Page 46 of Craving Paradise

“He wanted dessert, so he’s staying.”

He’s doing what?

“Honestly, it was the best answer as I was able to leave without things getting awkward. So, what’s the plan?”

“Want to head to the pub for a beer?” I suggest.

“Sounds great.”

We head down the street and around the corner to where I know a pub is. I open the door for her, and we walk in. It’s lively inside. There’s a large group of young guys watching soccer on the television, all yelling and bantering with each other. They fall silent when Lauren walks past them and turn their heads as they watch her walk to the bar. I shoot them dirty looks, and they quickly turn away, chatting amongst themselves again.

“What would you like?” I ask as we reach the bar.

“Whatever you’re having is fine.”

We order our beers, head over to a spare booth, and sit across from each other.

“This was not at all how I thought my night would be ending,” I say to her.

“Neither did I. I’m glad it ended the way it has.” She chuckles.

“Guess you’re not having a second date with that guy?”

Lauren shakes her head. “Nope. Same with you?”

“She wanted another one, but that’s not happening.”

We fall silent with each other for a couple of moments.

“I have to get this off my chest as it’s been playing on my mind. Last time we were together, did I do something wrong?”

“Do something wrong?”

“Yeah. When you left abruptly saying you had to work.”

Oh that.

I turn the glass of beer around on the table as I stare into the amber liquid. Do I tell her the real reason why I left, or do I lie? Lauren’s always been open and honest with me so maybe I should do the same.

“I freaked out.”

Lauren frowns. “Did I do something to freak you out?”

“No, it was all me. The burgers and beers in the Jacuzzi, the chats about friends and family while we laid in bed. It felt couplely.”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. I’ll make a note not to do that since it makes you uncomfortable.”

I reach out and place my hand over her. “Please don’t. I like it a little too much, and that’s what scared me.”

She turns our hands over, and we link our fingers together. “Me too, and I shouldn’t.”

“I like hanging out with you. And selfishly, I don’t want to stop.”

“Selfishly, I don’t want you to either …”

“Sounds like there’s a but on the end of that sentence.”

“But there are rules, and as much as I want to say screw the rules, I can’t.”