Page 15 of The Jellybean Dilemma

With a sullen expression on his face, he shoved my legs off his. “Just eat, Rhonda.” He bit into his burger, ripping off a piece.

I surveyed the food in front of me, then the shake between us. Gritting my teeth, I decided to try once more. “Why one shake?” I wanted the answer, needed something to cling to.

He shook his head. “Forget it. It was stupid.” His words came out harsh, almost angry, and he shifted further into the corner. Away from me.

The distance between us lengthened, until I couldn’t stand it anymore. At least I tried. My appetite gone, I clenched my jaw and stood up. “Give me the keys.”

“What?” His head snapped up.

Fury hit me at his confused expression. “The keys. Now.”

He let out an exasperated sigh but handed them over. “We had a deal,” he called as I strode out of the diner.

His words rolled off me as I stormed over to start the car. Then I tumbled into the back seat where I stared at the ceiling. What a trip it had been so far.

His reactions had been all over the place, his mood swings more than I could keep up with. I’d done my part. But every one of my ideas made him withdraw and shut me out. If he wanted us to act like a real couple then the ball was in his court.

I heard the front door open, saw Greg shut the car off in my periphery, but I refused to acknowledge him. Until my door opened. A cold blast of air whipped in as two strong hands yanked me out of the car, and I yelped as Greg set me on my feet.

“Are you done sulking?” He scowled.

Indignation flared at the accusation. “Me?” My hands flew to my hips. “You’re the one with the brooding antihero act, shoving me off your lap and not giving me the time of day. You’d give Batman a run for his money.”

His glare turned icy, and I fought the urge to flinch when his tone matched. “We had a deal. I’d order, and you’d at least try it.”

Determination straightened my shoulders. No, I’m not letting him guilt me into giving in. “Forgive me if I didn’t have an appetite after being turned down,” I shot back.

Shit, I said too much. I bit my lip, waiting for his reaction to my unintended confession.

“What do you mean?” Silence stretched between us, but he didn’t let me off the hook. He stared at me, silently demanding an explanation.

I sighed, tucking my cold hands under my arms. “When I said we should get a hotel because we’d never pass for a couple, you just laughed at me. Then you shoved me off your lap like you were mad I even suggested it.”

The frigid breeze whipped between us, emphasizing our distance as he searched me. “You were serious?”

I pressed my lips together, taking a beat before answering. “Yeah, Greg.” I lifted my chin slightly, trying to hide my hurt even as I whispered, “I’m always serious when it comes to you.”

He shifted closer then stopped, as if fighting a war I couldn’t see. He swallowed hard. “You’re asking me to break through years of ironclad boundaries and firm lines I drew for myself.” He swiped a hand down his face before adding, “But I’m trying, Jellybean.”

I gaped at him, at this first ever acknowledgment that he wanted to take a next step. That he wanted to become more.

But I couldn’t keep being shut down, couldn’t be the only one trying to bridge this gap. I opened my mouth to tell him so when he made a gesture so sweet my doubts halted in their tracks.

He held out his hand. “Come eat with me?”

Chapter Five

Hope blossomed in me as I stared at Greg’s offered hand. It was a good start, but I pressed him to give me a little more. “Will you let me sit with my legs on yours, so you can spread out?”

His cheeks tinged with pink, but he nodded.

A grin split my face as I slipped my hand into his. His long, calloused fingers wrapped around mine, sending electricity skittering up my arm. When we fell into step together, I tried to place the heady emotion I felt.

Elation.

Pure, undiluted elation coursed through me as we walked toward the diner hand in hand.

“This isn’t so bad,” he said, opening the door for me. “Maybe we have a chance after all.” His teasing smile brought out his dimple, and he didn’t let go until we settled into our booth. He even lifted my legs on top of his before I had time to do it myself. “Good?”

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