Page 65 of Ten Rules for Faking It
“I’m pretty good at managing them. I guess everything came to a head tonight. I offered to reschedule with Daniel.”
Chris nodded, his smile slipping entirely. “There you go,then. Everything will be fine.” He looked at his watch and glanced around. Her heart rate accelerated.
She didn’t want him to go.
“Do you want to stay for a bit? We could watch a show or something?” That was friendly. She did that with Stacey and Tara all the time. The way his lips tipped up, just marginally at the corners, made her feel like they were sharing a secret. The quiet smile unfurled something inside of her; like the sun rising on a chilly morning, it warmed her chest, her body.
“Sure. I need to run out to my car for a minute.”
He stood up and started for the door. Everly wondered if he needed to call someone—maybe the date he’d left? Did he need to make excuses? Did he have plans?
“If you have other things to do…,” she said, not finishing the sentence. He turned around at the door.
“I don’t. At all. What’s that show you and Stacey always talk about?”
“Veronica Mars?”
“Let’s watch that.”
Everly licked her lips, still staring. Trying to loosen the sudden restriction in her chest, she joked, “You trying to be one of the girls?”
“Not quite. I wouldn’t mind seeing it, that’s all. Then maybe I can be in on the inside jokes you two are always making.”
“Oh, I’m afraid not. You’d need years of training and mind melding for that to happen.”
He chuckled, and she realized the sound made her happy.
Setting up the show so that she didn’t spiral into what-ifs, Everly debated making popcorn as she waited for him to return. It didn’t even register that she wasn’t nervous about the fact that he would. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d hung out with anyone other than Stacey where she didn’t feel the need to review possible conversation topics in her head beforehand. There was no pressure with Chris. If he hadn’t made it clear more than once that he wasn’t interested in her—she didn’tthink it was just the work thing—she might feel differently. Sheknewshe would. She’d probably need itch cream. But she didn’t, which meant they really were friends. She didn’t know why she had to tell herself repeatedly, as she waited for him to return, that that would be enough.
[22]
Chris gripped the small gift bag, a range of emotions battering him from the inside out. He stood outside of her apartment for a minute, trying to get a grip on everything whirling through him. He’d almost closed his mouth over hers and given in to the desire that had been building for months now. She’d glanced up at him with so much trust, he’d stepped back. He trulywantedto be her friend. Yes he wanted more, but he wouldn’t jeopardize what they were headed toward for something he couldn’t follow through on.
“This is enough. More than you thought you’d have with her,” he said before taking a calming breath and turning the knob.
The scent of popcorn hit hard, making him smile. She was incredible. He’d seen her struggle with her nerves, smooth them over, and bounce back like a punching bag. That kind of inner strength was sexier than anything he’d seen. The pleasure of her calling him, reaching out tohim,and now, inviting him to stay would keep him awake tonight.
“I’m just making a snack,” she called from around the wall.
“You didn’t have to do that.” They’d agreed to friendship, but could he be friends with a woman when the way her eyes switched color in the right light haunted his dreams?You’re about to find out.
“If I hadn’t, I’d be hungry,” she replied, peeking around the wall.
Chris’s laugh came out rough. “True.”
When he’d gone out with Rob, they’d ended up having a couple of beers, playing some pool, and chatting about work stuff. There wasn’t a woman in the place that pulled his interest the way Everly Dean did.
When her gaze went to the gift, she scowled and damn if he didn’t find that cute, too. He wasn’t sure he could handle getting too close only to leave, but he could take this. Tonight. Because she’dasked.That didn’t come easy for Everly Dean.At least you’ll know she’s found someone to make her happy. To treat her like she deserves.He hoped.
She came out of the kitchen a moment later, her arm wrapped around a large blue bowl. In her other hand, she held two bottles of water.
“You change your mind?” she asked.
“Huh? No.” He shook his head, slipped off his shoes, and walked over to the couch.
She set the waters down and sat as well, the bowl of popcorn leaving a nice amount of personal space between them. Not enough to diminish the scent of her shampoo or soap. He’d be craving berries long after he moved away.
Everly picked up the remote as he held out his hand, offering her the gift.
