Page 43 of The Bro Date
I shout the words at him in my head, too insecure to voice them out loud.
Indecision flickers in his dark eyes before he sets me on my feet and turns away instead. With a deep sigh, I steel my resolve and try not to let the lost moment ruin our date.
Persistence and patience are key here.
Today has been one of the best days I’ve had in a really long time, and there’s something completely magical about being here with Shane.
I think I’m falling for my best friend more than I thought was ever possible.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
TOBY
Our date to Driftwood Beach was just as amazing as the butterfly house, but Shane still hasn’t kissed me. Not since that very first time, and it has me overthinkingeverything.
Another week of school passes, distracting me from the confusion that is my dating life, but now it’s Friday night, and I’m back to contemplating my entire existence. Shane has a catering gig, so instead of pacing my bedroom alone, I’m hanging out with Tate and Daija at their apartment and having a much-needed sleepover.
“Strawberry margaritas are ready!” Daija calls from the kitchen. “Come and get ’em!”
Tate pauses the TV, and we jump up from the couch where we were just zoned out, re-watchingBridgerton.
“We need to bake cookies later. Before we get too drunk,” Daija says, sipping her drink and humming. “Yum.”
I take a tentative sip, but the sweet, strawberry flavor easily hides how much tequila she most likely put in these.
“Girl, these are so fucking good,” Tate says, taking another large gulp before we carry our drinks back to the living room.
“If either of you spills on my couches, you’re getting a spanking,” Daija says, brown eyes sparkling. “And not the fun kind.” She tucks her long legs underneath her, pulling the turquoise throw blanket off the back of the couch and draping it across her lap.
“Don’t threaten me with a good time, babe. You know I like that sort of thing.”
Daija laughs, picking up the remote and throwing it at him. “Let’s watch a movie, you freak. I’ve seen this episode three times.”
“I already scrolled for thirty minutes before I gave up and putBridgertonback on,” Tate whines.
Daija sighs. “Fine, whatever. That way we can chat. Toby needs to update us on his love life.”
Tate presses play on the episode we were just watching, turning down the volume and facing me enthusiastically. “Well, go on.” He sips his margarita. “How was your latest date? To the beach, right?”
“Yeah. To Driftwood Beach. It was really cool. Beautiful actually. I just . . .”
“You just what, babe?” Daija encourages.
“I just wish it was for real. I wish he really liked me, and I wish he wouldkissme. Something in the back of my brain keeps insisting this is all for pity.”
Self-doubt is a bitch.
I didn’t tell them that we actually did kiss before any of these dates started. It would feel like a betrayal to Shane. But they do know he’s taking me out in order to show me how a man should treat me, and they also know I've been secretly pining after him for years. It’s all just a mess. A confusing, gay mess.
“He likes you, silly! These dates may be PG-rated, but the man is practically in looove,” Tate teases. “Listen, I can recognize a straight boy falling into agay for yousituationshipwhen I see it.” He picks up his phone from the end table, his painted thumbs flying across the keyboard.
“What?” I laugh.
“Oh, yes. That’s totally what’s happening here,” Daija agrees. “He’s so possessive.”
“Those aren’t just friendly, bro outings, they’re full-on romantic dates without the kissing or fucking. I’ve seen this before, honey,” Tate says confidently. “Let me give you the rundown. He’s most likely going round and round in his head, winding the string tighter and tighter until one day . . . it all just goesboom!” Tate shouts the last word with an exaggerated hand explosion, making Daija and me both jump and nearly spill our drinks.
“Huh? What goes boom?” I’m so confused right now.
