Page 93 of Not Dating Material

“You’re gonna blame yourself for that, huh?” I ask dryly.

“Who else’s fault would it be?”

And I get what he means, but this isn’t coming out right. “Obviously if you don’t talk to people, they can’t get to know you, but you’re a talker. I’d be shocked if you weren’t like this in college.”

“Ah. Yes. I guess I was.”

I look him over. “Can I say something without you getting mad?”

“I’m not going to promise that.” He snorts. “If you say something worth getting mad over, of course I will be.”

“Fine. But I’m gonna say it anyway. I think you want people to keep their distance.”

Surprise falls over his features. “That’s ridiculous.”

“Is it? Your dad asks how it is here, and you tell him it’s good. That you like it. Nothing else. Will asks if you’ve met any guys, and you didn’t bring me up once.”

“Did you want me to bring you up?”

I wave my hand because it’s not important. “All I’m saying is that when you’re close to people, you talk about important things. You don’t talk about anything.”

“What do you call this?”

“More coaching.”

He purses his lips. “I talk to people plenty.”

“Look, do what you like, I’m just saying that while people say Xander and I are too close, and I probably agree with them sometimes, we talk about everything. I’ve always got his support, and he’s always got mine because we don’t hold back.”

“I wouldn’t hold back if people actually wanted me around.”

“And who says they don’t?” I keep going before he can cut me off. “You know I won’t bull crap you, so pay attention. You’re amazing. All of you. The kinda person I wish I had a chance to be, and you shouldn’t keep all that to yourself. Madden was already talking you up before you even moved in here, and Xander and I think the world of you. You know why? Because for some wild reason, you wanted to let us in.”

“And Rush?” he whispers.

“I’m half-convinced he doesn’t even know you’ve moved in yet, so we won’t think too deeply about what’s going on in his head.”

“I’ll give you that. But also, you and Xander make it so easy.” His hand covers mine, and he whispers, “I think you’re amazing too, Seven.”

I look over at him, sitting close, big eyes sweet and hopeful and looking at me in a way I don’t deserve to be looked at. He tugs at my heart like I’ve never felt before. I don’t want to lead him on. I don’t want to pretend like I’m available to give him anything more than bad dreams and a broken soul, but sometimes I look at him and think I can try. Sometimes Molly makes me believe that I can be the type of guy he needs.

And then I remember I’m me.

And I’d only end up dragging him down to my level.

I pull my hand out from under his. “We said third date, remember?”

“You’re no fun.”

“Oh yeah?” I cock my head. “What would make me fun in your eyes?”

“We’d be naked for a start.”

“Of course.”

“And I’d be bouncing on your cock.”

I facepalm to hide how much I like that idea. “Do you think about anything else?”

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