Page 62 of Twist of Date

I push off the couch and start to pace the space. I managed to convince her to give in and give us a real try.

She’s got to know by now that whatever this is between us is more than we planned it to be. The fire between us. The passion, the need to be around each other are worth the risk of a little bad press.

Surely, she feels it too, right?

My thoughts are interrupted when the bathroom door flies open and the most stunning woman walks out into the room. She doesn’t look up, clearly on a mission to finish getting ready to go in time.

I watch as she puts on her watch and then checks her purse for something. I can’t pull my attention away from her, and if I’m truly honest with myself, I’ve never been able to take my eyes off this woman.

I’m not sure I ever will be.

Chapter 13

STOP PRETENDING

LAYLA

I’ll admitthat I’ve been walking around with my head in the clouds since returning from Chicago with Cole three days ago. The entire weekend was perfect. I chose not to freak out about meeting his brother and sister-in-law. I’m all go with the flow, thank you very much. Instead embracing the moment to get a closer peek into Cole’s life. His family adores him. Why wouldn’t they? He’s slaying his industry, changing the way things are being done. Being with Cole just feels so right and thinking about the time I’ve spent with him puts a perpetual smile on my face.

Which makes everything so much more confusing.

Am I willing to risk my reputation with HEA to see where the future leads with Cole?

One thing is for certain. I need advice and there’s only one person I can think of who might be able to help right now.

The difference between my two best friends is both a blessing and a curse. Cassie wants to be in the know and pesters until she’s got details. Thankfully, telling her Cole and I were just friends was enough.

Stella, on the other hand, is the quiet, more laid-back one. She waits me out. And trusts I’ll come to her when I’m ready.

So when I told her that I was going out of town and needed her to watch Pepper for me, she didn’t ask many questions. When I picked up Pepper, she said, “You gonna give me details?” And I told her yes, but not then.

Last night, she texted me if I had time for a morning coffee date. Truth was, I desperately needed to talk to someone about this situation I find myself in. Cassie can tell I’m floating around all happy. It’s driving her nuts that she doesn’t know why. But I know what I’m doing, sneaking around at the risk of our company, she won’t be happy.

Which makes Stella the perfect person to confide in first.

One step into Sweet Wave and I scan the space for her. I spot her at a table near the front, reading on a small device, a Kindle most likely. A Sweet Wave branded travel mug in front of her and a plate with a giant muffin. If I know Stella, it’s probably chocolate chip. Placing a quick order for myself, going with a fruity refresher type drink, caffeine not necessary today, I skip the sweets.

Truth is, someone brought in donuts this morning and I ate two. Someone needs more veggies and lean protein in her life.

It’s me. I’m the one who needs to eat better. For a day or two at least.

I don’t see Hazel as I wait for my drink. She must be in the back baking or wearing her manager hat.

Before long, I’m going to my friend at her table. She looks up as I pull out the chair across from her and shuts the cover of her Kindle.

“Reading anything good?” I ask her, sitting down.

“Just that new sports romance by Deveny Perry,” she says, sliding the book into her purse at her feet.

“Oh, I’m a sucker for anything by Deveny,” I tell her.

“Me too, and I’m loving Coach. I needed a break from the dark romance kick I was on.” She sighs.

One thing the two of us have in common is our love of reading romance. Being a matchmaker, I find them fun and I’m a complete romantic. Stella started reading them in college and made fun of them. She’s the cynic of the group, but I think they became more to her. A place she could let herself believe in romance and love. She doesn’t think too fondly of love and romance in real life. We all need an escape.

“So. I’m surprised you were available for coffee.” She smirks, pulling a piece of muffin apart.

I sigh. “I need to talk.”

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