“It’s not funny, Lil. I do love him. I’ve just never said anything like that to anyone before. I know I love him, but the words wouldn’t come out,” She said sadly.
“Give it time. You’ll say it eventually. He’d be stupid if he didn’t realize you feel the same way.” Kella nodded, her face still uncertain. “Anyway, I better go and speak to Dane.”
Kella’s eyes lit up, “Speaking of love…” She teased. Now it was my turn to blush. “Ha!” She cried, “I knew you two were getting serious.”
I sank back down into the sofa, deciding five more minutes wouldn’t hurt. I grabbed my phone, and texted Dane. I’d been planning on landing on his doorstep to tell him, but I felt like I needed this time with Kella.
Come over ASAP. I have news. Love you.
I gasped as I realized what I’d said. Damn Kella! She had gotten thoughts of love in my head, and now I’d done the most embarrassing thing ever and professed my love to Dane!
“What?” Kella said, her expression concerned, “What is it Lil?” I threw my phone at her, unable to even get the words out. This was so embarrassing. I heard Kella’s laughter fill the room.
“Oh Lil, you didn’t…” She giggled, tossing my phone back at me, “You texted him you love him?” She wiped tears from her eyes as I scowled at her. It wasn’t that funny. “Can I be here when he comes over? That’s one awkward conversation I don’t want to miss,” She giggled.
“No,” I growled, “Kel what am I going to do?” I panicked.
My level of anxiety had just jumped a thousand percent. I felt sick. Not because I didn’t love him. I did. What if he didn’t feel the same? I’d been waiting for him to say it to me, preferably while he was half naked and wrapped in my arms.
“It will be fine,” Kella promised, “Look at Frase and me; we’re fine, so you guys will be too.” She hesitated, “So, did you mean it? Do you love him?”
I groaned, “Yes,” I admitted. Even admitting it to myself, I wanted to cringe. I hadn’t felt this way about anyone before, and Kella’s doe eyed smile wasn’t helping things. “Stop grinning at me,” I grumbled. She put her hands up in defense when the doorbell rang.
“Go,” I ordered as her face lit up. Rolling her eyes, she obeyed, but not before shooting me a glare.
“You can’t stop me from listening against the wall in my room,” She grumbled. I hid a smile. At least she was honest about it. Standing up I headed to the door, feeling as though I could throw up at any moment. I took a deep breath and opened the door.
“Hey,” Dane grinned.
Just the sight of him made my heart ache. He wore his usual jeans, though this pair were more fitted and displayed his amazing ass as though it were a showcase piece in a museum. I tore my eyes away from his butt, meeting his amused eyes. His eyebrows were raised.
“Are you okay, Lil?” He teased. I groaned. He was loving this. He loved knowing the effect he had on me. And the worst thing was he really had no idea how every little thing about him sent me into a frenzy. That crazy curl of hair that no matter how often was swept away from his eyes still kept falling down. Or the way the left side of his mouth lifted slightly higher than the right when he smiled. Or how my insides screamed for more whenever he touched me. Or-
“Are you going to let me in, sexy, or are you planning on staring at me all night?” He smiled at me, his eyes dancing. I blushed as I moved aside, gasping softly as he brushed against me.
“You seem very strange tonight, Lil,” He commented. Right, like he had no idea why. Determined to change the subject, I told him about Fraser’s offer.
“So if you can be ready in say an hour, then come back here and we will go,” Dane stared at me in shock.
“Are you serious, Lil? This is huge. Thank you so much,” He pulled me into his arms.
“Don’t thank me, thank Kel and Fraser.”
“I’m thanking you because you’re amazing,” He murmured, “And Kella because she hooked the only millionaire in this town who is actually tolerable. Is she here?” He asked, looking around for signs of Kella’s presence.
“Hi Dane!” Kella’s voice thundered through the wall. I covered my eyes with my hand. She hadn’t been joking about eavesdroppi
ng.
“Thanks Kella! Tell Fraser thanks too!” He hollered. Turning to me, he smiled, “I’ll see you soon,” He said, leaning in to kiss me.
I walked him to the door, shutting it once he’d reached his car. Standing in front of the closed door, I leaned against it. Why hadn’t he said it back?
Kella appeared in front of me, her timing completely coincidental I’m sure. She smiled at me sympathetically. Great, so she’d heard everything. Or more to the point, what was not said.
“It doesn’t mean anything. Look at Frase and me. I haven’t said it, but I do love him,” Kella interjected. She had a point. Not that it stopped the negative thoughts running through my head.
Since I had no idea how long this was going to take, I packed enough for a week, including a dress just in case we ended up going out somewhere. As I lugged my suitcase out near the front door, I could hear laughter coming from the living room.