Page 7 of If You Never Come Back
“The ridiculously sexy and well-groomed lumberjack in the red flannel shirt? Yes, I remember him.”
I scrunch the towel between my hands. “We bumped into each other on the way to the bathroom and we sort of, um…kissed.”
Remy’s jaw plummets to the floor. “And you didn’t tell me?”
I explain the awkward run-in that happened by mistake, our hot kiss, and how his friend shouting for him ruined it all.
“Why didn’t you get his number?”
“I wasn’t thinking straight. It all happened so fast.”
“I bet you anything he’ll be back here looking for you.”
“Let’s not get carried away.” I turn off the lights in the back.
Remy grabs our coats from the office, and hands mine to me. “You’re so pessimistic.”
“Realistic,” I correct.
He grabs the keys to lock up and we step outside. Arctic air whips across my face, and I pull my beanie down tighter around my ears.
“I’m just saying,” Remy says before locking the door. “Have a little faith…”
His words fade into the empty street around us. He points a gloved hand down the block. About ten feet away, Wes stands. My stomach does a backflip.
“See?” Remy elbows me.
Wes walks up to us and shoves his hands in his pockets, his eyes pinning me. “I hope it was okay I surprised you like this.”
“Of course.” My stomach flutters.
The slight smile he flashes conveys shyness. I freaking adore it.
“I felt bad leaving things the way I did earlier,” Wes says. “Would you be up for an early breakfast? I spotted a twenty-four-hour diner down the block. I don’t know if it’s any good—”
Remy practically shoves me into Wes, who laughs at the obvious move.
“Shay is always starving after a shift. She’d love to go. You couldn’t have picked a better diner, my man. Best corned beef hash in the city. Have fun!”
Remy pulls me in for a hug goodbye. “Text me when you get home later, okay?
I nod, appreciative of my cousin’s protective streak. He’s only a few years older and is well aware that I can look out for myself, but it’s comforting to know he cares.
Before he lets me go, he whispers in my ear, “As long as your gut and your lady bits give you the green light, go with it.”
I swallow back a laugh just as Remy starts his backward walk shuffle away from us toward his place down the street. He waves goodnight before turning around. Wes and I stand in silence. It’s a beat before nerves seep in through the excitement.
“You ready?” he asks.
“Absolutely.”
Wes touches the small of my back, leading me in the direction of the diner down the block. An intimate yet respectful gesture. He still gives me enough personal space to walk comfortably at my own pace, unlike most other guys who prefer to crowd around me or grab my hand before I’m ready.
His eyes cut from the quiet street ahead to me. “Hungry?”
“You have no idea.”
* * *
