Page 62 of Up All Night

West:I had no doubt. Congratulations! I’m so happy for you.

Me:Thanks!

Me:The market analysis you helped me with definitely sealed the deal.

West:I’m glad I could help. Can’t wait to see what you do.

I smiled at his text. He was talking about us still being friends in the future, like our friendship would continue long enough for him to see me fulfill my dream. Butterflies took flight in my stomach at the thought that West might be a constant fixture in my life.

Me:I’m having a few friends over to celebrate tonight. If you don’t have anything going on, you are more than welcome to come. Cannon can come along as well.

Please say yes, please say yes.

What? Can’t a girl be excited about a friend coming over? It wasn’t like I’d replayed several moments between us the night of the charity gala. I hadn’t wanted him to hold me closer when we danced. I hadn’t felt like my hand fit perfectly in his. And I definitely hadn’t wanted him to kiss me when we’d been saying goodbye outside my door.

West was too focused on work and the impossible task of winning over his father to be interested in having a romantic relationship with anyone, let alone me. I was just the neighbor turned friend. And we wouldn’t work out anyways. We were too different. We came from drastically different backgrounds. I was a night owl, he was an early bird. I lived in the moment, he planned every second. I was living paycheck to paycheck, he had more money than I could comprehend. I had a mom I had to take care of, he had parents who could more than take care of themselves.

Needless to say we weren’t a likely match. But my mind and body didn’t seem to care because a feeling of excitement pulsed through me when my phone pinged with a new message.

West:That sounds fun. What time?

My stomach flipped. The butterflies were flying wildly around, like they’d all had an energy drink.

Me:9:05

West:Very funny.

My laugh sounded loud in the quiet car. It was too fun to tease him.

Me:7:30

West:I’ll be there.

Me:See you later.

Starting my car, I pulled out into the street, a huge grin on my face as I drove to the building I hoped would be my dance studio, knowing West would be coming over tonight.

I set the veggie tray out on the table with the rest of the appetizers Kate and I had bought for tonight.

I’d invited some of the other trainers I was friends with from the gym, Kate had invited some of the dance teachers from the studio, and then West and Cannon were coming, so a pretty decent crowd would be here tonight to celebrate my good news.

Was I more excited about a particular guest than all the others? More than I was willing to admit. Had I made sure I looked extra good tonight, with my hair down and a fitted casual dress? Definitely.

This was going to be our first time hanging out just because. All the other times, there had been a reason pulling us together. First, I was his trainer, then my car had broken down and I had needed rides to work. Next I had wanted him to use his business expertise to look over my plan for my studio, and then he had needed a date for his work event. We’d never spent time together just to spend time together.

A knock sounded, making me jump.

It was 7:30 exactly.

“I’ll get it,” I said, since Kate was adding more drinks to the table.

I took a big breath, letting it out before going to the door. Anticipation built as I opened it, knowing West would be on the other side.

But it wasn’t West.

It was Ben. And the other three trainers I’d invited. They must have carpooled.

I tried not to act disappointed at their arrival. “Oh, hey guys. So glad you could make it.” I moved out of their way. “C’mon in.”

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