Page 47 of Love Potion

“It’s okay if you don’t. I totally understand.”

“Don’t put words in my mouth, Jerr.” He tickles my palm with his index finger. “I hesitated because I don’t want you to feel weird around me. I’d hate it if you felt pressured.”

“What are you saying, Bane?”

“I’m still attracted to you.”

His voice is soft when he says it, like he’s worried I’ll freak out.

“Even knowing how I am?”

He nods. “There’s nothing about you that isn’t good.”

My eyes sting a little. “But what if I can’t…” I can’t bring myself to finish the sentence.

“You have a lot to offer. More than you give yourself credit for.” He scoots even closer. “Jerr, I know you can’t see it, because so many people have said shitty things, but I’m not them. I’ve known you your whole adult life, and I think you’re amazing.”

He squeezes my hand, and I can tell from the tension in his expression that he’s about to say something big.

“I stopped dating because I didn’t need to anymore. You’re the only person I want to spend my free time with.”

“Bane…”

“And honestly, what we have is better than anything I’ve had with anyone I’ve dated before. Jerr…” He exhales slowly. “I want to date you.”

“What?”

“I can be the guy, Jerr. I know I can. If you gave me a chance, you’d see that what we have is incredible. You could stop looking for a guy who understands you, because you already have him. If you don’t feel that way about me, it’s okay. I can handle it, but after last night, I figured I’d better get around to telling you.”

His words don’t make any damn sense to me. Am I dreaming? Or is this some kind of pity move on his part? Has he got so desperate that I seem like a good idea? There’s just no way a guy as incredible as Bane would want me. Not really.

“Jerr?”

“I don’t know what to say.”

Bane nods, his brow creased. “Because you don’t see me that way?”

I choke out a laugh. “Are you serious right now?” I get to my feet, pacing a circle in front of the bed. “Bane… My head is swimming.”

“Come here.”

I shake my head, crossing my arms over my chest. “I’m confused.”

“Jerr, come here.” He extends his arm. “Let’s talk it out.”

Nodding, I take his hand and let him pull me back onto his bed.

“Which part is messing with you?”

“All of it. You’re telling me, with a straight face, that you’re attracted to meandromantically interested? Is this real life?”

Bane smiles. “I should have said something sooner, but I was afraid.”

“Afraid of me?”

“No. Afraid of ruining what we have. I know dating has been hard for you, and I never wanted you to feel weird around me.” He brushes his fingers over my cheek. “But a couple of weeks ago, I had a wake-up call.”

“Huh?”

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