“Well…” I hesitated for a second, trying to figure out how to even say it. “I think I might’ve crossed a line with Nora that she didn’t want me to.”
There was a pause.
Then—
“Wait,” Lucy said, her voice shifting instantly. “Did you finally ask her out?”
“No,” I said, frowning. “Why would you thinkthat?”
And why did it seem like she thought it would be a good thing?
“Oh, I just… thought…” she started, then cut herself off. “Never mind. What do you mean you crossed a line? Is this, like, a job thing? Did you ask her to watch Charlotte on a weekend or something and now you’re worried you overstepped?”
“No,” I said, shaking my head. “Nothing like that.”
I glanced up, noticing Owen’s apartment building coming into view as I drove past campus. “Hey, are you at Owen’s right now?” I asked, switching gears.
“Yeah.”
“Do you mind if I stop by? I’m in the area, and it might be easier to explain everything in person.”And easier to read your reaction while I do.
“Sure,” she said. “Owen’s not here, but feel free to come on over.”
“Thanks.”
I ended the call and turned into the parking lot, pulling into a spot before heading up the stairs to the second level.
Lucy opened the door before I even had a chance to knock.
“So,” she said, stepping back to let me in to the small living area of Owen’s apartment. “What did you do?”
“Well… I’m not exactly sure if what I did was wrong,” I said, rubbing the back of my neck as I walked inside, barely taking in the industrial-loft vibe of the kitchen and living room.
“Okay…” She crossed her arms, clearly expecting me to continue.
I exhaled and said, “We went on the hot air balloon ride this morning. It was just the two of us since Amanda and Miles bailed.”
“And?”
“And, well… it felt like—” I shook my head. “I don’t know. It seemed like there was something there. We had amoment.”
“A moment?” She arched an eyebrow. “What kind of moment?”
“A romantic moment?” I said, scrunching my nose. “One where I held her in my arms for most of the ride and, uh… imagined for a second that she might be open to a kiss.”
“You kissed her?” Lucy gasped, her blue eyes going wide.
“No,” I hurried to say. “I justthoughtabout kissing her.” I shook my head, holding my hands up. “But I didn’t. I promise I didn’t cross that line.”
Even if I’d beenveryclose to it.
“Oh,” she said, her shoulders slumping.
Wait? Was she disappointed that I hadn’t kissed Nora?
Was that what was happening here?
“So what’s wrong?” Lucy asked, furrowing her brow as she sat down on the leather couch in Owen’s living room.