Page 74 of Whispered Promises

I freeze, then glance up. My eyes catch on my reflection, and the person staring back at me is flushed…almost giddy.

I really want to spend more time with Bry.

Me

I’d love it. I’m leaving in 10 minutes. Is that okay for you? x

Bry

Perfect, and I’ll bring the snacks. x

Now I look at the mirror for a whole different reason, a critical one. I want to impress him, for him to like me, but it also feels fraudulent to put on a load of makeup. Don’t I want him to like what’s under the makeup too?

I feel torn. Neither feels like the right option.

I decide to put on a little tinted moisturiser and leave it at that. It feels like the middle ground, whilst still making me feel good about myself.

Smoothing back my hair, I tuck it behind my ears, leaving it down, and rush back into my room. I shove my arms into the cosy teal teddy fleece and zip it up, then grab my bag and offer Moshi a treat as I say goodbye.

I’m hoping soon he’ll feel comfortable enough that I can introduce him to the rest of the flat without him wanting to panic and hide.

Dinosaur-themed sliders on, I pull open my door and come face-to-face with Bry and his raised hand. He chuckles warmly, and I can’t help the smile that rushes through me in response.

“Are you sure you want to come? It’s not very exciting. It’s just me delivering food to people,” I worry out loud, but a little of it eases when he slides his hand into mine, connecting us.

“Couldn’t imagine spending my evening any other way,” he declares, squeezing my palm.

A few deliveries in, and now I can’t imagine doing it without him. We’ve been taking turns, bouncing questions back and forth, throwing all sorts of random ones out there as a way to get to know each other.

“How long have you all lived together?” I ask, not able to hold back the burning question that’s been on my mind for a while.

He laughs, head tilted back against the seat rest.

“Ten years for Nate and Noah—they shared a house at university together. I moved in with them when I was twenty-two, so that was eight years ago. Max and Nate worked together for a while, then when Max needed a place to stay, he came to us. Five years later, here we are.” He shrugs. “It’s an unusual setup, I know. But unless one or any of us decides to go our separate ways, it works for us.”

Nate and Noah, I can understand, as he explained that. But there’s a burning question on my tongue that wants to follow up.

“You’re wanting to ask why?”

How did he know?

Another laugh eases from him, warming the small space around us. But I huff in frustration as I pull up at the next house.

“You're a freaky mind reader. But hold your answer, I’ll be one second.” I grab the piping hot bag from my back seat and dart out. I ring the doorbell, all but thrusting the bag into the customer’s hands, then spin and offer a wave over my shoulder.

Panting, I fall back into the car and turn to face Bry expectantly.

“You know, it’s technically my turn for a question…” he teases, and I roll my eyes with a grin stretched across my face.

“Be quick about it then.”

“Why the dinosaur sliders?” he asks, strawberry-blonde brow perfectly raised over his blue eyes.

My face heats. Don’t get me wrong, I love dressing in a way that brings me happiness, but sometimes explaining that when people point out my weird choices is embarrassing.

“What’s not to love? They’re green, and they have a 3D dinosaur head poking out the top that nods along when I walk, and little feet on the side,” I reply, hearing the defensive tone all too well. I’m already bracing for the laughter and judgement.

“You make a valid point. Now I feel left out and want a pair.” His response is more than I could have wanted. It feels like acceptance.