Page 99 of Love or Tequila in Unexpected Places

“So,” Amira said, breezing past her and kicking off her shoes. “I brought reinforcements. Figured we might need them.”

“You havenoidea.” Allison closed the door and followed Amira into the living room.

Amira sniffed the air dramatically, her eyebrow arched. “So… what culinary adventure are we embarking on today?”

Allison groaned. “Don’t ask. It’s supposed to be chicken stir-fry, but the chicken looks like it’s seen some things. If it’s terrible, I won’t be offended.”

Amira grinned. “Hey, at least you’re trying. That’s more than I can say. Last week, I burned hot chocolate.Hot chocolate, babe.”

Allison laughed, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. “Okay, I officially feel better.”

Amira plopped her bag on the couch and sat cross-legged, giving Allison a pointed look. “Alright, spill it. What’s got you summoning me with your ‘help me before I lose my mind’ tone?”

Allison sighed, collapsing onto the couch. “Angelo asked me to move in with him.”

Amira blinked, leaning in as if she misheard. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Yeah,” Allison said, rubbing her temples. “He just tossed it out there like it was no big deal. ‘Oh, hey, move in with me, no pressure—also, your brothers are still around.’”

Amira’s eyes widened. “Wow. Bold. And you haven’t told him to shove it yet?”

“I don’t know what to do. The worst part is… he’s right. I’m going to need help, especially in a few months. But it’s Angelo. I’m not sure I’m ready for that—or if I even want it.”

Amira leaned back, chewing on her lip. “Let me get this straight: you, Allison Lockwood, who never asks for help, are hesitant because a man is offering it. And Angelo—who is basically a Greek god—is that man?”

Allison gave her a weak smile. “Pretty much.”

Amira tilted her head, grinning mischievously. “Girl, you know you’ve thought about it. The man’s built like a tank—and probably gives amazing back rubs.”

Allison burst out laughing. “Stop it.”

“Hey, I’m just saying!” Amira raised her hands in mock innocence. “But seriously, it’s not a wild offer. You’re having a baby, and he wants to help.”

“I don’t know him that well, Ami!” Allison threw her hands up in frustration.

Amira shot her a knowing look. “Not true. You’ve been talking about him for months, and don’t pretend you weren’t flirting with the idea of something more. So, what’s really holding you back?”

Allison reflected on her friend’s words. She knew the small details about him—his favorite food, a Greek-style lasagna, and his love for the music fromDirty Dancing. But she also understood the bigger, more important things—his character, his integrity.

She knew without a doubt that he was a good man.

“I… well… okay, fine,” Allison admitted with a sigh. “But this feels out of nowhere, you know?”

“Maybe,” Amira mused, “but look at it as more of a partnership. It’s not like he’s asking you to marry him. He’s offering help, and, let’s be real, you could use it.”

“I guess.” Allison paused, her thoughts swirling again. “But what if it complicates things? What if I end up—”

“—wanting him more?” Amira finished, raising an eyebrow.

Allison fell silent. Allison didn’t respond right away. That was exactly the problem. She had this nagging fear that the closer they got, the more tangled up her feelings would become. And then what? Was she ready for that kind of risk?

Amira nudged her gently. “Look, you don’t have to figure it all out today. If it gets too weird, make him sleep on the couch.”

Allison chuckled. “Yeah, the couch.”

“Speaking of weird, how’s that stir-fry? I’d prefer not to die today.”

Allison stood, shaking off the heavy thoughts. “Let’s hope it’s edible.”

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