I say before taking a bite. The breaded chicken is savory and delicious.

He quirks his head to the side. “Really? Like what?”

I swallow and take a sip of water. “For starters, you have chest hair now.” I snicker.

He looks down at the patch of hair peeking out at the top of his shirt. He grins and glances up at me, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I can’t believe you’ve been staring at my chest, I’m more than just hot bod, you know.”

My jaw drops slightly before I notice one corner of his mouth turning up, like he’s suppressing a laugh. I playfully slap him on the shoulder, and wow, a very firm and muscular shoulder it is.

“You’re so full of yourself,” I say with a laugh.

His head falls back as he laughs, cracking himself up just like he did back in high school. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist.” West rubs the scruff on his jaw. “I can finally grow facial hair now, too.”

“I noticed. It looks good.” I blush, regretting being so forthcoming.

“Thanks,” West says with a smile. “I was always jealous of Harrison’s ability to grow a beard.”

I laugh. “So, what about me? Have I changed at all?”

A blush appears on his cheeks and neck. It’s barely noticeable with his tanned skin and short beard. He huffs out a laugh. “Um, yeah.”

He shoves a large bite of chicken in his mouth as if that’ll keep him from having to answer the question.

I purse my lips, annoyed he didn’t expound on that. “Like how?” I ask.

He points to his mouth, which is full of food, and widens his eyes as if to say he can’t answer because his mouth is full.