Page 52 of Reckless With You

It had made sense in my mind at the time, but then again, so had a lot of things recently.

I really wasn’t good at this whole fake relationship thing. Not that I was good at real relationships either.

I got into my car, aware that it was getting colder outside, and grateful that I had pulled on my heavy coat with the fake fur trim instead of my regular leather one.

I probably looked as if I were ready to fight the Abominable Snowman, but at least I was warm.

I was also wearing a black top with lace that went all the way up my neck, as well as tight black pants and boots that went up to my knees.

I’d pretty much covered every inch of myself, the fact that I had done so a bit defensively notwithstanding.

Because Tucker had already seen me practically naked at this point. I didn’t want to start off another evening as just friends while walking around nude. And maybe my wardrobe choices were a little bit of me wanting to be covered up for my own sake, as well. After all, I didn’t want to keep showing my boobs to people when it ended badly for everyone involved.

I pulled into Tucker’s driveway. He must’ve been watching for me, because he came out the front door immediately, locking up behind himself before zipping his coat up to his neck and jogging towards me. I didn’t even have to turn off the car or get out. He was suddenly there and sliding into my passenger seat, giving me that wicked smile of his.

The one that did weird things to my insides. But I ignored it. Mostly because this was only a friend thing. He was my friend.

And, yes, if we went on a fake date, he would earn the right to kiss me again. I honestly didn’t know if I wanted that. Because while it had been one of the most amazing kisses I’d ever had in my life, it didn’t mean that it would be smart for either of us to continue doing it. In fact, it was probably the worst thing we could do.

“I see you found the place,” Tucker said, slinking down as he put on his seatbelt.

“I’ve been here before. A few times.”

I backed out of his driveway so we could head to the restaurant I loved. I knew Tucker liked Korean food too since I had seen him eat it. So, hopefully, he would like the place, as well.

“Well, considering this is just a friends date, I didn’t know if I should start with my usual lines.”

I snorted. “Your lines?”

“You know. ‘Hey, did the fall hurt?’” he asked, lowering his voice.

I rolled my eyes. “If you say that I must have fallen from heaven because I’m so angelic or some shit like that, I’m going to have to kick your ass.”

He smiled, shaking his head. “Well, I would’ve said it with a little more finesse than that. Not that I’ve ever actually used that line. They only use that in the movies. Or if you’re really drunk at a bar.”

“Good to know that you’re not that pathetic.”

“Thatpathetic? So, I have a little bit of patheticness in me? I don’t know how I feel about that.”

“I’m sure you’re fine. And, really, this is just a friends date. More like dinner with a friend. We don’t actually have to use the worddate.”

“I kind of like it,” he said, reaching out to grip my hand and giving it a squeeze before letting it go again. I moved my hand from the gearshift where it rested and put it back on the steering wheel. Yes, space would be good. Lots and lots of space. Honestly, we probably shouldn’t even be out tonight, but I really wasn’t good at making smart decisions recently. Or ever for that matter. I could make good ones for work and for family, but not for myself apparently.

“So, where are we going?” he asked, leaning back in the seat. I purposely did not look at him, mostly because I really wanted to look at him.

“We’re going to that new Korean place. Well, okay, it’s not really new. It’s been around for a couple of years. But I always call it the ‘new place’ because I went there on opening weekend, and now I have to go as much as possible.”

“Oh, yeah. I love that place. I’ve been there with Devin a few times. He loves it, too.”

A thick silence fell between us. I was pretty sure you could almost reach out and touch it.

“Should I not have brought him up?” he asked, confusion in his voice.

I shook my head and flipped on my blinker to turn into the parking lot. “No. You should. It’s just weird. I don’t like that we’re lying to him.”

“I don’t either.”

“And I know it was my idea. I just really liked the fact that there was no pity in their eyes. And that’s all on me.”