Page 67 of Only This Once
“You’re a lifesaver, Claire,” Julia said before walking away.
Jesse forced himself not to watch her go. “I’m sorry. You really don’t have to keep me company.” He swallowed as he tried to think of something else to say. The bartender dropped off the woman’s drink, so he couldn’t offer to get her one.
“It’s no hardship. Your friend caught me checking you out.” Claire searched his eyes. “I thought you two might be together. So you’re just friends?”
“We grew up together. She’s my sister’s best friend.” The words felt like a lie that tightened his stomach, and he took a steadying breath. “To be honest, I’ve had a crush on her for a while.”
Claire’s smile dimmed. “I see. That’s too bad. You’re pretty cute.”
He knew he was messing this up, but no part of him regretted it. “Sorry. I didn’t want to lead you on. Any guy would be lucky to catch your eye.”
The tension in her shoulders eased. “Well, there’s no reason for us not to chat until she comes back. Honestly, I’m not very good at this type of thing.” She waved her hand around. “You know, the bar pickup scene.”
He laughed. “Me neither. She’s trying to help me get past that.”
Claire winced. “That must be hard.”
He hesitated but shook his head. “I was thinking that, too, but honestly? Any time spent with her is worth it.”
Her smile returned. “You really are a nice guy, aren’t you?” She took a sip of her drink. “So, what do you do for a living?”
The conversation flowed for a few minutes as they shared a few tidbits about their lives. She had an office job and no siblings. He told her about his own job and about his two older siblings. Her expression was back to warm as they chatted, and she told him about her own crush on a coworker.
“I think you should go for it. You’re super sweet, and there’s no way he just appears at your desk at random that many times,” he encouraged her.
She took the last sip of her drink. “Maybe you’re right. Thanks. I think I will ask him out.” She slipped off her barstool. “Looks like your friend is heading back. You should tell her how you feel, too.”
Jesse turned, watching Julia make her way toward him. “Oh, she knows,” he murmured.
“Then she’s a fool.” Claire patted his hand, drawing his gaze back to her. “It was nice to meet you, Jesse.” She disappeared into the crowd, which was getting heavier around the bar.
Julia slapped him on the shoulder. “That seemed to go well. See, it’s not so scary after all, is it?”
He studied her smiling face. “No, I guess not.” He had no interest in anyone but the woman in front of him. His siblings had been right to worry. Watching her scan the room made him feel bad, even knowing she was looking for possibilities for him.
“Did she give you her number?” Julia asked, her eyes coming back to meet his.
“No. It turns out she’s already into someone else.”
“That’s too bad. Wait.” Julia’s eyes narrowed. “You weren’t playing matchmaker, were you?”
He shrugged, rubbing at the back of his neck. “I encouraged her a little.”
Julia groaned. “I almost forgot you used to do that in high school. I swear, it makes no sense. If you can believe in other people being together, you should have faith in yourself.”
His heart thumped as she glared at him. “Yeah. Maybe I should.” He licked his lips, playing with his straw. “Jules—”
She grabbed his arm. “Okay, ready to try again?”
He swallowed the words that had been forming. “I don’t think I’m ready to be with someone.” He couldn’t picture being with anyone besides Julia.
She shook his arm. “This is just practice. I drove you here. You’re not leaving with anyone besides me, got it?” She gave him a look.
The swirling in his stomach eased. He liked the way she said that.
“I’m not going to get things started for you this time. Good luck.” She released his arm, sliding off the barstool and taking her ginger ale with her.
The warmth from her touch lingered, and he took a sip of his own drink as his heartbeat settled. If he showed her he could do this, she might not feel the need to drag him out again. He turned toward the barstool that Claire had vacated, finding two women crowded next to him instead. One leaned into the other, her laughter reaching him and making his simple greeting catch in his throat. He remembered that laughter.
