Page 106 of Show Me How
Then, Lacey was talking my ear off about it, and we were making all sorts of plans. From how we’d choose our first book and what we wanted our options to be, to whether we wanted to have a theme for the meeting. Location wasn’t really ever a factor in our excitement, and now we’re rushing to find somewhere to host it. We’re only a few days from our first meeting, and I’ve been dragging my feet on asking Shade if we can host it here.
Things have been going so well for us that the thought of unintentionally annoying him has kept my mouth shut aboutthis. Sure, he usually says yes to the things I suggest we do, but this isn’t the same as sliding an extra tub of ice cream into the grocery cart or swapping the old black towels in the bathroom to soft pink ones.
I’d be asking him to invite half a dozen women into his place to talk about smut and the acts of service love language.
“Do we have a backup in case he says no? What about one of the cabins?” I ask, chewing my lip.
“Already asked. They’re fully booked with tourists now that the snow’s fallen. Shelly said the November rush is going to be even worse if we decide to wait.”
“What about the back room of the shop?”
“Sure, if we want to all sit on each other’s laps,” Lacey says with a sigh. “Just ask him, Millie. The worst he can say is no.”
“I feel bad,” I admit, shifting to let my legs hang over the edge of the bed.
“Why? No offense, sweetie, but I think your crush is making you overthink this.”
I laugh roughly, my stomach tightening. “Crush?”
“Yes, crush. The one you have on Shade. It’s obvious.”
“Have you been drinking your grandmother’s moonshine?”
Her scoff is deep, pointed. “No, I haven’t. Don’t try and act confused. You’re into him. And that’sokay. I’m just saying that maybe your feelings for him are making you hesitate to ask.”
“We’re friends, Lacey.”
I think he’s my best friend, actually. The kind I’ve always wanted to have.
“Okay, so you’re friends who want to bone. That’s fine too. But you still need to ask him.”
“Boning isn’t going to happen.” My cheeks flush, heat crawling up my spine before I add, “I’ll ask him.”
She ignores my acceptance and focuses on the first part of my statement.Of course.
“Why not?”
“Because we’re just not, Lace. Can we just leave it?” I ask, exasperated and way too embarrassed to continue.
She huffs into the speaker. “Fine. But that doesn’t change that you’re into him. I’d make a move before it’s too late and you’re driving your pretty ass back home. At least take that man for a test drive. See if you’d entertain the idea of putting an offer down.”
“He’s not a car,” I groan.
“Just think about it.”
“I’ll ask about the book club,” I push firmly. “And you’re going to leave the other topic alone.”
“You’re no fun, Millie.”
I stand, taking a quick look at myself in the mirror above the dresser before saying, “I’ll text you what he says.”
“Fine. Hurry.”
Hanging up, I stare at my reflection for a moment longer. I’m still in my pyjamas, and I haven’t brushed my hair yet. Lacey’s call woke me before my alarm, and with her blabbering tendencies, I probably have next to no time to get ready before work.
Usually, I’d stay in my room until I was sure Shade was in the kitchen or hidden in his room before rushing into the bathroom, but today . . .
I don’t bother changing out of my PJs before pulling my door open and leaving the room. The scent of coffee fills the apartment, drawing me toward the kitchen. Shade makes a full pot of coffee every single morning, even though we only ever drink half before work.
