Page 76 of Not Dating Material

“I dunno …” He picks up his drink and has a long gulp. “I guess, it almost feels like you put the worst in your head so you’re prepared for when it happens.”

“You think I’m doomsdaying?”

“Well, have I ever given you the impression I’ll get tired of our friendship?”

“I’m drawing from past experience.”

“Well, why don’t you let me speak for myself, huh? Instead of comparing me to other people, let me be me, and understand when I tell you that I like you being a bit clingy and overeager that I mean it.”

I’m sure I’m giving him puppy dog eyes. It’s confirmed a moment later when he glances at me and does a double take.

“Nuh-uh. Stop looking at me like that. I didn’t say anything special.”

“You said so many special things all in a row.”

“I’ll also never get tired of you thinking I’m so much better than I am.” His laugh is so quiet I almost miss it. “It’s a nice change.”

“Xander thinks you’re amazing.”

“Xander also isn’t the most reliable source for healthy relationships.”

“And I am?”

“From where I’m sitting, you’re doing a thousand percent better than either of us.”

“I’ll take it. Even if the bar is very, very low.”

“I don’t know how to set it much higher, if I’m honest.” He turns and suddenly meets my eye. “But you’re making me see that I should try.”

It takes everything in me not to throw myself at him. The urge to hug him, kiss him, grind up all over his body is so overwhelmingly strong I want to cry. It kills me every day that this brave, strong, incredible man doesn’t know that he deserves the world. I wish he’d let me show him. I wish he’d let me try to smother him in all the good feelings I could muster up.

His lips twitch as he tears his gaze away. “I’ve gotta stop saying nice things to you.”

Even though he says that, I know he won’t. I pick up my drink again and cuddle into his side, head resting on his shoulder. He doesn’t say anything, just like I’d assumed he wouldn’t. I know I’m only setting myself up for the kind of pain I’ve never felt before, but being near Seven, physically and emotionally, is becoming addictive. Keeping my distance isn’t something I even want to try.

Rush wanders outside a moment later and drops down onto the lounger next to us. I hurry to put as much distance between me and Seven as I can, but the gorgeous man doesn’t release my hand.

“Everything okay?” I ask Rush.

“Yeah, yeah, fine.” He rubs his scruffy jaw. “Tried to get the boyfriend to meet us down here, but he must be at work. He works a lot. Not his fault, obviously, but I do want him to meet you all at some point.”

“Could invite him over on a Monday?” Seven suggests.

“Why a Monday?”

Rush sounds so earnestly confused it’s hard not to laugh. “Family Monopoly,” I remind him.

“Oh. That. Maybe.”

“I didn’t even know you had a boyfriend,” Seven says. “How long have you been dating?”

“Really?” Rush blinks over at us. “But I talk about him all the time.”

“I’ve heard about him,” I say before Seven can argue the point. It might have only been once, but it still counts.

Rush nods and falls silent.

“So …” Seven prompts.

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