Page 109 of Mud, Love, and Chemistry

“What did he say to you?”

Lisa grimaces, her eyes pleading with me to let it go.

“I want to know,” I say sternly.

“Okay, fine.” She sighs. “I laid into him pretty hard, telling him about how hurt you were and what an asshole he was. I didn’t tell him why. I said you were upset and he needed to leave you alone.”

“So, how did he convince you otherwise?”

“Oh, Brynn. He had the best answer.” A wry smile crosses her lips. “He said he needed to know how he fucked up, and would spend as long as it took to fix it because he couldn’t stay away from you even if his life depended on it.”

My eyelids peel back, my heart stuttering “What?” That can’t be right. Or at the very least, it can’t mean what Lisa thinks it means. I’m sure it’s nothing more than a physical pull.

“Mhm.” Lisa nods. “Now, I’m not a hundred-percent sure, but I’d say that boy has it bad for you.”

I scoff, waving her off. “That’s where you’re mistaken. He friend-zoned me, remember?”

“I bet you’re wrong,” she says melodically.

I shift in my seat, folding my arms.

“And all this back-and-forth with him, the hating and not hating, the fuck-buddy thing, it makes me think you’ve got it just as bad.”

My toes tap the floorboard as I avoid eye contact with Lisa.

“I’ve never seen you happier than when you’ve been with Sam. I mean, sure, you two went through a rough patch for a bit, but I’ve seen so much more of the real Brynn since Sam’s come around. Especially after you started sleeping together.”

I let out an airy chuckle and turn my appreciative gaze on her. “I have felt more like me lately.”

“See? I bet Sam has had a lot to do with that.” She pats my leg. “And I know you think he’s just a good lay, but I think you’d be doing yourself a disservice by shutting the door on him completely.”

I sigh. “He locked it, though. How am I supposed to open it now?”

“If you go into this dinner with a fresh outlook, he might turn the key. Things between you and Sam have gone from great, to bad, to terrible, and back again. You’re in a good spot with him, don’t let that go to waste.”

Sucking in a huge breath, I nod.

“Now, get in there and have fun, but call me if you need rescuing.”

“Thanks, I will.” I hug her before exiting the car to take the hardest steps of my life.

As I near the entrance, the door opens, and Sam waltzes outside to hold it for me. I take a second to drink him in. His maroon button-down shirt and black slacks make him such a different version of himself. He’s sleek, sophisticated, and not like the usual laid-back, casual Sam I know. It’s enticing, to say the least.

“After you,” he says, bowing slightly.

I roll my eyes, but smile. “Thank you, sir.”

Once I cross the threshold, I’m reminded of why I love this little restaurant. The entryway is lit with white Christmas lights dangling from the ceiling, and their reflections in the shiny floor tile makes it seem like I’m walking on stars. There’s always soft music playing. Mostly instrumental Italian music, but a few crooners like Dean Martin work their way in too. The delectable aromas filling the air complete the entire effect. It’s like being transported across the sea within a few seconds.

“You look nice,” Sam whispers next to my ear as he slides off my coat.

I shudder at his warm breath on my neck. As I turn to thank him for the compliment, I find him raking over my length only to pause on the scooped neckline of my dress. My heart races.

I tug at the slinky, emerald-colored fabric. “Thanks.” Running my hand over my capped sleeve, I inwardly shrink. “We didn’t talk about dinner attire, so I’m glad you and I are on the same page.” I float my hand up and down, motioning to him. “You clean up nicely.”

He leans in to whisper, “I’d say you have me beat.” When he pulls away, he finally looks me in the eyes, and I can see his smoldering.

I swallow. “I’ll take that victory,” I say as confidently as I can before turning to the host. “Hi, table for two?”

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