Page 91 of Never Not Friends

My heart pounds, a mixture of anticipation and nerves.

I could easily step back and end this with a simple, ‘Thanks for coming with me.’

But I need this, so I stay put.

His hand reaches up, fingers cupping my cheek. “We wouldn’t want to upset Chili.”

“No, we wouldn’t.”

I look up at Shane’s dark hair and warm brown eyes. At the guy who’s made me laugh more times in the last few weeks than I ever expected I could. A man who keeps showing up, and asking me out, and making it very clear that he likes me.

A man who keeps choosing me.

“Do you think Chili would be okay if I kissed you?”

“I don’t think he would mind,” I say.

His other hand finds my waist, and then he leans in.

I close my eyes.

His lips touch mine.

And it’s good.

Like, I know it’s been a long time, but it’s more than that.

It’s really good.

Warm and soft and exciting at the same time.

Enough that I kiss him back.

I settle into the slow rhythm of the kiss, my heart racing.

When he pulls back, I’m smiling before I even open my eyes.

“Well,” he murmurs.

I laugh softly. “Well.”

He steps back, his fingers sliding off my waist. “After a kiss like that, I wish even more that I didn’t have to work this weekend.”

I laugh again. “I’ll be busy with Juliet’s bridal shower anyway.”

“Let me know if you need a ride to and from the shower. I know a good Uber driver.”

“Sounds good.”

“Good night, Emma.”

“Good night.”

I watch him walk back to his car, and for once, I don’t immediately pick apart what just happened, or compare Shane to Vinny, or wish that I had kissed Vinny instead.

I just stand there, proud that I let myself feel something for another man.

It’s a small step.