Page 43 of The Rich One

“Sure.” He gives me a resigned smile, knowing this isn’t going to be what he wants to hear.

Taking a deep breath, I prepare myself for a quick story time. Hopefully this will help Tyler move on easier.

“You’re a sexy, intelligent, overall amazing guy. Any girl would be lucky to have you. You’re attentive and a fantastic lover, and if life were any different, you’d be perfect for me. But it’s not. Truth is, I’ve been in love with someone for my entire life. My heart is already full, and it wouldn’t be fair for me to pretend otherwise.” I sip my coffee when I’m finished, glancing at him over the rim, reminding me of the way he looked at me last night.

“That’s not what I was expecting.”

“And my name isn’t Rose, but you knew that already.”

His grin is wider now, there’s still some sadness in his eyes, but that will heal with time. I’m not his end-game girl. Whoever that is, will be a very lucky lady indeed.

“Fuck, I feel like such an idiot for showing up here.” He rubs the back of his neck with one palm. “Guess I better call Aaron to come and pick me up.”

* * *

Agreeing to Nathaniel’s dinner invitation this evening probably wasn’t my best move, but after all the drama with Tyler the last couple of nights, it’ll be nice to have a normal conversation.

Kai still isn’t replying to my texts.

The little Mom-and-Pop diner we’re in is perfect for a Sunday evening. Warm, home-cooked food and lots of coffee is exactly what I need. It’s like Nathaniel had a sixth sense when he texted me this morning to join him. As if he knew I needed a little slice of normal.

“May I take your order?” The waiter looks young, probably the owners’ son.

“Yeah, can I get a triple cheeseburger with everything, loaded chili fries, and a strawberry milkshake, please?”

Mmm, Nathaniel’s order sounds good.

“I’ll have the same, please, and a refill on my coffee. Thank you.”

Nathaniel’s face is almost comical as the waiter scribbles on his notepad.

“Is that everything?”

“Is that everything, River?” His raised eyebrow and amused grin tell me he’s surprised at the amount of food I’ve ordered. My reply is a raised eyebrow of my own and a nod of my head. “That’s all, thank you.”

With the waiter gone, we’re alone in our cozy little booth again. I know I’ve thought it before, but if Clark Kent were real, Nathaniel would be him. Minus the glasses. He’s wearing a light-gray sweater, which accentuates his chest and biceps beautifully, and his hair is styled in its usual swept over mess. I could stare at this man and his smile forever.

“What made you choose this place?” What was supposed to be a simple question feels like so much more as I see that sadness flash through Nathaniel’s eyes. He clears his throat before answering, as if he’s deciding what he’s going to say.

“Honestly, my wife and I used to come to places like this all the time. They were her favorite. She said they always reminded her of good, old-fashioned dates. Shit. I just made this weird, didn’t I?” The way he looks at me with such honesty and sadness almost breaks my heart for him. But it’s also another excellent reminder of what this is. A friendship. Nothing more. Neither of us are in a position to take things any further, and I’m okay with that.

“Not weird at all. It’s okay if you want to talk about her, you know? No judgment or weirdness from me. Okay?” I’m just laying it out there, because if I want a new friend—as fuckable as he is—then I have to make the effort.

Also, shyness is cute on him.

By the time we get to dessert, I swear my eyes are bigger than my belly. The half-eaten apple pie and ice-cream in front of me is my nemesis at this moment.

“Oh my God, I think I’m having a food baby.” Leaning back on the red and white bench seat, I rub my full stomach. Again, that sadness in Nathaniel’s eyes comes back. I place my hand on his and squeeze lightly as I speak in almost a whisper. “Do I remind you of her?”

Bringing my fingers to his mouth, he kisses them gently, a sad smile on his lips, and that’s all the answer I get. I’m not going to push for more. This is obviously difficult for him and what he’s shared so far feels like a gift.

“I also need a food nap. You know, when you eat so much that it makes you drowsy enough to sleep for a week? But…” I lean in as if I’m about to spill my deepest, darkest secret. “If you sleep too long, then you miss out on bed time snacks. And we can’t have that.”

He leans in, and our mouths are so close.So close. But he doesn’t kiss me. His lips quirk in that gorgeous smile of his, the corners of his eyes crinkling mischievously.

“No, we definitely can’t have that.” He clears his throat and leans back, like maybe this just got too intense.

“We should get you home then, Sleeping Beauty, before you turn into a pumpkin.”

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