Page 31 of Monochrome Without You
Trey shakes his head. “No. I almost got married once, but no kids. Never found anyone I wanted to be tied to forever, you know?”
My heart stumbles over his words.Tied to forever.
“Yeah,” I say a little quieter than I mean to. “I know.”
Trey exhales, rubbing the back of his neck. “That came out wrong. I didn’t mean—” He groans. “I’m sorry. I know you’re divorced, and I wasn’t trying to—”
“It’s okay,” I interrupt, offering a small shrug. “I didn’t get married thinking I’d end up divorced.”
Trey winces. “That was a really shitty thing for me to say. I’m sorry.”
“You were just being honest.”
“Too honest for a first date.”
I huff out a soft laugh. “Maybe. But honestly? It’s fine.”
Trey watches me for a moment, like he’s trying to gauge if I really mean it. Then, he shakes his head and sighs. “I do love kids, though. Just… you know, in general.”
A nervous laugh escapes me. Let’s not go down this road.
“How about,” I suggest, “we avoid talking about kids and divorce for the rest of the night?”
“I think that’s a solid plan,” Trey agrees. He exhales, then blurts, “I’m just nervous. You’re really… you’re really pretty.”
My lips press together, heat rising to my cheeks. It’s been a long time since I’ve been called that by someone other than Corbin.
“Thank you,” I say softly. Then, after a beat, I admit, “And I’m nervous, too.”
Trey smirks. “Because I’m ridiculously good-looking?”
I let out a quiet laugh, shaking my head as we stop in front of Cardini’s. “We’re here.”
He opens the door, motioning for me to go in first. The scent of basil, oregano, and red pepper fills the air as I step inside. I scan the room and point to a cozy table tucked in the back. Trey nods, following me over. He pulls out my chair, and I settle in while he takes the seat across from me. His green eyes are warm, observant, watching me a little too closely.
“Do you have a toppings preference?” I ask, reaching for the menu.
“I like it all—pepperoni, sausage, peppers.”
I glance up at him. He’s smiling. Too much. He likes me. And I… I don’t know what I feel. Off my game, maybe. Five days ago, I was dropping off Tate’s backpack, and then I woke up in Corbin’s bed. I should probably dissect that, but I’m afraid if I do, I’ll break more than just my own heart. I’ll break Tate’s, too.
“Sounds good to me.” I return the menu to its holder. “How do you feel about garlic knots?”
“On a first date?” Trey raises a teasing eyebrow.
“I have gum in my purse,” I say breezily.
“Fearless.” His smirk deepens, like he really thinks I’m bold and daring. If only he knew how tangled my emotions are right now.
Kona, the owner, appears beside the table, his brown eyes flicking between Trey and me. He’s known me long enough to recognize what this is, but thankfully, he spares me the embarrassment of calling it out.
“What can I get for you and your friend, Jules?” He pulls a notepad from his red apron.
“We’ll start with garlic knots and a medium thick-crust pizza—pepperoni, sausage, and peppers.”
“And drinks?” Kona asks.
I glance at Trey.
