Page 107 of Never With You
“Ah, a fellow traveler.”
“That’s how we connected. I posted something about the best places to travel in Arizona, and we started talking about how much we both love exploring the world.”
Nate nods like he gets it. “The emotional connection you were referring to.”
“Yeah.” Even as I say it, I’m reminded how Nate and I have bonded over the exact same thing during this trip, strengthening our emotional connection too. “We’re going to meet next week,” I blurt as if to keep my mind in the right place.
“Really? Whose idea was that?”
“He suggested it, but I felt like it was time too.”
“How long have you been talking?”
“Ten months.”
“Whoa, that’s long. Like, more than the gestational time of a baby.”
“Exactly. It’s long enough for me to know that I like him.”
The corner of his mouth pulls higher. “After that much time, I hope you more thanlikehim.”
“I guess we’ll just have to see next week.”
“Next week. That’s big. Are you nervous?”
“Why would I be nervous?” I shake my head, trying to seem indifferent.
“What are you going to wear?”
“I haven’t really thought about it yet.”
“Maybe that fitted black dress with those pointy shoes.” There’s a whole lot of swagger rounding out his smile. “Or I like that hot-pink cardigan thing you wear with a pink skirt.”
I blink at Nate. “You have my clothes memorized?” The revelation shouldn’t be that surprising. I have a lot of Nate’s clothes memorized too.
“A few of my favorites.” The charm in his expression is hypnotizing.
“I don’t know what I’m going to wear.” I glance down to break the spell. “We haven’t ironed out any of the details yet.”
“Why not? It’s a big moment.”
My head lifts to add some confidence to my words. “After he suggested meeting, I haven’t heard from him since.”
“I wouldn’t worry about it.” His soft tone somehow makes me feel better. “He’s probably just working a few things out.”
“Yeah, I’m not worried.”
“I bet he’s anxious to meet you…in a good way. I know I would be.”
I flip my gaze to him, ready to talk about something new. “What about you and the girl you were telling me about?”
“It’s complicated, but”—a giant smile appears, creating a knot of jealousy in my stomach—“I think she might bethe one. I just have to convince her of that first.”
More jealousy and, if I’m honest, a bit of hurt. It's not a logical reaction since we just finished talking about the possibility of me and Mr. International, but feelings don’t always make sense.
“You’re very charming,” I say, playing it cool. “I’m sure you’ll have no problem convincing her.”
He laughs. “You’d be surprised.”
