Page 35 of Relationship Goals

Easy would be sonice.

I push the food away from me, suddenly too aware of my attraction to the man sitting next to me in my home on our first date.

My phone vibrates where I set it on the counter, and Luke grunts, reaching for what’s left of my food with a raised eyebrow.

“Are you done with this?” I ask in my Luke Wolfe voice. “Can I eat the rest of your pasta?”

He presses a napkin to his lips, and I hear the laugh he doesn’t quite let out. I grin at him, and he nods as he chews.

Ha!

I push it at him, and he swallows, muttering his thanks as I pick up my phone.

The text is from Michelle.

Michelle:What the hell is going on with you and Luke?

Michelle:There’s a photo of you two on the gossip sites already. Kissing!

Michelle:If he’s being a jackass in any way shape or form, say the word and I’ll send Aces security over there to extract him

I tilt my head, a curious rush of emotions flooding me. Michelle’s worried about me? Or is she worried about Luke Wolfe? Or some mix of both? It feels nice that she’s concerned about me—like maybe I did make a new friend in her today. Or at least we have the potential to be friends.

On the other hand, she might just be bracing for a PR firestorm.

My lips twist to the side as I contemplate it.

I hope she wants to be friends. Truly.

“Extract me?”

I clutch the phone to my chest. “Are you spying?”

“Yes.” He frowns. “Do you want me to leave? I don’t want Michelle Oxford sending an ‘extraction’ team for me.” His fingers make air quotes around the word.

My heart rate picks up, because I know what I want to do. I know what I should do, too, and I settle on something in the middle.

Carefully, I lower my phone, holding it between us where he can see it. I’m about to lay all my cards on the table, and I feel just as nervous as I would if I were gambling with massive stakes.

The stakes at risk here are only my feelings, though, and I make up my mind to be brave.

I tap out a response to Michelle.

Abigail:Luke’s been incredible. One of the best first dates I’ve ever been on! Thanks for asking, though def don’t send an extraction team

Michelle:Sounds like we’re going to have a lot to talk about at lunch

Michelle:Have fun

“Best first date you’ve ever been on?” he asks, scowling furiously.

“Don’t look so happy about it,” I tell him with a surprised laugh. “I might get confused and think you like me, too.”

There. All the cards in my hand, face up on the table.

His frown only deepens, though, his blue eyes nearly disappearing under his thick eyebrows.

My heart slows, heavy with regret, and I look down, running my fingers along the case of my phone.