My arms folded across my chest as the feeling of vulnerability took over. In all my life, people had always seen me in one way or another.

Rich kid.

Playboy.

Boss.

Loner.

But no one had ever really seen me.

She did though. Maybe more than I saw myself.

“And what am I worried about?” I asked, my voice betraying the heavy emotions I was carrying.

“Me. Or at least I’m hoping it’s me. Otherwise, I just spent a ridiculous amount of money on bagels.”

“You left. What was I supposed to think?” I said, my head falling back against the sofa in frustration.

“I know, and I’m sorry. But try and look at it from my side. I leave my cheating boyfriend, in the middle of the night, and where do I go? Who do I seek out? You. I could have gone to Lauren’s. I could have gotten a hotel room, but no, I came here.”

“It seemed to work out that first night.”

“It did, but I wasn’t thinking clearly, and if I’d returned, especially after that kiss, I would have done something I’d regret.”

My head jerked back up, my eyes wide.

“Let me finish, please. I needed some time. Time to think. Time to process. And I’m not saying I’m one hundred percent okay with everything now, but I’m at least back on my feet.”

“So, you’re not back together with him?” I asked, feeling like a dumbass but needing to know for sure that he was out of her life. For good.

“No.” She nearly laughed. “Is that where you thought I was? Back with Tyler? Oh gosh! No. My best friend from college flew in and was going to help me find an apartment, but when we went back to pack my things, I discovered Tyler had already beaten me to the punch. Plus, out of guilt, he’d paid the rent through the summer of next year. So, since I’m rent-free for the foreseeable future, we went shopping, and I’ve been decorating my apartment. My very own apartment. That sounds weird.”

“You’re babbling.”

“I know, but I didn’t get much sleep last night, and it only gets worse when I’m sleep-deprived… and nervous. And I happen to be both right now.”

I leaned forward, my eyes following hers. “Why are you nervous, Cara?”

“Because of you. You make me nervous.”

A devilish grin flashed across my face. “Why?”