Page 103 of Even Ground
“We have.”
“And ”—he takes a deep breath—“I like you. Really like you. I was always jealous of the way Delaney keeps Josh grounded, and I don’t think you know just how much you do that for me.”
Oh.
“I’m glad to hear it.”
He lets out a nervous laugh and runs his fingers through his hair. “Women don’t usually make me nervous.”
I raise an eyebrow. “And you are now?”
“You make me nervous.” He runs his tongue across his lower lip, and I can’t take my eyes off it. I blink, look up, and meet his gaze, expecting to see him smirking in that Reece way. Instead, his eyes search mine.
“Why? It’s just me.” I place my hand on his hand.
“You’re not just you. That’s the problem.” He swallows. “I suck at this so much.”
I hold my breath for a moment. The strain is clear from his furrowed brow and inability to drive this conversation forward, but it’s clear to me where he’s going with it.
“I really like you too, Reece. More than our friendship.”
“You do?” His brows straighten, and his eyes search mine.
“It’s weird. It’s almost as if we’ve reversed roles.” I bite my bottom lip. “When we met, I was a little starstruck and you made me nervous.”
He laughs. “I would never have been able to tell.”
“And then I thought you were annoying. But it was clear to me that you’d become friends with Delaney, and if she can put up with you, anyone can.”
He raises his free hand to his face and covers his eyes. “Am I really that bad?”
“No.”
He drops his hand.
“You’re so much worse.” I bite down a laugh.
His eyes narrow. “I didn’t think I was that bad.”
“There are times when I don’t know what to make of you. But you’re a good man underneath all that bullshit. I can see that. And I’ve loved this friendship we’ve cultivated.”
He grimaces. “You’re about to give me the friendzone speech, aren’t you?”
I shake my head. “I already said I like you … more than a friend.”
“That’s how I feel too.” He pauses. “Now what?”
I shrug. “I don’t know. You started this.”
Reece chuckles. “There, that’s why I like you. Well, one of the reasons.” He raises his gaze to the ceiling. “I want more with you …” His blue eyes fix on me. “And I’m not just talking about a quick fuck.”
“I didn’t think you’d flown all the way here for that.” I sit up straight. “Besides, I’m just not that kind of girl.”
His mouth falls open. “I didn’t think you were.”
I shrug and lift my hand to brush my hair off my face. “I could be, given the right circumstances.”
Reece laughs again, shaking his head as he leans back. “This conversation is not going the way I thought it would.” His eyes shine with amusement. “But then, nothing with you ever goes the way I think it will.”