Page 84 of The Valentine's Bet

“Oh,” he says, frowning. “I hope you didn’t take that wrong. I wasn’t planning on coming up or anything. I ... I like to take things slow.”

“I was just letting you know,” I say quickly, laughing nervously. “I actually prefer to move slowly myself.”

He sighs in relief as he opens the door for me. “Good. I thought I read you right.”

I smile warmly. “You did.”

Dalton and I make the long walk to Parker’s penthouse apartment, laughing and talking about our lives. He grew up in Texas, but his family life is a lot more similar to mine than most.

“I moved to the city for a job—and then I kind of just ... fell in love with it,” Dalton admits, reaching out and grabbing my hand. “And not to be too forward, but I happen to be extra glad about that tonight.”

I blush, letting him squeeze my fingers. “I’m still getting used to the city, but I think I love it already.”

“And the friend you’re staying with...” Dalton eyes me. “Is it someone you knew before you moved to the city?”

“No. I met him when I moved here.” I choose to leave out the way we met.

Dalton gives me an odd look. “Him?” he asks, and realization dawns on me.

“Oh, yeah,” I say quickly. “But we’re just friends. We actually have a bet going right now about me finding a boyfriend.”

He nodsveryslowly. “I see ... and what exactlyisthe bet?” His tone is cautious.

“Well, I bet him that I’d have a boyfriend by Valentine’s Day—which is also my birthday—and he bet that I won’t. Whoever loses has to buy the other concert tickets. It’s silly,” I admit. Now that I’m saying it out loud to someone who doesn’t know either of us all that well, it does seem kind of wacky. “But it’s all in good fun. My apartment flooded recently, so I’ve been staying with him while it gets sorted out.”

“Well, I guess ... I guess that kind of thing happens.” Dalton’s voice brightens slightly. “You know, I actually have a good friend who’s been looking for someone. Is your friend single?”

“Yeah, he is, and we shouldtotallyset him up,” I say, a big grin stretching across my face. “He’s such a cynic when it comes to love, but I think he just hasn’t met the right person.” Something about the last two words causes my stomach to knot up, but I ignore it.

“There’s truth in that...” Dalton’s voice trails off as we arrive at the front of Parker’s apartment building, and I follow his gaze. The street isempty...

Except foroneperson, who’s leaning against the side of the building.

What’s he doing out here?

“Hiya,” Parker greets, pushing off the wall and walking toward us. “I’m Parker.”

“You must be Amy’s friend,” Dalton says, his voice tense. “Were you standing outside to wait for her or...?”

Parker nods and I don’t even know how I feel about it. “Yeah, it’s cold, and you know, there are some weirdos in the city.”

Dalton relaxes. “I get that. Which is exactly why I wanted to walk her home.”

“I respect that,” Parker says, his voice flat. “I’ll take it from here, though.”

“Uh...” My voice trails off as I look back at Dalton and then at Parker. “I think I can handle it, Parker. I’ll be up in a minute. I don’t think Dalton is gonna kidnap me or anything.”

Parker’s lip twitches. “Alright. I’ll wait in the lobby.”

“Okay,” I mutter, watching him as he disappears inside. I then turn to Dalton, giving him an apologetic smile. “Sorry about that. I just think he’s convinced that someone might try to hurt me.”

“I understand,” Dalton says, his voice dropping. “At first, I have to admit that it was a little off-putting, but...” He sighs. “I guess it’s good to have friends that look out for you. He’s right about the fact that this city can be dangerous.”

I nod. “I know the drill.”

“I bet you do. You’re from Chicago.” He chuckles, pulling me gently toward him. Nerves shoot through my body as his fingers trace along my jaw, lifting my face to his. “Thank you for tonight, Amy. It was nice.”

I can’t reply before his lips are against mine, pressing gently. I don’t part my lips and he pulls away, smiling down at me.

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