Page 88 of Under Pressure

“I’m just following Quinn’s lead,” I announce, unable to look away from her. The moment I do, a heavy sense of understanding blankets my chest. “Whenever she’s ready, so am I.”

Because I’m falling head over heels in love with her, if I’m not already there.

Quinn’s eyes round, and it still baffles me how anything I say could surprise her at this point. I’d do just about anything forher. Any time, any place. If she hasn’t realized that already, then I’m left with no choice but tomakeher see it.

Is it possible that I’ve been going too slow? Have I missed a cue or misread a signal?

Ruthie pats my elbow. “That’s good, Beck. Patience is one of our most valuable qualities.”

I swallow, feeling the truth in that statement. It’s reassuring. Without overthinking any longer, I grab my dabber and bop it against the end of Quinn’s. Her brow jumps in question as she looks at me for an explanation.

“You wanted to play another game,” is all I say.

Appreciation overwhelms her features as she nods. “Right.”

And that’s that.

32

“You’re not being serious,”I deadpan.

“Oh, but I am. I’m going to drop him off at my parents’ place on my way to the airport, and then I’ll figure out a replacement once I get back.”

Beck loops Bodi’s leash and collar around his hand while pushing his foot into a white sneaker. The bouncing ball of golden fur wags his bushy tail and bumps against his leg, nearly knocking him off balance. I stare at his thick green travel bag on the floor beside the large bag of dog food and try to ignore the pang in my chest.

Shoving my hands into my hoodie pocket, I divert my gaze. “Logan was good at her job, wasn’t she?”

“That’s debatable. I was already searching for someone else. It was just easier to keep her while I was balls-deep in the season than find a replacement.”

“Okay, well, at least let me search for someone this week. Your parents can’t be watching him all the time. They don’t even need to right now. I can take care of a dog for a few days, too, you know?”

The second the words escape me, I’m desperate to shove them back in. I know nothing about taking care of a pet. Andnow that Blank Page is up and running again, I’m back to being swamped with work.

Even with those doubts clanking around in my head, though, I don’t take back the offer.

Beck narrows his eyes on me, searching my stare a beat before he grins. “You’re sure? He’s a good boy, but he gets rowdy if he doesn’t get two walks a day.”

“I know. I’ve been staying here for the last week in case you forgot.”

“Oh, I haven’t forgotten,” he drawls, his fingers flexing as if he’s debating reaching for me.

Ignoring how badly I wish he would, I say, “So, it’s decided, then. I’ll watch him while you’re away and search for a replacement dog sitter.”

“You’re alright with taking him to the café with you, then?”

I nod once. “You’re right. He’s a good boy. I can pick up a bed on my way and give him full rein of the office.”

“What do you think, buddy? Wanna spend the week with Quinny?” Beck drops to a crouch and scratches behind both of Bodi’s ears. “You’ll have to be on your best behaviour. And I’ll make sure to FaceTime both of you every night so I don’t miss the two of you too much.”

My heart throbs now. It’s not painful, butfuck, it’s close. The way he speaks like we’re both his, like this isn’t my last week staying at his place or a fling that I doubt will last much longer. We’re playing the part of a happy couple with the living arrangements—though I’ve yet to spend a single night in his bed—and fake dates to convince Ruthie that I’m in love for the first time maybe ever.

My first boyfriend was my one and only actual experience with anything close to love, but thinking back on it now, I didn’t feel even half of what I do with Beck back then. And this isn’treal. It’s a weird friendship where we kiss and get each other off while going out and pretending we’re head over heels for each other.

Yet, this is nothing like that relationship. I’m still just as guarded, but he never pushed me the way Beck does. Never tried to get past the walls I put up to learn all the little bits that I keep hidden out of fear. It was surface level. Something to kill the time.

How could I possibly have been romantically interested in someone before when this has so easily overshadowed that relationship?

“You don’t have to do that,” I argue.