Lex frowned and pressed his lips together. “I'm sorry I didn’t get to talk to you again. It was a little crazy once we got back down to the party.”

How was I supposed to play this? Why wasn’t there a book for these kinds of awkward conversations? Boy says, “About last night…” You say…

And then have it filled in with the appropriate nonchalant, yet witty response.

I sighed. “Well, it was your birthday party. Lots of well-wishers.” I sniffed. “It's no big deal.”

His scowl deepened, and he shifted from foot to foot. “I had the impression that...”

I tipped my chin up. “I'm not sure exactly what I'm supposed to say.”

“I just wanted you to know—”

“Alexi, look. I’m not good at this. It's not like me at all to make out with a guy that I've only met a few times. It really is against type. But you said it yourself. We’re never going to kiss again.” Shit, what the hell was wrong with me? Why did I keep opening my mouth and letting words spill free? Shut up. Shut up now!

“Abbie, I—” He shut his mouth and started again. “You're different. I—last night was intense.” He sighed then scrubbed both hands over his face. “In all honesty, you freak me out a little. I spent most of this morning trying to figure out how to get your number then changing my mind as I reminded myself I needed to stay away from you.”

“What did you decide?”

He laughed ruefully. “Well seeing as kismet has other plans, I’m thinking we should be friends.”

Friends? “Friends. I can do that.” Except after that kiss, I didn’t exactly want to be friends.

“And maybe we’ll give kismet a break, and I’ll actually figure out a way to get your number.” He smiled that lopsided grin of his, and I tried to remember what he’d said about being friends.

“Um, you're friends with Sophie, right? I promise you she has my number.”

He smiled sheepishly. “Yes, well. I also wanted to be a little discreet. I wasn't sure how much you'd told her.”

Well, he had a point there. I didn’t exactly want to broadcast our kiss from the speakers. “Well, then how fortuitous that you ran into me today. In a city of millions of people.”

His grin was quick. “So, are you going to let me tag along?”

Lex…

Abbie bit her bottom lip then blinked up at me. “Why?”

I silently prayed she’d ask me something uncomplicated. “Why what?”

“Why do you want to join me? This will probably be boring for you.”