"And I'm sure yours taste way better than they look," he says with a laugh.
I rub the back of my hand against my chin. "I don't know where I went wrong."
He laughs some more, and we get back to topping our treats.
I'd been nervous about how tonight would go. It's my first time seeing Zane since he and Court had their spat last week. I really hoped things wouldn't be weird or awkward, and thankfully, everything's been fine. We're having fun like we always do whenever we hang out, proving that two gay dudes are capable of being platonic friends.
Just like me and Court.
Okay, bad example. I take that back.
But Zane and I are, and I'm glad. I really do like him a lot, just not in a romantic way.
The class ends, and I spend the drive back to Zane's place ignoring the appearance of and nibbling away on my surprisingly good-tasting chocolate.
"Wanna come up?" he asks when I park outside the low-set home he shares with a couple of housemates.
"I can't. Got an early start tomorrow."
"No worries." His eyes bore into me, and there's a sudden shift in vibe, which I pray I'm misreading and isn't what I think it is. "Well, goodnight."
He unclips his seat belt and leans over the console for a hug.
Except…
When I move closer, he doesn't shift his head out of the way.
So I move mine.
Then he does.
Then I tilt the other way.
So does he.
Running out of options, I grab him by the shoulders and slam him into me. I'll take an awkward hug if it means dodging what would be an epically awkward attempt at a kiss.
I jerk back sharply. "Thanks again for tonight. I had a great time."
He smiles, but the letdown is clear in his eyes. "Don't mention it."
"I'm looking forward to board game night," I say, hoping to smooth over the weirdness. "It'll be fun."
"Yeah. It will be. Um, I guess I should go."
"Thanks again for a fun night."
"No problem. See ya."
He hops out of my SUV and scurries up the front yard to his house. I finally exhale, tension draining from my shoulders.
Oof…that was a close call.
21
Courtland
The front door opens. A snort escapes me, and I jerk awake.
