Page 17 of 10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love

He blinks at me. “What’s a foot five?”

“Like, you just hold out your foot…like this…” He watches my demonstration but doesn’t put his own foot out in return. That’s fine. “And then you just kindatap. Right? Like a little side foot five.”

He looks as if he’s battling laughter. “Don’t change, Brad. We can hug on it if you want.”

“You sure?”

“Positive.”

Relieved, I pull Joey in. He’s not that much taller than my six feet, so it’s a good fit. Like last time, his arms swamp me, and I let out a breath at the welcome squeeze. I think Joey might be a better hugger than any of my past girlfriends. Which, nothing against them, but their arms were much smaller. And with the exception of Jane, who was wicked strong and, honestly, scaredme a bit, they all liked being the ones who were swamped inmyarms.

I like being on this side of things. Being the smaller one for a change. Feels nice.

Secure.

“You have to tell me if I do anything that makes you uncomfortable,” I tell him. “I don’t want things to get weird.”

His laugh passes near my ear, those thick arms giving me another squeeze. “Same.”

“Dude. There’s literally nothing you could do that would make me uncomfortable. At least, I don’t think. You’re a good hugger, by the way. You’re all warm, and you smell nice.”

“I…smell nice?” he asks.

“Yeah. Would it be odd if I asked what soap you use? Actually, never mind. Matching scents might be a step too far, huh?”

He huffs a laugh. “This is a long hug.”

“Iknow, man. It’s great. Did you know if you hug someone for at least six seconds, your body releases endorphins that make you happy and calm? And the longer you go, the more endorphins you get. Kinda like sex, probably.”

Joey grunts.

“So I figure if we hug for sixty seconds instead of six, we’re getting, like, ten times the happiness.”

“Makes sense.”

Right? And if I can make Joey a little happier after everything that went down tonight, I’ll feel better. He said it’s not my fault, butfuck, I sure feel to blame. There has to be something I can do to make it up to him. He thought he was going on a date, only to strike out with a straight dude.

“Joey,” I whisper. “I have the best idea.”

“I’m…almost afraid to ask.”

I lean back, placing my hands on his shoulders. “I’m going to help you findthe one.”

His mouth pops open.

“Yes!” I insist. “It’s the least I can do. I’m gonna be your wingman, bro! Say yes.”

“I…yes?”

“Yesss. You’re not gonna regret this. Let’s meet up tomorrow. Unless you’re busy? I’ll make a list. Yep. We’ve totally got this, dude. Tomorrow?”

“Uh, sure?”

“Okay, good.” I give Joey a little shove. “Go home so it can be tomorrow. Wait. One more hug for the road?”

There’s another laugh. “I think I’m good.”

“Yeah, okay, man. Sleep tight! See you in the morning.”

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