But there’s nothing.
No spark.
No electricity snapping under my skin.
No awareness crawling up my spine.
No instinct to lean closer just because he’s breathing the same air.
Jake’s attractive. Objectively.
And yet my body reacts like he just handed me a library card.
Polite interest. Nothing more.
Which is honestly inconvenient.
Because if I were capable of feeling this calm, steady neutrality around David, my life would be significantly less complicated right now.
He could lean closer.
He could flirt.
He could ask me out right now.
And I’d feel polite about refusing.
That’s it. Not even regret.
Just a short no thanks.
The studio door opens.
My heart reacts before my brain does.
Bella bursts in first, glowing.
“That was insane!” she gushes. “Larry, you have to hear the hook!”
David follows behind her.
And the second his eyes land on me—everything shifts.
He takes in the table. The food. Jake, who for some reason is standing a little too close.
David’s jaw tightens.
Just barely.
Most people wouldn’t notice.
I do.
Jake turns, smiling easily. “Perfect timing. We’ve got food.”
David’s gaze flicks to him.
Then back to me.