Page 80 of This Life of Mine

I narrow my eyes. “Enjoying yourself?”

“Immensely.” He glances around the parking lot, surveying threats from what it looks like.

“You make it seem like someone might jump out and get us in the parking lot.” I joke.

“You never know,” he says, smiling in return.

He walks beside me, trying to match my slow pace.

“Tomorrow’s going to be worse,” he says.

I cast a look at him. “I suppose day two always is.”

He nods like we’re sharing a sacred truth. “Every time.”

“Why do we do this to ourselves? Work out knowing we won’t be able to move the next day?” I moan.

“Because it makes us feel capable,” he says. “And slightly invincible. Until we try to stand up.”

I laugh as we reach my car.

Before I can even reach for the handle, Alex steps forward and opens the door for me.

I pause and gaze up at him.

He doesn’t make a thing of it. Doesn’t rush me. He waits patiently as ever, holding the door open.

“Thank you,” I say, softer than I mean to.

He dips his head slightly. “Anytime.”

I steady my nerves for a moment before I back-step what I’m about to say.

“I’m not working tomorrow,” I quickly say. “The staff basically staged an intervention before closing and made it clear I’m to take the day off.”

“Good,” he says. “I think that’s a great idea.”

“I wasn’t planning to listen but...”

“Of course not.” He smiles.

I offer a smile in return and delay long enough to grasp the weight of what I’m about to ask—and convince myself not to retreat from it.

“I told myself I wouldn’t do this again but,” I admit, muttering, staring up at him. “Would you like to have dinner with me tomorrow evening?”

The words hang there between us. He’s not a rebound. I’m not using him as a distraction.

Alex’s brow lifts slightly. Curiosity behind his eyes.

“Do this again?” he asks lightly. “I’m under the impression that I should be offended…or at least worried.”

I let out a soft huff of a laugh. “Oh, relax. I meant that I don’t normally lower my defenses to ask men out anymore. Or lower the imaginary walls. Wow, that sounded terrible out loud.”

“In that case, I’m honored.” He says teasingly.

I glanced at him. “Careful. Don’t get cocky.”

He smiles, but his expression changes next—subtle, thoughtful.