Page 55 of How Sweet It Is

I stare at her. She’s right. But last night was different. “Not you,” I say quietly.

Her breath hitches, and for a moment, neither of us says a word. I lean back against the counter and force a half smile. “Anyway, apology accepted. And thanks for the coffee. I didn’t sleep well last night, and I need it.”

She gives a small nod and starts to turn away.

I stop her. “Wait.”

She looks back.

“So, uh. Kiki’s wedding. It’s in six days.”

“Yeah. I know.”

“I’m going.”

“Obviously.”

“And I was wondering…” I pause, hating how unsure I suddenly feel. “Do you want to go with me?”

“I have to run the register. Kiera’s the maid of honor.”

“I’m closing the shop. I’m the owner, and I can do that. So, will you go with me?”

She blinks. “As your date?”

I see what she’s going to say next, and backpedal. “No. Not a date, as a friend. Just… as a ‘someone who makes terrible jokes but still somehow manages to get under my skin’ kind of friend.”

Her lips curve. “Wow. You sure know how to sweet-talk a girl.”

“I’m serious, Amelia. Kiki wants you there. I thought we’d save us both the trouble of finding dates. Unless you want to ask your handsy cousin.”

She cringes. “No.”

“Then…?”

She hesitates for a second then nods. “Yeah. Okay. I’ll go. As friends.”

Relief hits me like a warm breeze. I didn’t even realize I was so concerned about her answer.

She turns again to leave but then glances over her shoulder. “For the record, that kiss? It was really,reallygood.”

I smirk. “You sure? Because I seem to remember you comparing it to gas station sushi.”

“I was trying to protect my emotional well-being.”

“By insulting my kissing skills?”

She grins. “Desperate times.”

And just like that, something inside me eases. Maybe she’s not ready to admit what this is right now, but she’s still here. Still choosing to walk back in.

That’s something.

It might even be enough.

CHAPTER 27

CLAIRE MATTHEWS — SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

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