Page 89 of The Valentine's Bet

But kisses aren’t everything.

“Yeah, and now you’relivingwith him. I’m not sure you realize this, but you talkwaymore about Parker than you do about Dalton. I can’t help but think that shows where your mind is—and your heart too.”

“Maybe that’s true. But that’s probably just because I’mlivingwith him. I found a new apartment that I’ll be moving into on the twentieth of February, so I’m sure once I don’t live with Parker, I won’t have nearly as much to say about him.” It feels like an excuse more than anything, but still... Parker is my best friend—well, in New York City, at least—and that’s why I talk about him.

“Are you ready?” Parker calls from the other side of my door.

“Yeah, just a sec,” I call out to him and then lower my voice. “I gotta go, but I’ll fill you in later.”

“Just one more thing,” Eliza says, stopping me from hanging up.

“Yeah?”

“Please try not to get so wrapped up in finding a boyfriend for Valentine’s Day that you overlookrealfeelings for someone.”

“Um, okay.” I shake my head. “Love you.”

She sighs. “Love you.”

“You look gorgeous tonight,” Dalton says as we arrive at the upscale steakhouse. “Burgundy might be your color.”

“Thank you.” I blush as he kisses me softly on the cheek. I take in the sight of him in his slacks and sweater. “You look phenomenal as well.”

“Oh, this is Maeve.” Dalton gestures to the woman standing quietly beside him. She’s got long, wavy auburn hair, and the freckles splashed across her face only add to her beauty. She’sgorgeousandtall.

“Hi.” She extends her hand to me and I take it, noticing that her eyes go straight to Parker, who’s standing behind me. “You must be Parker.”

“Nice to meet you.” He gives her a nod. “You look great.”

My stomach knots up as she blushes. Dalton grabs my hand and leads me inside. As I step through the door, I glance back, my eyes locking with Parker’s for a moment. He gives me a half-smile, but it doesn’t reach his eyes.

“This is one of my favorite places,” I hear Maeve say from behind me. “I used to come here when I first moved to the city. I’m from Connecticut.”

“Cool,” Parker says in a light tone. “I’ve been here a couple of times before with my sister.”

“Ah, that’s so awesome you have a sister. I have one, too. She lives in Washington D.C. now.”

“Nice.”

A nudge to my side grabs my attention, and I look up to see Dalton giving me a strange look.

He leans in, keeping his voice low. “Are you okay?”

I nod. “Yeah, I’m fine, sorry. It’s just a weird night.”

Dalton doesn’t say anything before turning his attention to the hostess in front of us. They have a short, nice conversation—all the while, Parker and Maeve are laughing behind me at something that I missed.

And I don’t like it.

What’s wrong with me?

I’ve watched Parker interact with plenty of dates. This shouldn’t be a big deal. I shake it off, halfway blaming Eliza for bringing up my old crush on the phone...

But is it old?

Or am Istillcrushing on him?

I blink a few times, trying to get my wits about me. Dalton pulls out my chair and I take a seat, seeing that Parker has done the same for Maeve.

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