Page 31 of Moonstruck at Midnight
“Thanks for dinner. I had a great time tonight,” I told him. Thomas took a step forward and grazed my jaw with his knuckles.
“I did too,” he said, looking into my eyes. “Can I call you tomorrow? I’d love to see you again.”
I nodded, and he took my mouth in a shamelessly passionate kiss, his tongue sweeping against mine. It was a great kiss. And I wish we were alone so that I could lose myself in it.
But I could feel my back burning, and not only was Caleb standing there but Aaron too. And I don’t know why, but knowing Aaron was there made it feel like my big brother was watching—if I had one. Not a comfortable feeling. At all. And Caleb witnessing it—well, I don’t know what to compare that with.
Thomas had this effortless way of swooping in without warning. And how was I to refuse his perfect lips? Caleb watching—that’s how. I knew Caleb and I were just friends, but I didn’t feel comfortable flaunting kisses in front of him when I’d daydreamed about kissinghimmore than a few times already. For more than a few years. Damn it.
Our friendship was … complicated. I know that.
I found the strength to pull away from Thomas and said, “Um—sorry. It’s just that—” I jerked my head at my security detail.
“I get it,” he whispered with faint laugh, kissing my cheek. “I’ll call you. Good night.”
I hoped hewouldcall me the next day because he ghosted me for a month the last time I saw him. So, you never know.
Thomas wandered away, and I walked inside the apartment building as I avoided making eye-contact with Caleb. I looked over my shoulder, and he was talking to Aaron. He didn’t offer to walk me back as he always did. I guess I deserved it. I probably wouldn’t want to walk me back either if I were him.
My phone buzzed as I waited for the elevator.
Thomas:I know I said it a few times already, but I had a great time tonight. Maybe we could go to the park tomorrow, and you can bring your camera?
Me:I’d love that. I had a great time too.
The elevator doors opened as I was putting my phone away, and out came William, Tobias, and Eric. They were drunk, as promised. I didn’t know how old Eric was, but surely not old enough to drink like that.
“Billie!” Eric cried and went in for a hug.Oh,okay.
“Um, hi!” I said, trying not to look uncomfortable as I pulled away from Eric’s embrace.
William held a beer in his hand and took a few sips as he stared at me with lowered lids—that same intoxicating cologne flowing my way. He kept looking at me as he did earlier when I met him. He was making me nervous.
“You look pretty,” Tobias said with a grin. I pressed my lips and thanked him with a nod. “We’re gonna get some pizza. Do you want to come?”
“Actually, I just had dinner. But maybe some other time?” I replied.
“Miss Murphy,” Aaron interrupted. He took a few steps closer to me and nodded at the brothers. “Mr. Hill left his wallet in the car.” He gave it to me and walked back out to join Caleb.
I placed the wallet in my purse, and my phone buzzed. It was Thomas calling me. I excused myself to take the call, but the three of them just stood there in front of me.
“Thomas? …Hi, yes. Aaron just gave it to me, don’t worry…Are you sure?Don’t you need money for the cab? …Oh, I see…Okay, tomorrow then…You too. Good night.”
I hung up with a smile on my face.
“Who’s Thomas?” William asked, his voice all husky and dark, fading my smile a beat later.
“Um …” I trailed off as I struggled with the question. He wasn’t a friend, but he wasn’t my boyfriend. Yet. “A friend.” Final answer. But my reply came out more like a question.
William shot me a smug look, seemingly aware of my predicament. He drained his beer and turned around to dispose of it in the trash can beside the elevator.
“And he leaves his wallet to secure another date?” he asked, walking back with a smirk drawn on his face. “Sneaky little fellow.”
Little fellow…
“I don’t think that’s what happened.”
William was obviously drunk, but what the hell was his problem?
