Page 12 of About Time You Noticed

Her heart leaped into her throat. What a question to ask her, of all people? He had no clue she’d crushed on him for years. Becca didn’t know either. Sarah would never admit it to Tommy's sister. Despite them being close friends, she couldn't risk it.

Sarah pushed Tommy upright. "Thirty isn't old."

"You didn't answer my question. I'm not that bad, am I?"

Sarah allowed her gaze to travel over his fit physique. Was he teasing? The guy was built like a pro soccer player. His t-shirt stretched across a firm chest, and toned calf muscles showed he worked out. "Sure. A single woman in her twenties would think you're . . . all right."

"Ha. See, Paul. I pass." He held his forefinger an inch to his thumb. "Just." He reached over to Sarah and flicked her ponytail to her cheek. "Only all right, huh? Generous with your compliments, aren't you?" He faced the TV and played the app.

Sarah willed her beating heart to slow down. It was all in her mind, Tommy flirting with her. Like all the years she'd gotten her hopes up, it amounted to nothing. A date with Edward couldn't come soon enough.

***

AFTER THE FIRST EPISODE of Dry Bar, Becca crawled off Paul's lap and stretched. "We should get going. I have the early shift at the ski resort."

Paul pushed himself from the chair, standing a foot taller than Becca. "Let me thank your mom."

Tommy brushed Sarah's shoulder. "Wanna stay and watch another episode?"

The simple touch sent a shiver along her arm. "Sure." If Becca thought anything of Sarah staying longer, she didn't show it.

Paul ruffled Tommy's hair. "Good seeing you, old man. Have your game on for our soccer match. We're slipping down the ladder."

"Tell that to Ethan. He's the one who let the last goal get through."

"Mm-hm. Ethan's not as competitive since he married Emily. He’s gained a few pounds too."

Tommy leaned forward and poked Paul's belly. "Not the only one."

Paul circled his stomach. "Proud of this baby. Your sister is a good cook." He rested his arm over Becca's shoulder and pulled her into a hug, kissing her head.

"You guys make me sick. All over each other all the time."

Becca plunked a fist on her hip. "Wait until you fall in love, Tommy. You won't know yourself."

Sarah took a slow breath and exhaled. Seeing Tommy all over another woman would be torture. Hopefully, she'd meet someone before he did.

Tommy smacked Paul's leg. "Get out of here. You're blocking the TV."

Paul laughed and led his wife to the kitchen.

Tommy faced Sarah and rolled his eyes. "Kids these days." He clicked on the next episode, and the theme song blared. He leaned back into the couch and rested his arm across the backrest, his hand a few inches higher than her shoulder. An urge to rest her head closer to his palm flipped her stomach. What would it be like to cuddle up to Tommy? She shook her head. Silly idea. Not happening.

Tommy’s long finger tickled her shoulder. "You okay? Why are you shaking your head? Don't like the comedian?"

She sat straighter and moved away from his touch. "Maybe try the next. The one about Costco looks funny."

On the sidebar, Tommy scrolled to the image of a bald guy screwing up his face. The title above read, 'Got it at Costco.'

After clicking play, the comedian rambled on about the ridiculous items one could buy at Costco and how much his credit card hurt after each shopping trip.

"My girlfriend pointed at the ten-thousand-dollar ring and gasped, "I love that one." He paced the stage. "I'm like, honey, babe, you don't want people to ask, 'Which jeweler did he buy it from?"

The audience laughed.

"What about the guy at the security door armed with a highlighter, checking the receipts, so no one steals anything." He scoffed. "They don't sell anything smaller than a kid. What’re you gonna do? Hide a lifetime supply of toilet paper under your jacket?"

Tommy snorted.

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