Page 48 of Love Potion

“When Alec called you, I got scared. What if he wanted a second chance and you gave him one? Ridley had a Come to Jesus talk with me, and I realized he was right. If I wanted a shot with you, I had to take it.”

“When were you going to?”

He chuckles. “I did. The museum and dinner. Dinner after you got back from your seminar. I have more plans too. Farmer’s market on Sunday before it closes for the season so we can get those oatmeal cookies you love. Driving up the coast in a few weeks to see the leaves changing colors. I thought we’d try that pottery painting place you always talk about.”

I don’t say anything, I just listen to his words.

“But you didn’t see it as a date because we always do stuff like that, don’t we? I hold the doors open for you. I pay attention to the things you like because it matters to me, and it always has. I’ve been trying to figure out how to romance you, Jerr, and make you see me in a different light.”

I scoff, almost in disbelief.

“I’ll still be your best friend, but I want to be so much more.”

“You… you really want to date me?”

“I do, yeah.”

“But you know about me.”

He nods. “Sure do. Still want to date you.”

“What if I can’t make you happy?”

“You already make me happy, Jerr.” He squeezes my hand. “My favorite thing is you in my arms, in my bed. Kissing you last night was incredible. I’m good with whatever you can offer. I’m good if things stay like they are. Though kissing would be a bonus. That was really nice.”

This is impossible. Bane is a dream come true, and he wants me? Even knowing my limitations?

“If you need time to think, we’ve got plenty of that.”

I’m stunned to the point of speechlessness. Never in a million years could I have seen this coming. Bane wants me?

“Hey,” he says softly. “You’re freaking out.”

I nod, swallowing hard.

“Because?”

I just stare at him, wide-eyed.

Bane exhales slowly. “Because you don’t feel that way or because you’re surprised?”

Okay, that helps. Give me options. “Surprised.”

“I knew you would be. I guess that means I’ve done a good job of not being a creep.”

I nod.

“I should’ve told you sooner. I should’ve been brave enough, but I hope the saying is true: Better late than never.”

A question finally forms. “Are you sure? Have you really thought this through? I’m not like other guys you’ve dated.”

He laughs softly. “I haven’t thought about anything else in years. Are you ready for some more truth?”

I shrug, but say, “Let’s try.”

“I’ve been attracted to you since day one. In that English Lit class sitting three seats away from you, I was so excited when we got put in that working group together. I wanted to get to know you, and I definitely wanted to date you.”

“Bane…”

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