Page 12 of 10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love

Brad locks his door and turns my way. “Ready to go?”

Fuck, I think so. I nod, and the two of us head down the hall.

“It’s, uh, nice to see you,” I say, rather belatedly.

“You, too, man. Where are we going?”

“A small steakhouse nearby. Is that all right?”

“Are you kidding me? I love meat in my mouth.”

I stagger a step, honestly not sure whether or not he meant for that to sound so dirty. But considering he doesn’t even chuckle, I’m leaning towardnot. Christ.

“Did you, uh, have a nice night?” I ask since it’s been less than a day since we saw each other last.

He nods, holding the door open for me. We step out onto the sidewalk as he says, “Yeah. I hung out with Jason and Cas.”

I try not to cringe. “That isn’t hard for you?”

“What?” he says, glancing over at me as we walk. “No. It’s not like they live far.”

“No, I just mean because you and Jason used to…you know.”

I can’t imagine hanging out with an ex is easy, but Brad doesn’t seem all that bothered. Maybe he and Jason weren’t that serious? Except they’ve been friends since kindergarten. And theylivedtogether. I’m not sure I’d be as unaffected in his position.

“I mean, yeah,” Brad says thoughtfully. “I do miss what Jason and I used to be, but I’m happy for him and Cas. Sometimes…we have to let the people we love most go, you know? If it’s what’s best for them.”

Fuck.

“Do you still love him?” I ask. I can’t not.

Brad’s brows draw together. “Of course. I think I always will.”

My throat feels thick as I check, “But you’re notinlove with him?”

Please, God, say no.

“What?” he says, almost alarmed. “Oh, no way, man. No.”

My breath rushes out of me. “Okay,” I mutter, ridiculously relieved. I should’ve known Brad wouldn’t agree to go out with me if he was still hung up on someone else, but for a second, I’d imagined the worst.

Brad claps the side of my shoulder. “Thanks for looking out. Could you imagine?”

He chuckles, and I shake my head.No, I can’t.

“Well, thank you for coming out with me tonight,” I reply. “I’m glad you’re here.”

His smile is immediate. “Me, too. Besides, it’s not like Jason and Cas want me over at their place all the time. I know I’m a lot to deal with.”

I frown at that. “I don’t think you’re a lot. I think you’re just right.”

Brad stops right in the middle of the sidewalk, causing me to stumble to a stop myself. “Dude,” he says. “I think that’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.”

My cheeks flush under his guileless stare. But then Brad breaks into a wide grin again and nudges my arm to keep going.

“Thanks, Joey-roo. But just so you know, I won’t hold it against you if you change your mind. We only just met.”

“I won’t change my mind,” I tell him. Not possible. Who wouldn’t want someone like Brad around, with his boundless enthusiasm and honest geniality? He’s pure goodness, even if the things that come out of his mouth are, at times, laced with a ridiculous amount of innuendo. The guy makes me happy. How could I get sick of that?

---