Page 26 of Rounding Third

“Well, he got mad when I said I was leaving. I could see that muscle pop in his jaw when he clenched it.”

“Agh! How is that so hot? I swear I love it when I see that muscle pop on guys.”

“He told me he didn’t want me to leave,” I continue, ignoring her comment. “I did exactly what you said. I told him I was going on a date and I swear he looked like he was going to murder someone.”

“But did he stop you?”

“No. He demanded to know who I was going out with and wanted to know why I was going out on a date with a stranger. He was so angry,” I whisper.

“Because he’s in love with you, Liliana! I don’t know how many times I need to tell you this!”

“He’s not in love with me, Win. He could have literally any woman in the world.”

“But he wants you,” she singsongs.

“What if this ruins everything between us?”

I swallow hard as the reality of that possibility hits me. This could push him away. It might not work out the way I want it to.

“I don’t think it will. If anything, I think this will push him to make a move.”

“And if it doesn’t?” I ask as I pull into the parking lot of my apartment.

I grab my laptop bag and purse off the passenger’s seat and push through the front door to the building. Impatiently waiting for the elevator, I debate on taking the stairs.

“Then I guess you’ll have your answer. He’s not interested if he won't stop you from dating someone else.”

“That sounds depressing.” I frown at the closed doors in front of me. Why is the stupid elevator taking so long?

“Oh my gosh, Liliana! Wouldn’t you rather know? Why stare at the man with heart eyes for years and ignore every man who shows you attention because you’re hoping one day Smithy will turn his gaze on you? I’d rather know if there was a possibility of a relationship than to follow him around like a lost puppy for nothing.”

“I guess…” I let my words trail off.

I understand what Winnie’s saying, but I'm not sure if I agree. There’s something so terrifying about waiting to see if he’ll make a move. If he doesn’t, I'm going to feel crushed. I don’t know if I’ll be able to stomach being around him after that.

“What if he doesn’t do anything? How am I going to face him after that?” I whisper as the elevator doors finally open and I step inside.

“I don’t think you’ll have to worry about that. He’s going to do something. I promise.”

“I just don’t want to lose him.”

“And I'm positive he feels the same way. Now, I’ll be at your place tomorrow morning to go shopping. Remember, I get to pick out your outfit and you have no say,” she singsongs.

“I don’t remember agreeing to that.” My brows tug together as I try to think why I would say yes to that. Winnie’s gorgeous and can pull off any outfit, but the same can't be said about me.

“It doesn’t matter. This is my plan and what I say goes!”

I’m just getting into bed when my phone lights up the room with an incoming text. I groan as I stretch and reach for the device. I spent way too much time worrying about this date and how Smithy will respond. I went to the gym and worked out for hours, trying to clear my head. I’ve been working hard to get the body I want and I didn’t want to skip a day, especially when I might not have time to go tomorrow.

Smithy: What are you up to?

My heart beats a little faster when I read his text. I know exactly how this conversation will go. It’s the same one we have multiple times a month.

Liliana: I just got in bed. I was going to watch something on my phone until I fall asleep.

I mumble to myself the words I know will pop up on my screen next. I swear I could have this conversation with myself at this point.

Smithy: Come over.

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