Page 53 of The Sexy Part
“Ha! I could see that.” She gets in, and I shut the door behind her.
I jog to the other side, eager to get on with the day. As soon as I get in the car, she says, “This isn’t a date, just so we’re clear.”
“I didn’t think it was. Just two friends enjoying each other’s company.” I pull onto the street. “I was joking around before when I said it’s a date.”
“You were?”
“Yeah, I joke a lot.”
“Okay.”
I can feel her studying me as I drive. “Really.”
“Okay, awesome. I know a ton of great places for lunch by the museum. And we have to stop by my favorite candy shop. It’s expensive, but you can buy individual pieces.”
“Cool.”
She launches enthusiastically into a list of places for lunch. I smile to myself. She sounds happy. I don’t know if it’s me or a trip to the city, but it’s great to hear. She’s not like Brianna. She’s strong and resilient, someone I don’t need to rescue. I can just enjoy being with her.
Mackenzie’s voice rings in my head:rebound, rebound, rebound. I push that away. It’s just a fun day in the city.
* * *
Rowan
After a delicious lunch at an Italian restaurant, Cooper and I check in at the American Museum of Natural History with the tickets he bought in advance. There’s a large crowd here as usual on the weekend.
“I’ll reimburse you,” I say, reaching for my purse. “You got lunch.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“I have a paycheck now.”
He looks around. “Which way to the planetarium?” He points the way and then reaches for my hand. “Don’t want to lose you in the crowd.”
I gulp. His larger hand envelops mine in warmth. Do friends hold hands? I don’t say a word because I’m enjoying it too much. It’s both exciting and calming at the same time.
He leads the way to the planetarium.
When we get there, I pull my hand away, relieved to not be touching him. He’s just too tempting. I can’t get involved so soon after my breakup. I’m not sure I want to risk even a friends-with-benefits situation with Cooper. What if I get attached?
“Best view is in the back row,” I say.
We settle into the back row. It’s dim in here with constellations on the ceiling. People are still filing in.
I pull out my phone. “Let’s take a selfie.”
He leans close and smiles. God, he’s gorgeous. I snap the picture and post it to my social with the caption: “This guy makes me see stars. Hayden Planetarium fun!” I tag the museum in it too. I’m sure it’ll help them to have people post about how cool it is here.
I show him the picture.
“I guess I did make you see stars since this was my idea.”
“Yeah. Thought it would help out the museum. They like when you tag them. I like to fit in a visit a few times a year. After this, we should check out Lucy. She’s a three-million-year-old full skeleton of an early human.”
“I’ll follow your lead.” His voice sounds husky. A shiver runs down my spine.
The show starts, and I lean back in my seat to take in the best view of the cosmos you can get. I find myself glancing at Cooper regularly to see if he’s enjoying it too. He meets my gaze with a smile that makes my heart beat faster.
