Page 138 of New York Love Stories: Vol. 1

Chuckling, he pulls a weed and then looks up at me again. “No. It’s a fine place to grow up. I had a great childhood with few complaints.”

“What few do you have? Maybe you should get them off your chest.”

When he stands, I can tell the winds of his mood have shifted. “I think I’m good. You still want to stay down there?”

I hold my hand up. “I think I’m ready to stop hiding.”

His laughter is heartier than usual. He takes my hand and helps me to my feet. “Do you want to talk about what you’re hiding from, or should we keep things light?”

“Light. Definitely light.” I tap the side of his leg as we start walking. “Nice shorts, by the way.”

“Thanks.” His laughter carries us the next block until we reach the corner.

I say, “I promised Rascal doggie-safe ice cream.”

His arms cross over his chest as he looks at me. “Can’t disappoint the little guy.”

“No.”

“Hey, Juni, before you go, I wanted to talk to you about last night.”

Here it comes . . .

My face is already heating, just thinking about it.

I look down the street. I’m not sure what he’s about to say, but it sounds serious from his tone. I mentally brace myself.

“I think,” he starts, “I could use a friend. If the offer still stands.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.” He shifts to the side, looking down, and I recognize his awkwardness in the slight movements.

Forget the heat of my cheeks. It’s my smile that I have to worry about. I think it’s about to expand right off my face. “I’d like that.”

“You would?” he asks, sounding hopeful.

“I definitely would.”

Satisfaction fills his smile, and his eyes shine brighter. It might be the sun since he squints right after, but I’ll take it because it’s a good look on him. “Okay, we’ll be friends then.”

“Friends.” I stick out my hand again, but this time when he grasps mine, we shake on it.

Our gazes linger as long as our hands stay connected, which is at least long enough for me to wonder if maybe there’s something—No.

Friends.

That’s all.

11

Juni

Officially beingfriends with Andrew doesn’t solve my immediate issues. Mainly that I live in the same building, and he still doesn’t know.Oh, and he’s my boss.

During my first few days at work, we never ran into each other. I have no idea how luck was on my side, but it was a clean sweep for the week. So yeah, that we’re working in the same office will come as a surprise to him as well.

This whole friends thing adds extra complications.

---