Page 68 of Any Second Now
“Yeah.”
“Is it still under construction? I need to use the bathroom.”
“Nah, they actually wrapped up last week so things are still a little dusty, but it’s all usable.”
Ipush off the glass.
“And I’m kind of in the mood for zombies.” I cock my head. “Up for part two of our movie night?”
What am I doing?
“I don’t think we finished Shaun of the Dead, which is a fucking crime. Let’s go.”
I laugh airily and keep my eyes locked on Atticus.
Are either of us unclear on what is happening here? I don’t even mean between us in general, I mean what we are going to do tonight. Right now.
Because he is too eager to take me back to his place, and I was too eager to ask.
Atticus tugs my hand and I follow him through the crowd.
Actually, I think we both know what’s going to happen, even though the words haven’t been spoken. I’ve never had a one-night stand. Would hooking up with Atticus be considered a one-night stand? Am I really planning to do that?
I push away the thought that I need to be careful of my heart and whatever Atticus is going through right now. I’m not gonna think about any of that anymore, at least not tonight.
But as Atticus leads me away from the town square and toward his apartment, which I’d only previously seen on video calls when Lucy was living there, I come to a realization.
I need this thing with Atticus, whatever it is.
I need to let myself fall for him, just a little.
Not all the way.
Just enough for him to help me figure out who I am these days.
CHAPTER 14
Is this Helping?
ATTICUS
You would never know that prior to kissing Raleigh Hayes last New Year’s Eve, I haven’t had a case of nerves around women since my college days.
Which was also related to Raleigh Hayes.
I can’t believe she suggested coming back to my place, but I’m not sure what it means. Does she really just have to use the bathroom and want to finish the movie?
Nah. There’s more to this.
My fucking hand is wobbling as I fit the key into the outside lock to my building. Embarrassing. I can’t even sneak a look at Raleigh standing next to me, because I’m afraid I’d drop the keys altogether, but I know she’s watching.
The key finally goes in and I turn it before pushing the door open for her, doing my best to be as casual as possible.
Raleigh clears her throat and walks through. “So your construction is all done?”
“Yup.” I nod and touch her back as we head toward the elevator. Small talk? Not sure I can handle that right now.
I’ve never been insecure around women. Just like I’ve never been unsure of my hockey abilities.
