Page 12 of Fumbled Love

I shot her a look. “Atlanta is a big city, so unless I seek him out, which I won’t, I don’t see that happening.”

“Gotcha.” She seemed to ponder my response for a second and changed topics. “Let’s talk about tonight. What are you wearing?”

I craned my neck from side to side. “Probably the same dress I wore last year.” This will be the third year in a row that Chad has guilted me into going. “I don’t understand why he doesn’t take a real date. He’ll never meet anyone if people think we’re together.”

“Because he wantsyouguys to be together.” She stuck her tongue at me, and I rolled my eyes.

“You’ve been watching too many Hallmark movies.”

“I don’t have time to watch cheesy Hallmark movies. I’m too busy living my real life.” She checked her watch and stood up. “Not to mention, all those movies end with a kiss. My nights end with a bang.”

I chuckled and shook my head. “Wait.” I held my hand when she headed to the door. “Do you really think Chad has a thing for me?”

A smile grew on her face. “Fifty bucks says he tries to kiss you tonight.”

I sank back in my chair; my lips twisted in annoyance. “A hundred bucks says he doesn’t.”

Her laughter followed her out of the room, and it was so loud it drowned out the sound of her clicking heels along the tiled floor.

* * *

“Have you started your Christmas shopping yet, Kinley?”

I tore my eyes away from the beautifully decorated Christmas tree and the string lights flickering across the courtyard. Tavern on the Green was an iconic restaurant nestled in the heart of Central Park. I’d walked past this building many times, but this was my first time inside.

“Um…that would be a solid no,” Chad answered for me and swung his arm along the back of my chair.

“I’m a last-minute shopper,” I informed his coworker Brenna. We were the last three left at the table. A band was set up on a makeshift stage in the front of the room, playing a mix of holiday music and soft ballads, drawing the people onto the dance floor.

“I can relate,” she said as a server came and picked up her empty plate. “Every year, I swear off shopping. It’s so much easier to buy gift cards and shop online.”

I pushed the mason jars filled with cranberry and flickering light tea candles aside to make room for the dessert trays. “I’m the same way. I hate the crowds and long lines,” I said, taking a bite of my crème brûlée. Unlike the atmosphere, the food was a little underwhelming.

Chad bumped my leg with his. “Your gift is already wrapped and under my tree.”

“Why do you have to go and make me feel bad?” I teased, swatting his arm.

“You can make it up to me by switching desserts,” Chad suggested, motioning his fork between our plates.

“No way, this is my favorite, so I’m not sharing.”

He snickered and polished off the rest of his cheesecake. Once he was finished, he squeezed my shoulder. “Don’t forget you owe me a dance.”

“No, I don’t.”

He leaned in, and the sleeves of his dress shirt tickled my bare arms. “Please.”

“I’m a terrible dancer, remember?” I said, noticing the band had started playing a slow song.

His eyes twinkled. “That’s what makes it fun.”

“I don’t want to hear any complaints when I step on your feet.”

Brenna raised her glass to her lips in an attempt to hide her disappointment. I sighed because my friend was clueless.

Chad’s hand splayed along my lower back, bringing me to his chest. We’ve danced many times, so why did this feel different? It felt weird, and I couldn’t understand why.

“I never understood these functions,” I said, glancing over at the boisterous laughter coming from the bar area. I was trying to keep the conversation light and shake the weird vibe I was getting from him.

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