Page 13 of Fall With Me
Normally when someone mentions their mom, a tiny needle stabs my chest. Because of my raw emotions from this morning, it’s like a machete hacks away at my heart. I like Kate’s mom. She’s sweet and always kind to me. There’s no reason to begrudge my best friend for the connection she shares with her mother.
But right now? Jealousy claws at my throat. “Fun.” My tone doesnotsuggest her morning was fun. “What did you buy? Something I can borrow?” We’re not the same pants size, so we only share tops. Since Kate makes way more money than I do, her wardrobe is fancier and cuter than mine.
“I got a darling maroon and cream sweater and this incredibly soft bronze-colored sweater. After I’ve worn them, you’re welcome to try them on and see which one you want to wear. Maybe for a date?” Her expression is hopeful.
“Maybe.” I shrug. But really, it’s a hard no. Now that I’m officially in the later half of my twenties, when I tell guys I don’t want kids, they break up with me, or they aren’t the kind of guy I want to spend the rest of my life with anyway. I don’t do relationships. They never work out, and to keep everyone from experiencing what I did as a kid, it’s best to stay away. Everyone is safer that way.
As I reach for the carrots on the veggie tray, the doorbell rings and my gaze pops to Carter. Who could that be? His usual group is here, hogging all the soft seats.
Carter puts his plate on the dining table behind him and goes to answer the door.
“Is Carter expecting anyone else?” My brow furrows. “I thought the gang was all here?”
Kate’s gaze stays glued to the hallway. “They are. Maybe someone ordered food?”
“Why? There’s plenty here.”
When the person trailing behind Carter comes into view, my heart stutters in my chest. At least we’ve progressed from completely stopping every time I see Dawson. I’ll take the tiny progress.
“He’s not my usual type, but he issexyyy,” Kate whispers, staring at Dawson.
“Mmm,” is all I manage to say. She’s not wrong. In fact, it’s annoying how right she is. Why does a guy in well-fitting jeans and a U of U polo shirt make the blood in my veins heat like I’m sipping hot apple cider?
“Grab some food and pull up a chair,” Carter says to Dawson, pointing to the smorgasbord Kate and I are filling our plates with.
“I will. Thanks.” Dawson comes into the kitchen, and my lungs cease their normal function.
“Hey.” Dawson bobs his head in a typical bro greeting.
“Hi, Dawson,” Kate says.
“Hello. Where’s Finn?” Do I need to worry about getting spilled on again?
Dawson waves toward the door. “He went swimming with his cousins. Carter invited me tonight. I thought I’d come hang out before putting Finn to bed and working some more.”
Thank goodness, I’m safe. I hand Dawson a plate. “Help yourself.”
“Thanks.”
Getting myself a scoop of the salsa I brought, Dawson asks, “How’s the appreciation festival planning going?”
I wobble my head from side to side. “I’m in the research phase. I need to get things done fast if I’m going to pull it off. But I’m sure I will. Do you like parties?”
He lets out a chuckle. “Not in the least. But as the new guy, I’d love to pitch in. How can I help?”
Spending any amount of time with Dawson, besides quick run-ins like this or at the gym, isn’t in my plans. How will I survive being around him and keep my attraction in check? And what about his son?
At the same time, it would be really nice to have someone to bounce ideas off of and delegate tasks to. Who am I to say no to free help? And I bet the more I’m around him, the less my heart will freak out every time I see him. “I’m researching venues soon. Want to join me?”
“Sure.” He hands me his cell phone. “Add yourself to my contacts and we can text about it later.”
I type my phone number into his cell. “Kate, what about you? Would you like to join the festival planning committee?”
Kate lets out a hysterical laugh. “Are you kidding me? I don’t have time for that. You two have fun.” She walks away, leaving me alone with Dawson.
“Did you graduate from the U?” I ask Dawson to fill the silence Kate left in her wake.
“Uh, no. I started there but moved to Tennessee when I was twenty and finished my degrees online through Southern New Hampshire University. But I’ve been a Utah fan all my life.”
