Page 24 of Love Potion

“You’re happy here?”

“I am, but I’m glad we did it together. I don’t think I’d be happy if you weren’t here too.”

“I can guarantee I wouldn’t be happy if you weren’t here with me.”

Jerryn stops walking abruptly, turning to lean on the metal fence that borders the sidewalk and look out at the ocean.

“Something wrong, Jerr?”

He shakes his head. “Not at all. This has been a really good night.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it. I did too, for the record.”

He smiles, but keeps his gaze on the softly rolling waves. “I feel like something’s in the air. Something new.”

I lean on the fence as well, facing him. “What do you mean?”

“Kind of like right before Indy called us about Moby’s. Remember?”

“Oh yeah. For a couple of weeks you said you felt like something was coming.”

“It’s not like I’m a psychic or something, but it’s as if the energy around me changes or something. Maybe it’s my own vibe.”

“Like going to the workshop?”

He nods, smiling. “Like that.”

Or maybe it’s the fact that after all this time, I’m finally stepping up to be the guy you deserve.

“I agree.”

His eyes light up. “You do?”

“Yeah. I can totally feel it. There is a change coming—a good one. I’m excited.”

“Should I be excited too? You really think it’s good?”

“I think it’s gonna be amazing if we stay open to the possibilities.”

“Okay then. Color me excited.”

I reach over and grab his hand, squeezing gently. “Ready to head home?”

“Yeah.”

I pull my phone out of my pocket and order a rideshare, then we walk to the corner so we’re easier to spot. While we wait, I study Jerryn as he looks at all the people walking past us. At this time of night, it should only take us thirty minutes to get home, and in that thirty minutes, I have to figure out how to transition from date mode back to best friend mode. It’s not like I can kiss him goodnight on the doorstep. Wish I could. I can’t count how many times I’ve imagined what kissing him would be like.

Are his lips as soft as they look? Would his breath catch as my tongue explored his mouth? Would he ever even want that? He’s told me before that kissing was one of the few physical activities he found himself craving. Could he crave it with me?

The car arrives just minutes later, and I hurry over to open the door for Jerr. We get settled in the back seat, and Jerryn looks at the model kit we got while we ride. It’s pretty small, but with a lot of details. That could be something fun to do together. Anything that makes his face light up works for me.

“Did you have fun tonight, Jerr?”

He nods, searching my eyes. “It was awesome. Thank you.”

“Date night?” the driver asks, glancing in his rear view mirror.

“Yes.” I answer before Jerryn can object. “We went to the museum and a great restaurant we both love.”

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