Page 4 of Austen Persuaded

“So you’ll be OK if we head to the gym?”

“What?” I looked up with a dazed expression.

“Rainn and I were going to head to the gym. You’ll be fine, right? Brandon just texted that he’s on his way,” Rafael said, patting me on the head and pointing to the phone in my lap.

“Oh, uh,” I mumbled, looking down slowly. “Sure.”

“I heard my name,” Brandon announced himself, walking into the room. “Rainn let me in. I was just on my way to a work dinner and picked up some soup and stuff for you.”

“Aww, that was sweet of you, Brandon,” I said, smiling and hoping I didn’t look too wretched, having not seen a mirror in almost 24 hours. Thankfully, the light was still somewhat dim. “Maybe we could fall asleep to a movie or something—”

“Sorry, I can’t stay.” He glanced away briefly as my face fell. “But I had to see you, babe.”

I swallowed my disappointment, ever more painful with my raw, scratchy throat. “It’s—I understand.” I turned to see my roommates waving goodbye as they picked up their gym bags to leave.

“I, uh, brought you some chicken soup, lemon honey lozenges, let’s see, what else,” he said, looking down into the convenience store bag in his hand. “Cough syrup. You like cherry flavor, right, babe?”

“I like …” I started to lie.

Since when am I some simpering miss, grateful for a man’s every thought? I’m Annie York, and I tell it like it is.

“I’m actually allergic to artificial cherry flavor. It put me in the hospital when I was young.” I’d never forget it either. In fact, my mother would never let me forget, as she had to miss a big society party because of it.

“Aww, babe, I’m sorry—” Brandon said, scratching his head of golden blond hair, probably wondering whether he was supposed to have already known this. Yes, I’d mentioned it once before, but we’d probably both been drunk. I tended not to talk about my mother unless I was under the influence. Two bad habits intertwined.

“Brandon, it’s fine. I actually really appreciate that you got all this stuff for me. It’s …” I paused, feeling a big sneeze coming on. “It’s really thoughtful of you. And I am probably still half drugged from the cold meds from this morning or whenever, but I, uh, have something important to say to you.”

His eyes widened a bit, and he straightened his posture. “Uh, OK. I—are you sure now’s the best time? I mean, you’re not feeling well, and I have this work thing soon.”

I smiled, ignoring his protests and wishing I could reach out and grab his hands. “Itisthe best time because you’re here with me. We don’t have to make a big thing of this right now. But I’m gonna say it anyway: IthinkI’m falling in love with you.”

He stared at me, not in the usual way. His lips moved, about to form words, several times. Finally, he pressed his lips together and nodded vigorously. “Babe,” he choked out. “Annie, that’s—you’re so sweet. So beautiful.” He drew in a long breath and exhaled quickly while putting his hand to his chest. “For some reason, I’m the luckiest guy there is, Annie. I’m sure I’m not worthy of you. You’re—”

“What?” I scoffed. “Of course you are. You’re a damn catch, and you know it. We both are. That’s what makes us so perfect together.” I laughed and leaned forward before forcing myself to stay back, wishing I could soothe him with a kiss.

“Perfect together, yeah,” Brandon echoed, his eyes moving to his watch and then back to my face. “Annie, I know this is awful timing, but I have to jet. I can call you later, OK?”

My breath stalled.

Seriously?Now?

“You can, but there’s a very good chance I’ll be knocked out by some strong cold meds again. It’s probably why you couldn’t get a hold of me last night … or this morning.” I turned to discreetly wipe my nose before it could make a mess down my chin.

“I … oh, right,” he said quickly, turning to leave. “Get some rest and feel better, babe. Let me know when you’re up for hanging out again.”

“OK, have fun with the …” I trailed off. He wouldn’t hear me anyway, already out the door.

My face twisted into a grimace. Where were my roommates when I needed them? I wasn’t a fan of extended introspection in general, and I definitely didn’t want to succumb to it while sick.

There was plenty to overanalyze here.

Was this the wrong time for the confession?

Hmm.

What about his reaction to my confession?

He seemed shocked, as though … as though this kind of thing wasn’t a totally normal next step. At least for him.

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