the backwards hug like he needed the connection just as much as I did.
“Um … I think that’s just my fabric softener.”
I took a deep inhale. “Whatever it is, it smells great.”
A small sigh escaped him. “Thanks.”
“How was your flight home?”
“Long. I’m glad to be back.”
“I’m glad you’re back.”
“Are we ever going to turn around and face each other?” There was a smile in his voice.
“I don’t think so. I’m enjoying this hug too much.”
“Me, too.”
“For a rangy bloke, you’re surprisingly huggable.”
He laughed, and the sound vibrated through me. He began to twist around, but I didn’t loosen my hold as I looked up. Our eyes met. There was a tenderness in his gaze that took me off guard. His eyes travelled over my face, taking in my every feature before settling for several seconds on my lips. My belly fluttered. Neil brought his eyes back to mine, and I finally released my hold and stepped away. His gaze swept down my body and his eyebrows rose.
“You’re wearing a dress,” he stated.
“That is correct,” I replied with a smile.
“You look … nice.”
My smile widened. “Nice? Is that the best you can do?”
“Fine, you look fantastic.” There was a pause as his cheeks reddened ever so slightly, and he amended, “Then again, I’ve been staring at you through a computer screen for weeks, so anything is a step up from that.”
I swiped him on the shoulder. “Hey! Don’t ruin it.”
He chuckled deeply. “Sorry. I couldn’t resist.” He gave my body another perusal. “It really is good to see you.”
“It’s good to see you, too. I missed seeing your stupid face in person.”
Now he smiled, his eyes not leaving mine. I couldn’t look away either. It just felt so exhilarating to finally be standing in the same room as him. To anyone else, it probably seemed mundane, but I might as well have been on a rollercoaster my heart was beating so fast.
“How are you?” he asked, breaking the intense moment.
“I’m good. Excited for the party.”
“Don’t get too excited. We still have to set everything up, and Leanne’s been nagging me all day to make sure Isaac doesn’t find out.”
“Even if he does find out, I’m sure he’ll fake his surprise when he walks in,” I replied and noticed Neil glancing over my shoulder at the open doorway.
“Do you mind if I close the door?”
I shook my head. He stepped past me and went to close it. My eyebrows shot up questioningly as he turned back around.
“I have something important to tell you, and I didn’t want anyone to overhear,” he said, and my heart started to pound. Was he about to express his unquenchable desire for me? No, that couldn’t be—
“I’m meeting Annabelle tomorrow,” he blurted, and everything inside of me deflated.
12.
Afric
I stared at him, eyes wide. “You are? In person?”
Neil nodded. “I’ve left her messages unanswered for weeks. Ghosted her, basically. I kept telling myself I’d deal with her when I got home, but if I’m being honest, a part of me was just hoping the problem would go away. Then I read a message from her before my flight, asking for an explanation. She thinks she did something wrong and is beating herself up about it. I have a feeling I’ve really hurt her, and I just need to tell her the truth. It’s the right thing to do.”
“I guess,” I said, glancing at the floor.
“You think it’s a mistake meeting her, don’t you?” Neil said, worry in his voice.
“Not necessarily. It’s certainly ballsy.”
“No one’s ever called me ballsy before.” I brought my eyes back to him. There were stress lines on his forehead indicating he’d been fretting over this a lot.
“I think it’s brave. I certainly wouldn’t have the courage to do it,” I told him.
Neil ran a hand through his neatly combed hair. “I just need to draw a line under the whole thing, you know?”
“I completely get it,” I replied, pausing a moment before I asked, “So, do you not have feelings for her anymore?”
He looked away, some indecipherable emotion passing over his features. “Even if I did it wouldn’t matter. I can’t start a relationship with someone based on a lie this big.”
Hmm, that wasn’t exactly a straight answer. I reached out and took his hand into mine. I wanted to be supportive because he’d clearly agonised over this, but I couldn’t help voicing a concern. “What if she gets mad and decides to go public with the story?”