Suddenly, the thought of not being a part of Liv’s world every day felt wrong. If she wanted him, knowing what the future held, he’d do everything he could to be the guy she deserved.
It was time to step up. Way up, because one bad move could cause more damage to their fragile relationship.
He couldn’t let that happen.
Work took up the rest of his day and all of Sunday. Sunday night he sat in bed with his laptop and sent an email to his best friend.
Danny Ellis
Re: Breakfast for dinner
December 6, 8:15 PM
Did you know honey tastes great on waffles?
Olivia Lincoln
Re: Know-It-All
December 6, 8:30 PM
When it comes to honey there’s nothing I don’t know. Dipped my banana in it this morning. It was delish.
Danny Ellis
Re: Gutter
December 6, 8:31 PM
Thanks, Maybug. You just sent my mind there.
Olivia Lincoln
Re: One track
December 6, 8:32 PM
Do guys ever think of anything else? If you want the BEST taste bud melting flavor-gasm, try drizzling honey on butternut squash soup. It’s my new favorite thing.
Danny Ellis
Re: Or—
December 6, 8:33 PM
I could drizzle it on my favorite parts of you.
Danny Ellis
Re: Liv?
December 6, 8:40 PM
Sorry. I didn’t mean for our first conversation in a week to go this way. How are you? Where are you?
I’m…sorry.
Olivia Lincoln
Re: It’s okay
December 6, 8:41 PM
Joking around is easier than the hard stuff. (Pun intended.) I’m good. How are you? How was L.A.?
Danny Ellis
Re: Surviving
December 6, 8:41 PM
L.A. was good. Met Iron Man. He wants several pieces for his new house. The hotel project is very cool. And yours truly is going to be in Vanity Fair. Small mention with other furniture designers, headshot included.
Olivia Lincoln
Re: Ohmigod
December 6, 8:42 PM
Wow! You’re kind of a big deal now. That’s great. I’m happy for you. I should ask for your autograph now.
Danny Ellis
Re: All yours
December 6, 8:43 PM
Ask me anything, Liv, but first you need to answer my question.
Where are you?
Olivia Lincoln
Re: Can’t
December 6, 8:46 PM
Not yet. Good night, Danny. Thank you for emailing.
Liv’s formality felt like a hundred shards of glass to the chest, but he had no plans to give up. She’d flirted with him, whether she meant to or not, and that gave him hope even though she refused to tell him where she was.
Two days later…
Danny Ellis
Re: Knock-knock
December 8, 7:31 PM
Olivia Lincoln
Re: Who’s there?
December 8, 7:33 PM
Danny Ellis
Re: Al
December 8, 7:33 PM
Olivia Lincoln
Re: Al who?
December 8, 7:33 PM
Danny Ellis
Re: Al…
December 8, 7:34 PM
…bring you something sweet to eat if you tell me where you are.
Olivia Lincoln
Re: Bribery
December 8, 7:34 PM
Taking advantage of my sweet tooth is playing dirty, Mr. Ellis.
What are we talking?
Danny Ellis
Re: Bait
December 8, 7:35 PM
Now, Miss Lincoln, you think I’d offer that up without an address?
I will say I’ve got Baby Lincoln in mind, too. How is she doing tonight?
Olivia Lincoln
Re: She/He
December 8, 7:36 PM
Is doing well, thanks. I feel like I’ve popped all of a sudden. Like I’m carrying a basketball.
Danny Ellis
Re: I bet…
December 8, 7:36 PM
…you look beautiful. I should probably confirm that, though.
In person.
Olivia Lincoln
Re: Danny
December 8, 7:37 PM
You and I… I thought… I’m not sure what I’m thinking, so I need more time by myself. I’ve realized I’m okay on my own. More than okay. Always best friends, though, right?
Danny Ellis
Re: Knock-knock
December 8, 7:39 PM
Olivia Lincoln
Re: Who’s there?
December 8, 7:39 PM
Danny Ellis
Re: Cynthia
December 8, 7:39 PM
Olivia Lincoln
Re: Cynthia who?
December 8, 7:40 PM
Danny Ellis
Re:
December 8, 7:40 PM
Cynthia been away, I’ve missed you.
Good night, Liv.
Danny closed his laptop and leaned back against his chair at the kitchen table. He eyed the box of chocolate butternut squash cupcakes with a honey buttercream frosting that Rachel at the Beach Café had made special for him. If Liv needed more time, he’d give it to her.
He had no idea if his corny jokes lightened the tension, and maybe it made him a jerk to hide behind them to convey his feelings, but he thought it safer for now. For both of them.
One week later…
Danny Ellis
Re: Advice
December 15, 10:01 PM
Heading to L.A. tomorrow. Green or brown shirt for my headshot?
When no reply came after half an hour, he logged off and hit the light switch. She’s probably asleep. It wasn’t that he was too impersonal or too abrupt. Right? Or waited too long to email again. Jesus, it was like he didn’t know how to act around her anymore.