Page 58 of Wild Fire

Like I want him.

Lacey sighs. “Trust me, he does.”

“How do you know?” I press, checking the clock. I have to meet AJ in twenty minutes, but La Fonso’s isn’t that far of a drive. It’s just down the block.

“How do you not know?” she asks, raising an eyebrow. “Are you blind? AJ’s obsessed with you. He asks about you every time I see him. He spends most of his free time with you.”

“He’s helping me with the house, that’s—”

“And meeting you for lunch on a Tuesday,” she says dramatically.

I glance at the clock again, knowing I have to leave now.

“Speaking of, I need to go,” I say as I get up.

Lacey sets her coffee down, and follows me out, wishing me luck.

The whole way to La Fonso’s, I can’t help but think about Lacey’s words, about my own wants and desires, and suddenly I’m not sure this is a good idea. Nerves are setting in.

I take a deep breath as I park the car and head inside. Just as I am getting ready to text him, I hear him.

“Hey.”

I look up from my phone to see him sitting at the table, and have to do a double take.

He’s wearing khakis and a blue button-down, the sleeves rolled up to expose his forearms.

Fucking khakis.

His dark hair is perfectly styled, not a hair out of place; his facial hair trimmed just right. But it’s the look on his face, that almost hopeful, wishful gaze that strikes me in the chest.

He looks every bit his age, but there’s an air of youthful effervescence behind his eyes, like something… no someone is waiting to come out and play.

“Hey,” I say, my breath catching as I take in the sight of this handsome, complex man who makes my heart beat faster.

And that’s when I realize I’m well and truly fucked.

Because I don’t like AJ.

I think I’m in love with him.

And I’m terrified my sudden streak of luck is about to run out.

Chapter Seventeen

AJ

Nate blinks, looking me over, and I’ve never felt more exposed in my life.

More vulnerable.

I know this isn’t a date. It’s just two friends hanging out. Because I’ve accepted that’s what we are. Friends.

Friends help each other.

Friends have fun together.

Friends have afternoon lunches and text one another.