Page 125 of Not That Into You

He strides over to Claire and leans down to give her a kiss. He then sits at her feet, still stroking the cat’s fur, before finally acknowledging me. “Hi, Monica.”

“Hey, Elliot.”

He’s dark and broody, with a hard jawline. The cat should look ridiculous in his arms, but somehow, it works. The damn man just looks sexier, probably because his affection for the cat is disarmingly heartwarming.

And judging by Claire’s expression, she agrees.

I clear my throat. “Thanks for sharing your gift basket with us.”

He grunts.

Claire smiles. “We were just talking about Cameron.”

I resist the urge to roll my eyes, quite certain Elliot doesn’t care about my love life.

He glances at me. “Are you going to the Coronet dinner tomorrow night?”

Claire looks at me. “Is that the dinner Hayley mentioned?”

I sigh. “Yes. Cameron’s dad is co-hosting.”

Claire tilts her head. “Are you going?”

“No, I’m flying home tomorrow.”

“Hm.” She wipes a crumb off her lap. “Is the dinner important?”

“Yeah, but I’ve got to be in Ohio.”

She gives me a flat look. “Uh huh.”

I huff out a breath. “What?”

“It just seems like you’re pushing him away.”

“Claire...”

She holds up her hands. “Okay, I’ll drop it.”

I shift in my seat. I know I’m doing the right thing, but I can’t help but feel I’m letting Cameron down. He opened up to me, risked being vulnerable, and I deflected and kept my distance.

Am I pushing him away?

I rub the spot on my chest over my heart. And is Claire right? Do I love him? It seems impossible, but then why is my stomach so twisted up about not staying to support him tomorrow night?

Why does the thought of leaving with so much unsettled between us make me feel jittery?

The champagne sours in my stomach as my appetite disappears.

Swallowing, I take a deep breath before standing up and gathering my things. “I’m going to head out.”

Claire gives me a reassuring smile. “Okay. Text me when you get to your parents.”

“Will do.”

I’m almost to the door when Claire calls out. “Monica.”

“Yeah?”

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