Page 21 of Whatever You Want

She pulled out her phone, setting it down on her desk. “He really pulled away in the middle of your make-out session?”

“More like pushed me away.” I sat back in my chair and tried to figure out where I went wrong with that move. There was no way I imagined that spark between us, though. Especially with all the effort he took into making my birthday so special. He could have left me at my door after that, but he didn’t. He certainly didn’t need to drive me to a secluded park, load me up on snacks, and stay up to watch the sunrise with me.

“I don’t know.” She shook her head. “Maybe he was just being a gentleman.”

The compassion in her voice had me looking up from my lap. “Or maybe he just isn’t interested in me.”

She set her coffee cup down and folded her arms. “I don’t think that’s it. He could have just drove your drunk ass straight home. Instead, he took you someplace that is very special to him. I think what he did was sweet.” She got a dreamy look in her eyes. “And I’m so proud of you for putting yourself out there and making the first move.”

A lot of good that did me. I wanted to believe that maybe he just didn’t know how to handle me, which was wishful thinking on my part. I was almost sure he felt something too.

“Making the first move was so out of character for me.” I cringed, thinking about everything I said and did. The last time I was single, I was very young. I don’t remember things being this complicated. It blew my mind that people actually enjoyed and chose this lifestyle.

“I think it’s a sign that you’re ready to start testing the waters.”

“I’m not so sure about that.” I laughed it off. “I’ve got so much change going on now with the new house and moving across town. I don’t think I could handle anything else.”

“When do you close?”

“I sign the paperwork next week.”

I should have been happy about closing on a new home because it was perfect. Instead, I was sad. It felt like a final goodbye to my old life.

“It will be good for you and Madison in the long run.”

Aside from Amelia, Kara was one of my closest friends, and I was grateful to have her. She stepped in and made sure the shop ran like a well-oiled machine while I took time off to handle everything around the house when Drew died. It was an adjustment because he did so much—more than I ever gave him credit for. If something broke, he fixed it. Me, I had to call a professional and write a check. Sure, I could handle the cleaning and day-to-day stuff that popped up, but I couldn’t fix a broken washing machine, and I didn’t know how to replace a leaky pipe.

I smiled and looked down at the rings I still wore on my left finger. “It’s going to be bittersweet, for sure, but I’m looking forward to starting over.”

“It’s been a tough year and I know you’re worried about what the future holds, but it’s nice to see you approaching the change with a positive attitude.”

“I don’t have much of a choice.”

My cell started ringing in my pocket. I pulled it out and gasped. “Oh my God. It’s Logan.” I clutched the phone to my chest. Kara squealed, and I glared at her. “What do I say?”

She moved closer and rested her hand under her chin. “Why don’t you start with hello.”

I scowled, brought the phone up to my ear, and hit accept. “Hi, Logan.”

“You picked up.” There was relief in his voice.

“Did you think I’d send your call to voicemail?” I teased, trying to mask how excited I was about this phone call.

“I figured my chances were fifty-fifty.”

Damn. He knew me well.

“Curiosity got the better of me, so your bet paid off.” I cleared my throat and tried to scoot away from my nosy friend. I needed to focus on not stumbling my way through this conversation.

“I just wanted to check in and make sure you were feeling okay today.” My heart fluttered at his thoughtfulness. He was sweet and charming and everything I should avoid.

“Thank you. I’m dragging a little today. Getting older sucks. I guess my glory days are behind me.” I glanced up at Kara, who was still eavesdropping on my conversation. I waved my hand, telling her to go away. Instead, she rolled her eyes and shifted closer.

“Well, that’s disappointing.” Logan sighed dramatically. “I’m starting to wonder if all those badass stories you told me about your college days were all lies.”

“Please.” I could feel my smile growing bigger by the second. What the hell was wrong with me? “You wouldn’t have been able to handle me back then.”

“In all seriousness. It was great to see you enjoying yourself.”

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