Page 41 of Taking A Chance

Me:The answer is the same as last night.

Lyla:You’re much better at surprises than I am. I’m dying to know and I’m not even going.

Me:I like his mysterious ways.

Lyla:Ok, well use protection and give me all the details after!

Jesus.What is it with her and my brother? She always tells me this, though. Every date, it’s the same advice.Use protection. I could be squeezing in a lunch date during my workday, and she’d still say it.

I put my phone away, flipping it over so the screen faces down. Somehow, everyone thinks this is a magical way to pretend it doesn’t exist. Like you can’t just flip it back over to procrastinate.

I stare back at my computer screen, realizing I’ve lost all interest in this project. I wonder if switching to another will help. Then I wonder if Declan is on social media. Of course, I’m sure his art has its own page, but does he have any personal accounts?God, this is going to be a long day.

* * *

By the timeI make it home, it feels like the longest day in the history of days. I’m so tired, I’m tempted for the briefest of moments to reschedule with Declan, but I can’t bring myself to do it. Three days ago, we kissed. And I fully intend to do it again.

I slip out of my work attire and into jeans and a T-shirt with a cardigan sweater over it. I slip on my bright pink Vans and freshen my hair and makeup. Declan said to keep the outfit casual, so that’s exactly what I’ve done. I’m not complaining, either. I don’t have the energy for high heels or binding clothing this time around.

After I’ve yawned no less than half a dozen times since I’ve been home, there’s finally a knock at the door.

I open it wide and Declan fills the doorway, his head close to the frame. He’s wearing jeans and a T-shirt too. Not the crisp, pressed T-shirts he normally wears. This one is worn, a more relaxed look.

“Hey,” he says, a smile growing over his face.

“Hi, come on in,” I offer, just in time for another yawn to escape me.

“Long day?” he asks. “Or am I already boring you?”

I laugh. “Oh no, super long day actually.” I turn, collecting my purse. “We’ve got a couple of hard-hitting projects we’re working on as a team, and I’m pretty sure if I stop moving, I’ll fall asleep standing up.”

“Do you want to reschedule?” he asks.

I turn to him, but I don’t detect any negative emotion on his face. He doesn’t seem upset about the idea.

“I briefly considered it, but I’m not going to lie, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Or rather, I didn’t want to do it, no matter how tired I feel.” I shrug, offering him a smile so he understands I really want to be here doing this.

“I know I wanted official dates first, but let’s stay here. I’ll be right back,” he says, then disappears to his apartment.

He’s back in a few minutes, with a paper sack in hand. “Let’s break the rule.” Declan extends the bag to me. Inside, there’s a bottle of wine, movie snacks, and a TV remote, which I hold up at him with a quizzical look.

“Yeah, that’s just meant to symbolize watching a movie. No one has DVDs anymore.” He laughs. “Except we’ll use your remote, obviously.”

I laugh, his attempt both adorable and sincere. “Thank you, really. A movie night sounds great. It means I can wear my pajamas, and I’m a big fan of any activity where that’s okay.”

“Well, I’ll go get mine on then,” he says. “And be right back. Pick a movie?”

“All right, what genre?” I ask.

“Anything on the creepy side is okay with me,” he says.

I grab my chest, surprised and relieved. “A man after my own heart.”

The phrase escapes my lips before I can call it back, and my brain and mouth really need to stop using that. It’s just one of those playful phrases people use, but I realize all too late the more serious insinuations.

But Declan’s smile doesn’t waver. In fact, his expression only deepens as he steps back once again and then disappears to change into his pajamas.His pajamas. We will be in our pajamas. Christ, I did not think this through.

I sit the paper sack down and run to look for something to wear that’s both cute but not too revealing. And this is the exact moment I realize I don’t have anything that fits that criteria. My nighttime wardrobe consists of sweatpants, long fluffy socks, and baggy T-shirts. And you know what? That’s just going to have to work. It will be a test, I suppose.Will he still find me attractive when I’m dressed like a hobo?Let’s find out.

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