Page 18 of Only This Once
Julia laughed. “True. I don’t care what they think.” The curve to her lips faded. “But you usually do, so I thought you should know. Plus, I’d hate to take away your dating pool. They’re not really bad people, just ones who gossip.”
He shook his head. “I’m not worried about them not being interested in me. I don’t date.”
“Oh.” She sat up a little. “I didn’t think you’d be the casual hookup type. At least, it didn’t seem like it, with your wide eyes and blushes while I talked.” She reached out, poking his cheek.
“N-no, I’m not into casual.” He flushed, proving her point, and looked away. “I don’t have a lot of luck with romance.”
She snorted. “Please. People are attracted to you. I’ve seen it, or do you want me to remind you about Tricia?”
“Please, don’t. She’s not my type at all.” He suppressed a shudder. “Too aggressive.”
“I can see that. You’d be into the more romantic type. Still, there are plenty of options.” She patted his shoulder. “If you want a wingman, I can be that for you. I’m good at scoping out options.”
“Yeah. Maybe,” he mumbled, hating that idea all around. Julia trying to hook him up with other women would be like a constant punch to his heart.
“Just let me know when and I’ll be there.” Her hand went to the door. “Anyway, I should let you get home and relax. Talk to you soon?”
“Wait!” He leaned toward her, his heart thudding in his chest when her lips slid into a smile. “Would you want to go out with me tomorrow?”
Her eyebrow lifted. “Likeoutout?”
“I—” Words caught in his throat. He swallowed, forcing his lips to part. “I meant hang out again. As friends. We could go hiking.”
Her nose wrinkled. “Hiking?”
“Oh. Or something else.” He tried to think of anything else. His Sundays were usually spent outdoors.
“No, some sunshine sounds good. Text me where you’re thinking, and we’ll figure it out.” She opened the passenger door. “See you tomorrow.” The Jeep shook a little when she shut the door.
Jesse lost his breath and leaned his head against the headrest, closing his eyes. Julia was experienced and confident and everything he wasn’t. She’d never go for someone like him. Dating her felt more out of reach than ever, but that was a good thing. For a second, he’d almost forgotten that he was damaged goods, the type no one would want, not if they really knew.
Chapter 5
“Wait, did you just say you’re ditching me to gohikingwith my brother?” Phoebe’s voice always sounded louder over the car speakers.
“I’m not ditching you.” Julia wanted to roll her eyes but focused on looking both ways at the stop sign. “We didn’t make plans today. We had to have made plans for me to ditch you. You called me last minute.”
“But I’m more important. I’m your best friend. Ditch him instead.”
“I can’t do that. It’s Jinx.” The street she turned onto was all too familiar. When she came there for the monthly lunch at her parents’, it didn’t feel quite this nostalgic. Maybe it was because she was going to the Holdens’ house instead this time. Their place had often felt more like home while she was young and her mother was in the hospital.
“I get it. You like my brother more than me.” Phoebe sighed heavily into the receiver. “You always did have a soft spot for him.”
“Well, he’s nicer than you,” Julia agreed.
“Hey!”
Julia laughed. “It’s hard to say no to him. I mean, I’m going hiking.” There had been something about the expression in his blue eyes yesterday. Something sad. She hadn’t wanted to turn him down.
“Exactly.You’regoing hiking. I called to offer you an out, but I’m not even being appreciated.”
“I appreciate you.” She pulled into the Holden driveway. “I just don’t need to be saved from this.”
“You’re never the one who needs to be saved.” Phoebe’s tone sounded dull.
Julia put her car in park and frowned at her steering wheel. “Is that such a bad thing?”
“It can feel a little lonely sometimes.” Phoebe’s voice was more hesitant than usual. “You’re always helping me. I want to return the favor.”
