“I think I can do that.”
I’m going to have to come clean to my friends about what’s going on. There’s no way I can drop off the map for a weekend without them sending out a search party. I’ve kept my phone tucked away since Dash and I left and I’ve been avoiding their texts. I’m beginning to feel guilty about the whole thing and it’s time to dish.
“Good.” He smiles before he presses his mouth to mine. “Pack a bag.”
“I can do that too.”
I look away from him as I try to process what that means. I want to go further with Dash, but I’m just pretty sure there might be some things we need to talk about first. Like his somewhat shady dating past and my lack of experience going home with a man. The only time I’ve ever shared a bed was with Blair's grumpy cat. He only ever sleeps with me when she’s gone and he wants to steal my body heat.
“Just because you’re staying the weekend with me doesn't mean we have to do anything.”
I look back at him and my face heats.
“It’s not that.” I shake my head. “Okay, it’s partly that, but you’ve dated a lot.” His mouth opens then closes like he’s about to deny it but then doesn’t. “I want to be clear before I spend the night with you that this is exclusive.” I motion between us.
“We’re exclusive,” he says instantly, and the same jealousy I saw earlier comes back.
“Okay. I know that some people date more than one person at a time, so I want to be honest.”
“I don’t.” He pulls me close against him. “And neither do you.”
“I actually don’t make it past the first date. You’re the only one to get a second,” I admit, and that makes him smile.
“I can be relentless when I want something.”
“You don’t say,” I laugh, leaning in and kissing him again.
“I hate to say this but we’re here.” I pull my mouth away from his to see we’re outside my apartment building.
With a sigh he opens the car door and helps me out.
“You don’t have to walk up with me,” I rush to say. “That makes it sound like I’m hiding a husband or something, doesn’t it?” I laugh. “I’ve got nosy friends.”
“I could meet them now and put them at ease. You are spending the entire weekend with me.”
“Right.” Tonight’s been so perfect I don’t want to ruin it. “How about tomorrow when you pick me up?” I suggest. That will give me time to talk to them. He doesn't look like he wants to agree at first.
“Tomorrow.” He leans down and kisses me goodbye. I hold him close as I wrap my arms around his neck. A throat clears, breaking us from the moment, and I look over to see Harlow standing there with an unreadable expression.
I push back from Dash but he doesn't let me go. “Hey, Harlow,” I say, feeling extra awkward. It’s worse than I thought it would be since they’ve gone out on a date.
“Hey.” She drags out the word as her eyes go between Dash and me.
“I’m Dash.” He holds out the hand that isn't holding on to my hip to shake hers. Harlow scoffs a humorless laugh, ignoring his hand.
“I’ll see you inside.” She shakes her head as she walks toward our building.
“She didn’t seem happy to meet me.” He nods in the direction Harlow walked as his eyebrows pull together. “Is that your friend?”
“She can be protective.” Does he really not know who she is? “Harlow lives across the hall from me, but we’re friends.”
“I get it. Girlfriends should stick together. There’s a lot of assholes out there.”
“Yeah,” I agree. What the hell is happening? How does he not remember her? Because she clearly knows him.
“I’ll win them over.” His hand slips down from my hip and he squeezes my ass. “You’re going to have to walk away from me or I’m pulling you back in the car.”
I step away from him, not really wanting to leave. I’d rather get in the car, but it’s time to face my friends and get this all out on the table. I want to be with Dash and I’m hoping they can put their judgment aside and accept it.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“You will, but I’m going to text you. I won’t be able to help myself.” He gives me his boyish, excited smile that melts my heart.
“Later.”
I walk into my building but peek over my shoulder one last time to see if he’s still watching. He’s standing there waiting for me to go inside and it’s the sweetest thing ever. Once I take the elevator up, I don’t get a chance to get my keys out of my purse before the door is flying open and Blair pulls me inside.
“Spill.” I see Harlow and Cherry standing behind her with their arms crossed.
“Hey, guys.” I hold my hand up and wave at them.
“Cut the crap,” Blair snaps, and Cherry and Harlow look surprised at her tone. “You’ve been avoiding us.”
I sigh and drop my purse down onto the counter. She’s right and it was rude of me. My friends care about me and I would be hurt if the roles were reversed.
“I’m in love with him,” I blurt out, and no one says anything. They stand there with shocked expressions, so I keep going. “At least I think I’m in love. I’ve never been in love before, but he makes me feel things, and, well—”
Blair holds her hand up, cutting me off. “You think you’re in love with Thanos?”
I nod.
“He didn't even remember who I was, Brooklyn,” Harlow scoffs.
“He was totally checked out on our date,” Cherry chimes in, and I inwardly cringe.
“Well, he wasn't checked out on her.” Blair raises her chin at me.
“He’s just trying
