Page 34 of Unraveling the Truth About Love
Her hand fit perfectly into his as they hurried down the stairs and onto the busy street. The cool night air chilled her cheeks as they walked block after illuminatedblock. Riley was mesmerized by the way everyone moved with quick, purposeful strides. The lights of the city sparkled from every window. Riley could see why people fell in love with New York, but her mind didn’t linger for long on the city. It was too consumed with, and distracted by, Josh. To Riley, New York was no match for Josh Braden.
“So, is this our disguise?” she asked, pointing to theirsweatpants.
“Yup.”
“Cool. We’re incognito. I love it.”
Josh slowed his pace as they passed Lenny’s. “Dinner. I almost forgot.” He backtracked, and they entered the deli. Josh swung his arm around Riley’s shoulder as they waited their turn.
“This is what New York is all about. Lenny’s on a cold night.” He kissed her cheek.
Who cares about Lenny’s?Thisis what New York’s about.She snuggledinto his side.
Josh ordered turkey subs and Diet Cokes, and with the full bag in hand, they headed back into the night.
“What if I hate turkey?” she asked.
“I’m sorry. Do you?” Josh asked.
“No, and I loved that you ordered for me. I’ve just always wondered what a guy would do if they ordered something that a woman didn’t like.”
“Most of the women I’m set up with don’t eat, so it’s not usuallya problem.”
Riley flinched and stopped walking. “Josh, I’m not those girls, and if you’re hoping to make me one, this isn’t going to work. I eat. I like to eat, and I’ll never be model thin.”
Josh spun around and began dragging her back the way they’d come.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“I’m taking you back to the apartment. I mean, if you’re not going to stop eating for me, what’s theuse of pretending?” He drew his eyebrows together and pursed his lips, pulling her alongside him.
Riley laughed as he swung her into his arms.
“See how silly of an idea that is?” Josh asked.
It felt so good to have his body against hers again. She’d thought about him all afternoon, and the emotions she’d been holding in now wrapped themselves around her heart like pythons, tightening with everybreath.
“Babe, I meant what I said last night. You are the most beautiful woman I have set eyes on in a very long time.” He kissed her deeply, then set her back on her feet. He reached down and lifted her chin, another Joshism that stole her heart every time he did it.
“Riley, you are my breath of fresh air. I’m a designer by trade, just like you will be one day, but inside, I’m just Josh Braden,Weston born and bred. I live in New York, but that doesn’t mean that I have the values and morals of a fast-paced racy city.”
Every word he spoke made her heart open up to him a little bit more. He was so different from most men Riley had dated. They sailed the surface, while Josh dove deep. She touched his cheek, then rested her head on his chest.
“Thank you,” she whispered. “Because I canonly be me. I’m not perfect by any means, but it’s who I am, and I like who I am.”
“So do I.”
