Page 127 of Keep Me

“This view is breathtaking.” My chest expanded at the awe in her voice. I hoped she loved this place as much as I loved her. I handed her the glass of wine and kissed her cheeks, never taking my eyes off her.

“Not as breathtaking as you,” I said, clinking my glass with hers.

She laughed, slapping me lightly on the arm. “Stop it.”

“It’s true. I’d much rather think about you last night than look at that view.”

Britt took a sip of her drink in an attempt to hide her flushing cheeks, no doubt. Then she leaned into me, and I kissed the top of her head.

“Did you make all this?”

“No. It’s all food from that deli that you like. You know the one you took me to after every class last year.”

“I still go there now,” she said, reaching over and plucking an olive from one of the bowls.

“You go without me?” I asked, shocked.

“Well, we weren’t exactly talking.” She popped the olive in her mouth, already reaching for some of the dried meats. “This stuff is delicious.”

I watched her pick at the food, humming to herself as she ate. I swear I could watch her all day. She was so cute without even trying.

What took us so long to get here?

“Why did you ask me to set you up with Adam?”

Her hand was about to grab some bread, but she paused and looked at me. “I thought we were over talking about him?”

“We are, it’s just you told me it’s always been me, so I’m just curious. Why did you want to date one of my best friends?”

She bit her bottom lip. “Well, I may have only asked you about him because I needed a distraction from what I was going to do if I didn’t ask.”

I had to think about it for a second. What were we doing?

“Weren’t we watching Max throw a perfect game?”

She nodded. “Yeah, in all the excitement, we hugged, and well, I, uh, remember wanting to kiss you, but I remembered you had Olana, and I didn’t want to get in the middle of things.”

“Seriously?” My brows rose and something that felt a lot like disappointment weighed heavy in my stomach.

“Yeah.”

“Fuck.”

“What?”

“Typical of you, B. Always assuming I was thinking about another girl when it was you I could never get my mind off.” I shook my head, taking another sip of my drink. Maybe the alcohol would take away the bitter taste in my mouth.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about?”

“I was going to ask you out that night.”

“What? B-but what about Olana?”

“I’d broken up with her. I realized I couldn’t hide my feelings for you, and frankly, I didn’t want to. So I’d hyped myself up to ask you out.”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah. Can you imagine how hard my heart broke when you asked me to set you up with Adam?” I clutched my chest as she plucked another olive. Apparently, those things were irresistible. “The most upstanding and dependable guy I know. I thought for sure I’d never have a chance with you after that.”

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