Snapping Up Love (Insta Love Shy Girl Romance 3)

I nodded, staring into my coffee mug as if it were a crystal ball. “I guess so.”

“Chelsea, men have to deal with shy women all the time. We don’t mean to be pushy, but we want to help people break out of their shells. So by being encouraging, he thought he was doing the right thing and helping you grow. Do you see what I mean?”

I nodded again. “I guess I could see that.”

“He would never want to upset you. You’re an amazing catch. A nice, talented girl who actually understands his business. That’s a bonus.”

Shaking my head, I forced myself to attempt to be logical.

“Wait a second.” Dale looked at me strangely. “You said you guys had a photoshoot at his friend’s hotel.”

“Yes.”

“The two of you together. In a room with a giant bed.” His left eyebrow raised as he gave me a pointed look. “Precisely what else happened?”

My cheeks were flaming. “Not, you know. That. Not exactly.”

Dale reached out to give my hand a pat on the table. “You want my help. Exactly what happened?”

I couldn’t look him in the eye. “Just kissing. And… Um, his hands on me. But he promised to keep his pants on.”

When I finally snuck a look, Dale was nodding. “So he took care of you, asking nothing in return?”

“Yes.”

“Wow. Impressive.”

Closing my eyes tightly, I whispered, “He said that he needed to see my face. When I… You know.”

I looked up to see Dale absolutely grinning. “Chelsea, that’s romantic as hell. You call that guy. He adores you.”

“But he could never be my public boyfriend. And I don’t think I could be a secret girlfriend. That just makes everything seem dirty.”

“You’ve already been a bit dirty,” Dale laughed. “Chelsea, if he treats you well, and puts your pleasure above his own, it sounds like he’s a nice guy. At the very least, why don’t you date him for a month and see what happens?”

“Because he said he’s already falling for me.”

Dale threw up his hands. “What’s wrong with you? Go to the man.”

“But what if his clients judge him for being with the intern? I bet a lot of guys go through a lot of interns.”

“I guarantee, if he has you around, you will be his real assistant.”

I stared at him. “Do you really think I can be both?”

Dale shrugged. “Who knows? Nothing is carved in stone, especially when everything is so new.”

“I suppose.” I was staring off into space again, when I looked up to see Dale looking at me strangely.

“You’re already in love with him.”

My eyes snapped closed and he must have been able to see my discomfort. Naturally, he laughed in my face. “Chelsea is already in love with Ben!” he howled. “Here I’d been hoping you’d find a nice guy for ages, and you go out and fall in love with the first guy you kiss.”

I reached out to smack his hand on the table. “Shut up.”

He didn’t, still laughing at me. Then suddenly Dale grew quiet, picking up my hand and holding it sweetly. “Chelsea, do you love him enough to let him be your first?”

This time I couldn’t turn my eyes away from his. “Yes. I do.”