Page 49 of Make You Stay

I’m torn.

I’m fully aware the friend zone is safer for both Aidan and me, but I want to claw out the eyes of every woman making a play for his attention.

It’s not Aidan’s fault. He’s sexy without trying, especially with that gravelly voice and those deft fingers moving over the frets. Proof of how talented his mouth and hands are without even touching a woman.

So, to avoid jealousy overload, I plant myself in the back, and people watch. It’s always been a favorite activity of mine, and there is no shortage of interesting subjects at this party—particularly Natalie and her crush.

Ah, young love.

“Are you going to let those women hang on my dad?”

I turn, my eyes widening as Natalie plops down beside me. “What?”

“You want my father, and if you want something, you have to claim it.”

“You’re telling me to claim your father?”

“Yep,” Natalie nods, her eyes focused on the stage. “He has a thing for you, but you already know that.”

“He doesn’t date women without kids.”

“He doesn’t date.”

“Even better—insurmountable odds.” I pivot in my chair, nodding toward Natalie’s crush. “What’s his name?”

“Jason. He’s a football player on the varsity team.”

“Nice. He’s good-looking.”

“He knows it.”

I grimace. “Don’t tell me he’s one ofthoseguys.”

Natalie giggles. “Not really, although he has his moments. He said he wants to take me to dinner. He’ll pay and everything.”

“He better pay, or I’ll have a word with him.”

“What should I do? How do I act?”

“You don’teveract. That’s too hard to maintain. Be yourself, and if he’s got a brain in his head, he’ll like you for who youreallyare. Trust me on this.”

Natalie stands, giving me a hug. “Trustmeon my father.”

If only adult relationships were as straightforward as puppy love.

Sadly, love only gets more challenging to navigate as the years pass.

I wander into an empty side room, grinning when I see the pool table. I love playing pool, even though I’m the worst player on the face of the planet.

At least now, I can play with no one making fun of me. It won’t be as much fun as when Aidan gave me a lesson, but it’s far safer for my heart and all my other body parts.

I know I can do this. How hard can it be?

Answer?

Much too hard for me, as evidenced by my inability to sink anything.

“Snuck off to practice, huh?”

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