Page 20 of Simply Yours

“Seriously?” he whispered, disbelief lacing his words.

She held a single finger to her lips in silent command and then lifted her hand in a small, casual wave of farewell.Go.

Jason didn’t hesitate. His nod was almost imperceptible, but there was a weight to it—a silent thank you, an unspoken understanding. He turned, moving toward the door, his footsteps measured but quick.

Caitlin felt something tighten in her chest as she watched him, an invisible thread pulling at her. She shouldn’t care. She shouldn’t let this moment stretch beyond what it was. But when he reached the door, something made him pause.

He glanced back at her, lingering in the doorway, his expression unreadable.

“Do you want to try one of the three C’s sometime, Caitlin?”

Caitlin blinked, caught off guard. Her mind scrambled for footing, for a way to keep this moment from unraveling into something deeper. She forced a shrug, her voice too light, too indifferent. “It’s a daily thing for me.”

She watched as his shoulders sagged ever so slightly, the fight draining from his posture, as if she’d just knocked the wind out of him. And then, without another word, he turned and walked out.

The door clicked shut.

Wait a second...

Caitlin sucked in a sharp breath, her pulse hammering against her ribs. Her stomach twisted as the realization settled over her like a weighted blanket.Was Jason asking her to have coffee with him?Could he actually mean it? Maybe this wasn’t some prank or a joke?

Her gaze drifted to the empty space where he had stood just moments ago, her heart whispering a truth her mind wasn’t ready to accept.

Jason Barnes had asked her out.

And she might’ve just pushed him away… when he was serious.

Oh my gosh.

She grabbed her phone in a panic and texted Matthew.

Mayday! Mayday!

I need a wingman…

I got you, boo… Whatcha need?

Unless it’s sex – and then no. Remember that kiss? Gag – you are practically FAMILIAL and that’s the one thing I draw the line at.

Everything else, meh, it’s on the table. What can I say? I’m adventurous.

You’re a bro-hoe… and that is not why I’m texting you. Why does everything have to be sex? People think with their heads, not their weenies, ya’ big Weenie.

It’s a good thing we’re friends.

Truth!

Now, Whatcha need?

I think I messed up – badly – and I don’t know.

Then you probably didn’t.

Jason asked me out.

Hold up…

MY JASON?

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