Page 53 of Love Is Ale You Need

Butterflies erupt in my belly at Trey’s kindness, thoughtfulness, and patience with Abby. And with me. Every day he’s proving my preconception about him wrong which makes it so hard to not go all in.

Trey turns around and a slow grin spreads across his face. He stalks toward me, and I hold my breath, waiting for him to catch me. All the surrounding noise dissipates, and the only thing I can hear is the steady thumping of my heart.

When we’re toe to toe, he leans down so only I can hear. “I never got to tell you how beautiful you look today.”

Heat spreads up my neck and to my cheeks.

“Also, I’m really glad you and Abby could make it.”

I love that Trey included Abby. “Me too. It looks like Abby has already made some new friends.” Both of us glance at the ball pit where the kids are throwing balls at each other and giggling.

“Let me officially introduce you to everyone.” He reaches for my hand and intertwines our fingers.

The gesture is sweet, but I’m sure it will lead to everyone developing the wrong impression of us.

“Ladies,” Trey interrupts the table, “you all know Rylee.”

“Yes. Come sit.” Parisa scoots over and pats the empty bench seat next to her. “Trey, the guys might need your help.” She points past us.

We spin around and Seth, Bennett, and Van are being swarmed by all the kids and foam balls.

“I’m needed. These ladies will take care of you.” He presses a chaste kiss to my forehead, then takes off toward the ball pit.

I stroll to the opposite side of the rectangular table and take the seat next to Parisa. Hollyn is on the other side of Parisa while Olivia and Charlie are across from us.

My gaze wanders to the ball pit where Trey is fending off balls from Abby and Maddox. Even from across the room, I can see how big her smile is.

Parisa nudges me with her elbow. “So, you and Trey, huh?”

“Oh. Yeah.” I glance at her. “We’re friends.”

“If I’m being honest, with how many years I’ve known Trey, he’s never brought a friend to any birthday parties or parties or get-togethers we’ve had. You’re the first,” Parisa adds.

“You popped his plus one cherry,” Olivia says, and the table erupts with laughter.

“Trey and cherry don’t go together,” Charlie adds.

“Oh. I don’t know what to say.” I nervously roll my lips between my teeth.

“If I had to guess, he might like you as more than just a friend,” Parisa says.

“I have to agree with Parisa.” Olivia perches her elbows on the table. “Also, before you hear it from anyone else, Trey and I kissed. Once.” She holds up a finger. “We wanted to see if there were any feelings there and, rest assured, there’s absolutely zero feelings. None. Nada.” Her long blonde hair falls over her shoulder as she tilts her head. “Actually, it was like kissing my brother. And I’m engaged to his brother. Funny how things work.”

I nod. I wasn’t expecting this. Olivia is gorgeous, so I can see why there would be an attraction between them. Trey has a past that I have no control over.

“Anyway, I just want to put that out there. I know Trey. He’s never acted like this with anyone. Ever. As much as he may seem like a playboy, he’s the most loyal guy you’ll ever find.” Olivia rests her forearms on the table and leans in. “I’d bet my relationship that he’s in love with you.”

In love with you.My entire body freezes. Love is the last thing on my list, especially with someone like Trey. Thoughts of him as more than a friend pecks at my brain. I don’t know what I want. Labeling him as a friend is easier to deal with. There’s less hurt that way. I know eventually there will be an end. Needing to change the subject, I turn to Parisa. “By the way, thank you so much for offering the extra ticket to Abby. She’s having the best time.”

Parisa’s eyebrows draw together. “What are you talking about? Extra ticket?”

My heart thunders in my chest. My gaze flits around the table. “Trey said you had an extra ticket because someone canceled...” My words trail off at the end.

Her eyes soften. “I don’t want to be rude, but there wasn’t an extra ticket.”

If there wasn’t an extra ticket, but one magically appeared… I glance over at Trey, who is now swimming through the balls like a shark pretending to eat Abby and Maddox. I hate Trey lied to me. That he bought the ticket assuming I didn’t have the money to pay for a ticket even though it’s true, I don’t, but it’s still the fact that he lied. Abby’s screams and giggles draw my attention to the ball pit. With the sheer happiness on her face, it’s hard to be mad at him for giving her that. Ugh. Why does this have to be so complicated?

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