Page 75 of Broken Hearts
“You say that every day.”
“And it’s always true.” He grins. “Going to the apartment?”
“Yeah. Am I that predictable?”
He laughs. “Want a ride?”
“That’d be great.”
Maverick drives a shiny black SUV with leather seats and a sound system that makes my insides vibrate when the music starts.
“Sorry about that.” He turns it down. “I think I killed the zen of the moment. Pick whatever you want.”
“I’m easy to please.”
“That’s what Rhett said.” He covers his mouth with a fist. “Sorry. It was right there.”
“Hey now,” I say as I laugh.
“I’m kidding, but for real, you’re chill and I think that’s good for Rhett. He’s got a big heart.”
“Thank you.” I angle my legs toward him. “WhatdoesRhett say about me?”
“Walked right into that, didn’t I?”
“Pretty much.”
Maverick leans back in his seat, one hand at the top of the steering wheel. “Not much, honestly, but to be fair, he’s always been pretty quiet. Come on, you can’t seriously be doubting that my boy is digging you. He was out of his mind when he saw that video of your accident.”
“You know that point when you’re spending all your time with someone and it’s going great, but you’re not sure if you’re on the same page?”
“You’re afraid you like him more than he likes you?”
“Yes. No. I don’t know. The heart thing tends to freak guys out. It isn’t a big deal when things are casual, but the second it’s more—it becomes a real thing to them.”
The more time I spend with Rhett, the harder I’m falling for him. I still worry he isn’t ready for something serious and yet that’s exactly how it’s starting to feel. Last night I had a dream that I called him to make plans and he told me he was heading out on a date with Josie. Like, no big deal, just dating your friend.
Josie forced it out of me this morning when I couldn’t look at her, then laughed in my face, hugged me, and promised she’d never do that to me, and I felt slightly better. But I don’t need a psychology degree to figure out my subconscious is worried that I’m in over my head.
“I can’t speak for Rhett, but I know that he’s never seemed happier since you two started hanging out. I don’t think that’s a coincidence.” He parks the SUV in the apartment parking lot and turns off the engine. “I have exactly zero experience with serious relationships and I get that your heart condition adds complexity, but my advice? Tell him how you feel. Worst case, you’re not on the same page. At least you’ll know.”
I hum a noncommittal response as I get out of the truck and round the front. “Maybe I don’t want to know if it isn’t the answer I want.”
He drapes an arm around my shoulders. “You hiding from reality? Nah, you’re too baller for that.”
I lean my head on his shoulder. “Why haven’t you had any serious relationships?”
“Oh no.” He steps ahead of me to open the apartment door. “That’s way more than you want to get into in an afternoon.” His grin is playful and full of mystery which just makes me more curious, but Rhett’s sitting in the living room playing Xbox when I step through the doorway.
“Hey.” He presses pause on the game.
“Hey Sienna!” Adam calls from out on the back deck. The sliding glass door is open, and he sits in a lounge chair.
I wave, then look back to Rhett.
He stands. “I thought you were going to text before you came. I haven’t showered yet.”
My gaze travels over his bare chest “I’m sorry. Did you say something?”
