Page 16 of Approved

He considered my statement and looked at me strangely. “Yes. I had a wonderful time, and I would love to spend more time with you, but I am not going to push my luck.”

I laughed again. “You are something, West Parker.”

“Something good, I hope.”

“Yes. Something good. I should head home. Earl will be confused by my absence. I’m happy you asked me to join you for pie. I had a lot of fun.”

Irene returned with another bag and handed it to me. “It was a pleasure meeting you. I’ve never seen West smile so much, I hope this is the first of many times I see you.” She patted my shoulder and walked away.

Once outside, he asked, “Where did you park?”

I pointed to my beat-up old car.

“I’ll walk you to your car.” We headed over and stopped at the driver’s door. “Do you think I could give you a hug, Tyler?”

I swooned a little. Never had I been asked for something so simple. “Of course, I would like that.” He pulled me against him; he was larger than I, at least 6’2” and broad. I wasn’t a tiny man, but just under six feet and lean, it felt like I was being wrapped in a weighted blanket. It was nice and I felt like I fit against him perfectly.

“Thank you for joining me. I had a fantastic time.” He said against my head.

I didn’t want to stop hugging him, so I stepped back and looked up, but didn’t release him. “I’m glad you invited me.”

He hugged me again, it lasted longer than the first, but not so long that it was awkward. When he let me go, I opened my door and got in. “Can you let me know you got home safely. I will search for you if I don’t hear from you in thirty minutes.”

“You’re sweet. I’ll text you.” He closed my door and stood there and watched me pull out. I was pleased and kept thinking about how our hug felt so good. It felt like he wanted to spend time with me, but he didn’t ask me on a date again. Did he decide he no longer wanted to take me out after this get-together? That’s probably it. I knew he wouldn’t be interested in someone like me—too much baggage.

When I got home, I picked up Earl and took a selfie. Even if West were done with me, I wouldn’t cause him to worry.

TYLER

Made it home. Earl wants my pie

I attached the picture and headed to the bedroom. It was time for sleep. Once I was in bed, I felt Earl curl up on the pillow, and then Larry joined us, cuddling up with his friend. It had been about twenty minutes since I sent the text, and I hated that I was disappointed by his lack of response, especially since I had started to think he wasn’t like most guys. As I began to doze, my phone chirped.

WEST

Sorry for the delay. Had a situation to deal with.

I’m glad you got home safe. I had a great time on our non-date.

Will you consider going on a real date with me now?

My heart started to beat hard, and I cursed myself for thinking badly of him. I smiled in the dark.

TYLER

I’m still not sure.

But it’s not a NO. Good Night, West.

WEST

I’ll get you to give me a chance eventually.

Good night, Tyler. Sweet Dreams.

I knew I would have sweet dreams tonight because West seemed like a pretty special guy, and my thoughts about him earlier were still quite persistent. A date with West would be a lot of fun, I knew without a doubt.

Larry moved on to my chest and started making biscuits. “I should invite him over to meet you and see if you like him. Your brother already seems to.” Maybe I should give him a chance, since tonight was almost a date and it was fun. I rolled toward the empty side of my bed, which drove home how long it’d been since someone was on that side. I hadn’t been with anybody even briefly, and I didn’t mind being alone, but having West there would be amazing. I fell asleep thinking about all the ways I would enjoy having West as a friend, and maybe more.

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