Page 72 of The Singles Club

“And what else do you love?”

“You.”

That familiar ache shot through my chest. I gently took her fingers off my wrist and slipped my hand from her grasp.

I looked down at her once more before shutting off the light and heading to bed.

Sleep didn’t come as easily as it usually did.

The truth? No matter how much I tried to deny it or push it away, I’d been falling in love with Vivian for a while, and the more I got to know her, the harder I fell.

I didn’t know if she meant what she said. It could just be the ramblings of someone deep in sleep… or her true feelings that she’s too scared to say out loud. Or has yet to realize.

And then there was Paris. I had to be prepared that she might very well get on that plane and disappear out of my life for good, because that was more than probable.

Maybe we could work something out… if that’s what she wanted.

But something told me she wasn’t ready for something more yet. And time wasn’t on our side.

* * *

Vivian was slipping on her heels when I walked into the kitchen. “Good morning,” I said. “Would you like some coffee?” I put in an Italian roast cup in my Keurig.

“No… thanks… I can pick up some on my way home,” she said, avoiding my eyes.

“Did you still want to practice our dance today?” I asked.

She reached for her purse but had yet to look my way. “Um… I’m not so sure about today, but I’ll be there at the studio tomorrow.”

I crossed my arms and leaned against the counter. “You know nothing happened between us last night.”

She laughed, but it sounded forced. “I know that.”

“Then why are you acting so strange? …Honesty, remember?”

She hesitated, her mouth opening and closing. “Pass,” she finally said.

Hmm.

“Okay.” I accepted her right to pass and grabbed cream out of the fridge.

“I still haven’t heard back from Leonard… Are you still willing to be Penny’s backup date?”

“Of course.” I scooped one teaspoon of sugar into my coffee.

“Thank you.” This time her eyes did meet mine, but not for long. She tugged at her necklace. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said softly and headed for the door. If she were anyone else, I would’ve stopped her, said something. I knew in my gut her feelings for me extended beyond friendship at this point… but I also knew that a woman like Vivian would run the other way if I tried to chase her. She had to admit it on her own.

My phone rang, and by the ringtone, I knew it was my mother. “Hi, Mom.”

“Oh, so the big-shot businessman finally answers my call.” She was trying to be accusing, but I could still hear the smile in her voice.

“Or maybe I’m trying to avoid another conversation on how you want grandbabies and if I’m seeing someone.”

She laughed, reminding me of how much I missed home. I hadn’t seen my family since Brock and his wife had their baby. “Well, are you seeing someone?”

“Not really.”

“But…?”