Page 45 of Not Dating Material

I wrinkle my nose. “Yeah, I don’t think anything could have prepared me for that. Madden mentioned it. Said sometimes Xander thinks he’s dying, and I thought it’d be like those hypochondriacs in movies. Where they’re all drastically self-diagnosing and—”

“First, it’s not hypochondria.”

“It’s not?”

Seven’s lips pinch. “No. He has medical anxiety. Usually he can keep it under control, but there are times the invasive thoughts take over to the point you saw today. When that happens, he needs help, kinda like we all do at times. His panic attacks go deep, and then when he can’t breathe, he fears the worst. Lung cancer. Anaphylaxis. Whatever else pops into his head.”

“Shit.”

“Yeah, but don’t feel sorry for him. He hates that.” Seven nudges me, the heat from his elbow traveling the whole way up his arm. “He said you told him he was brave.”

“He was.”

Seven’s quiet for a second. “Thank you.”

And as sweet as it is that he cares about Xander, I need him to know I meant it. “I didn’t do it for you. Or even for him. It’s just … fact.”

“Agreed.”

I hesitate for a second, almost sick with nerves as I reach over and squeeze his forearm. Seven’s confused gaze lands on my hand, but I don’t keep it there for long. “I’m glad he has you.”

“Nah, I’m the one who’s lucky to have him.”

I know I shouldn’t ask, but I can’t help myself. “You, uh … there’s really nothing between you?”

He jostles me lightly. “Every time you ask me that, a twink somewhere ruins their makeup.”

I laugh. “A twink?”

“I have a type.”

“Oh, really?” I prop my chin in my hand and look up at him. “Xander’s a twink who wears makeup.”

“Argh, no! There goes another one.” He covers his face dramatically, and I chuckle, wondering whether I should point something else out. And … why not? We’ve already been on one date.

“You know, I’m a twink. I don’t wear makeup, but it still counts.”

The smile he sends me is wicked. “I’ve noticed.”

“You didn’t answer me last time, but I am your type, aren’t I?”

“If you weren’t my roommate, you’d be exactly my type.”

My stomach swoops at that knowledge.

“But don’t worry, I know old dudes are your thing, and I know my place.”

I huff, blowing a chunk of hair off my forehead. I’d thought the same about older guys myself, but it’s not an attraction thing. It’s about wanting to be respected and valued as a partner. Which Seven does. Well, as a friend. When it comes to attraction, there’s definitely something drawing me to him.

“Umm … so are we going on another date?”

“Of course.” Seven shrugs. “Though I have to say, our first one was fulloping easy. You sure you’re a mess on these things?”

“Please don’t make me remind you of the spit.”

Seven tries to hide his amusement, but it shines in his eyes. “Oh, yeah. Good times.”

“Maybe we should do a restaurant next. It’s where I’m most likely going to end up, so it makes sense to see my complete meltdown in one of those settings.”

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