Page 28 of Unraveling the Truth About Love
“Ha-ha,” Josh said. “It wasn’t my plan to date her when I brought her here. It just kind of happened. And I like her. A lot.”
“Wait a second. Josh, you just admitted to dating someone. You haven’t admitted to a single date in sixyears. Which takes this dating situation to a whole new level. You know that, don’t you?”
He really was losing his grip when it came to all things Riley. Josh never talked about his personal life with Treat or anyone else. He’d been photographed with models and celebrities, and he’d never once opened his mouth to the media or to his family about the depth, or lack thereof, in his relationshipswith any of them. What was he doing? And why did it feel so good to talk about her?
“Treat, can we keep this just between us?”
“You know Max will be there to discuss the dress, right?” Treat pointed out.
“Between the three of us, then? Seriously. Riley wants to keep it on the down low for professional reasons.”
“She does or you do?” Treat pried.
“She does. I was ready to tell everyone, butshe doesn’t want to be seen as sleeping her way to a career, and I don’t blame her.”
“Wait. You were ready to go public after one date?” Treat asked.
Josh hadn’t thought of it that way. Had it really been just one date? He felt so close to her already. From the moment Rex had asked him to look at Riley’s portfolio, the feelings Josh had had for her all those years growing up came rushing back.He’d been drawn to her again, like he’d been waiting for her his whole life and never realized it. Everything about being with her was different—better—than with any other woman.That’s why I was so ready to shout it from the rooftops after the play. Because it’s Riley.“Yeah, I guess I was,” he admitted. “I don’t know what it is about her, Treat, but she makes me happy. Happier than I’ve beenin years.”
Treat laughed. “I never thought I’d hear those words from your lips, bro. I’m happy for you. Who would have thought you’d end up with a girl from our little hometown? Wait till Dad hears this. He’ll be in hog heaven, making all sorts of plans for you to move back home again.”
“Not happening,” Josh said, and just in case, he added, “Promise me, Treat, not a word to Dad or anyone else.This is Riley’s choice to keep things hush-hush. I respect her wishes, and I’d like you to as well.”
“Josh.” Treat used his most serious tone, and Josh pictured his dark eyes narrowed, his brows pulled together, and his arms crossed over his broad chest. “Riley might be okay with this, but are you? Rex and Jade tried to keep their relationship a secret, and it was really stressful for both ofthem. Are you sure this is the best route for a relationship you might want to build a future on?”
As the oldest, Treat had always stepped in with sound advice. Josh had been thinking about the same thing, and he didn’t know the answer.
“If we tell everyone, she could go through hell on the career front. She’ll get hurt more than I will. People expect me to date anyone I want. In fact, they’dprobably applaud me for dating a newbie employee. People are so messed up. But Riley? They’ll tear her down and rip her to shreds.” His chest tightened. “She’ll be tagged as the girl who slept her way to the top, and she’ll run the risk of not being taken seriously. There is no easy answer, but I do think I’d rather be uncomfortable than have her being hurt from every angle.” He ran his hand throughhis hair, hoping Treat might see an avenue that he hadn’t. “Treat, what would you do?”
“Whew, that’s a tough one. I guess you’re doing the right thing. Small-town girl in a new city, cutthroat business. There’s no easy way around this. Even if you date for a year, and she gets a promotion in that time period, she’s still going to be tagged as that girl.” Treat laughed. “Bro, you really know howto come out of the closet, don’t you? First you say nothing, and when you finally do come clean, you do it with the most difficult situation you could possibly get involved in.”
“Tell me about it.”
“Riley’s a nice girl. Jade speaks very highly of her, and Jade and Max have gotten really close since she and Rex got together. So, my best piece of advice is to be sure of whatever it is you wantbefore taking it public. You’re a Braden. You can weather any storm. But women, they’re different. Even the tough ones are sensitive. They care about what people think far more than we do, and Riley’s bound to get caught in some crossfire that she’s unable to handle.”
“Yeah, I know. Thanks, Treat. Hey, does seven work for you tomorrow?”
“Yeah, seven’s fine. Should we meet you at your place?”
My place?Josh realized that he was already thinking of wherever Riley was as where he would be. He really was moving fast. But it was what it was, and he had no intention of changing it. As long as Riley wanted to keep their relationship a secret, she wouldn’t be staying at his place, and they’d have to show up at the restaurant separately so they didn’t give the impression of being on a date.That meant no touching, no holding hands, no…Ugh.This was going to be torture.
“Do you care where we eat?” Josh asked.
“Never, why?” Treat answered.
“Riley is staying at Savannah’s until she finds an apartment. Why don’t we have dinner there? I can whip something up, or have something delivered, and then the stress of being seen together is out of the picture.”
“Works for me. Where’s Savannah?”
“She’s in LA for two weeks. She let Riley stay there until she found an apartment.”
“Sounds good. Does Savannah know you’re doin’ her roommate?” he teased.
“Wow, Treat. That’s a little raunchy, don’t you think? And no, she doesn’t know. No one knows.”
“I’ll bet Jade does.”
“Maybe,” Josh said, wondering if she did.
“It’ll be nice to see you.”
“You too, Treat, and thanks for keeping this betweenus.”
“Do me a favor, Josh. Have a backup plan. Things like this don’t stay hidden for long. I think Rex and Jade lasted for less than two weeks before Rex lost it and had to tell everyone. Figure out your what-if plan, and make sure she doesn’t get hurt.”
“That’s exactly what I was thinking. You taught me well.”
