Page 83 of Accidental Roommates

“I wish I could find that guy,” she says, setting the ice cream on the table.

“Maybe you will.”

“Not if I’m committed to staying out of a relationship.”

“That’s true. I forgot about that. No relationships. Only dates.”

She looks down. “Speaking of that…”

My heart pounds harder. It knows what she’s going to say and it doesn’t like it. My head doesn’t either.

“You have a date,” I say.

“Yeah.” Her head lifts, but she doesn’t look me in the eye. “Tomorrow.”

“That’s great!” I say.

But it’s the biggest lie I’ve ever told.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Kenzie

Telling Jace I had a date was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. That proves I have feelings for him, as if I needed proof. I know I have feelings for him, but I’m trying really hard not to. That’s why I’m going out with Neal. So I can find someone else to have feelings for, although I don’t think it’ll be that easy. The feelings I have for Jace keep getting stronger. I don’t think they’ll just go away after a date or two with another guy.

“So where are you going?” Jace asks.

“Just out for coffee. We’re meeting at 10.”

“In the morning? That’s an odd time to have a date.”

“I guess, but I think it’s good. It’s been so long since I’ve been on a date, I needed to start small. The whole dinner and a movie thing seemed like too much.” I laugh, but it’s a nervous laugh. I’m uncomfortable telling Jace this, but I shouldn’t be. We’re friends. I should be able to tell him anything.

“Well, I hope it goes well.” He leans away from me and folds his arms over his chest, like he’s shutting me out. Telling him this, I already feel like we’re not as close as we were, and it hurts. I don’t want to lose what I have with Jace, even though I’m not sure what exactly that is.

“How about you?” I scoot back to the end of the couch and turn to face him. “Have you found anyone to date?”

He pauses, then unfolds his arms and says, “Actually, yeah. I met a girl at the gym today.”

“Oh.” I sound surprised, but I shouldn’t be. Jace is super hot. And also sweet, friendly, outgoing, popular. Girls are always checking him out. He’s just never showed interest in any of them. Until now. “So, you, um, like this girl?”

He shrugs. “I’m not sure yet. She seems nice, but I need to get to know her more.”

“When are you going out?”

“We didn’t pick a time. I told her I’d call her.”

“If things go well with Neal, maybe we could double-date.” I don’t know why I suggested that. It’s the worst idea ever! Seeing Jace with another girl? Am I crazy? My heart’s been through enough. I don’t need to add to the pain.

“I’m not really a double-date type of guy,” Jace says with a smile.

I just nod.

“So what do you like so much about this Neal guy?” Jace asks.

“I don’t know yet. It’s like you said. You have to go out with the person a few times before you know if you like them.”

“A few times? Isn’t that breaking our rule?”

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