Page 12 of Final Goodbye
Paige was talking to Sophie at the bar when we walked in, and it was like the big man upstairs was looking out for me when he guided her into my path today.
It was the first time I felt like I really got to take in the beauty of Paige. Her chestnut waves flowed over her shoulders, and she was wearing just enough make-up to still give her that natural look. She may have been in an oversized sweater and her signature leggings, but I had a feeling that hiding underneath was a sight you’d have to be lucky enough to see.?
The thought of her wearing that tiny white shirt with no bra flickered in my mind.Or maybe it never left.
I wanted to be someone lucky enough to be in her world in that way. If I had to wait in line behind all the others, I would. Being just some kid she used to babysit, a family friend, or someone she saw as a good friend she could confide in wasn’tan option. There was no fucking way I’d put myself in the friend zone.?
It felt like minutes had gone by when I realized I was standing there gawking at her. Luckily, Myles chimed in and saved the day.?
“Paige Wilson. I heard you were back in town.” My brother went in for a friendly hug to greet her. I watched their embrace and felt something deep down that I couldn’t quite name. Maybe it was a tiny bit of jealousy that stung when he had the confidence to reach for her and pull her in for a hug before me, but I wasn’t sure since I’d never felt jealous of Myles before.?
I wanted to be the one hugging her.?
Last night ran through my mind for what felt like the millionth time since I left her house. When I had wrapped my arms around her, it felt more intimate than just any hug you’d give to a friend. I had surprised myself when I kissed her head and then her cheek. It had come out of nowhere. It was like my body and my brain weren’t on the same wavelength after a few beers.
Who was I kidding?
No way I’d use alcohol as an excuse. At the end of the night, I wasn’t even the slightest bit buzzed—I consumed three beers over a few hours. I was completely sober by the time I left. It was just a feeling that felt right at the time, so I acted on it. Luckily, I had enough self-control, though, or my attraction to her would have really been obvious.
Here I was, lost in thought, not taking the opportunity to talk with Paige when she stood right in front of my face because my mind was caught up in last night and the fantasy of what could have been.
Fuck. Now I was semi-hard and on my way to making an ass out of myself if I didn’t shake these thoughts away and speak up.?
Myles and Paige were engaging in small talk when I finally found my voice. Clearing my throat, I inserted myself into their conversation. “Mom told me this morning that arrangements have been made at the church for Saturday.”
Declan, you fucking idiot, that’s what you came up with?
I guess a depressing conversation with her was better than nothing. I didn’t know why, but I was nervous. Women didn’t make me nervous, butshedid. So, unfortunately, the first thing to come to mind was her father’s funeral. How dumb was that??
“Yup.” She kept it short, like she didn’t know how to respond to that, and I didn’t blame her. Because what do you even say to something like that? She was probably tired of acknowledging her father’s death by now.?And after everything we talked about last night, I should have known better and kept the conversation light.
“Well, we will be there,” I pointed between me and Myles, “and the rest of the family. To send our condolences. You can text me anytime and let me know if you need any help,” I stumbled, trying to recover from this conversation.
I think she was onto me because she laughed when she said, “That may be the most depressing way someone has ever asked for my phone number before.”?
Nope, not my intention at all. I was just trying to be nice and show her I could be there for her. But she laughed. I made her laugh. So, now I was going to roll with it because I, in fact, did desperately want her phone number.?
Making it easy on me, she handed over her phone.?
“You can put your number in. I’ll make sure to let you know if I need anything.” The way she saidanythingmade me think there was more meaning behind it, but I shook off the thought.?
Looking up at her when I was done, I handed her phone back, my eyes snagging on her teeth that tugged on her lower lip.She looked nervous about taking my phone number, but I really wanted her to find a reason to use it.
“See ya around, Cooper.”
“Bye, Myles. Nice to see you again.” She said her goodbyes and walked away.
Once again, I was stuck there with my eyes glued to her backside, enjoying every second of it. She was out of the bar before I knew it, letting the cool breeze in as she left.
When did I become my last name to her, and why wasn’t Myles?It didn’t matter, though, because she could call me anything she wanted and I’d answer.
Myles may have gotten a hug, but she got my phone number, and I’d wait around until she found a reason to text me. It sucked not to have control in this situation, but I was going to keep popping up and make it impossible for her not to think of me.
She would use my number, eventually.
Myles and I grabbed a seat at the bar.
“Well, that was fucking weird.” Shooting him an evil glare, he looked at me and laughed. I knew what he was thinking, but he decided to shit on my ego and remind me out loud, anyway.
