Not Pretending Anymore Ward, Penelope (good books for high schoolers .txt) 📖

were pretty much the same as I’d rattled off to my friend. But when I listed Will’s cons again, I realized I’d failed to admit the biggest obstacle currently standing in my way.

He’s not Declan.

***

That Friday night, Will and I were in the back of a cab, on the way to our date.

“Where are we going?” I asked.

With a glimmer in his eye, he placed his hand on my knee. “It’s a surprise.”

“Well, now I’m intrigued.”

A half hour later, Will took me up to an exclusive rooftop restaurant—except there were no other people. There was just one table amidst a gorgeous setup of lanterns and little white lights around the space.

“Will, what did you do?”

He held out his hands. “It’s all ours for the night.”

My mouth hung open. “How did you manage this?”

“Let’s just say the owner has felt like he owed me one since I delivered his breech daughter.”

“Wow. Who was that?”

“Richard Steinberg—he owns Steinberg Financial and this restaurant. That delivery was actually a couple of years ago, and I never thought to take him up on it until I met someone special enough to bring here. The rooftop is reserved for private parties. And this is ours.”

My heart fluttered. “Wow. I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything, beautiful. Let’s just enjoy tonight.”

I beamed as we settled into our seats at the candlelit table.

After our waiter came by with waters, Will unfolded his napkin and placed it on his lap. “How’s your father doing?”

I frowned. “He could be better. I’ve been keeping tabs on him every day. Right now, he’s stable. But it’s mentally hard on him. As a fellow physician, I’m sure you can understand. He’s always felt like his job is to take care of other people, and now that he’s unable to do that—unable to even take care of himself—you can imagine how tough it is.”

Will closed his eyes momentarily and shook his head. “I absolutely can, Molly, and you know, it’s very important that everyone rally around him right now. Distraction from his own mind is probably the best medicine. The last thing he should be feeling is inadequate. He needs all the strength he can get.”

“I agree.”

Will reached across the table to take my hand. “If there’s anything I can do for him, please let me know. If you’re not getting the answers you need, I know a lot of people.”

“Thank you, Will. I appreciate that more than you know.”

A short time later, the waiter brought the most delectable seafood I’d ever smelled to our table: king crab legs and lobster that had been taken out of the shell. From previous conversations, Will knew I loved seafood, so he must have preplanned the menu, considering we hadn’t even ordered.

“This is the most romantic dinner I’ve ever had,” I told him as we dug in. “I can’t thank you enough.”

His response was pretty abrupt. “Are you still seeing Declan?”

Well, don’t beat around the bush. I had to make a split-second decision, and what felt best was relieving myself of the lie I’d created. “No. Actually, I’m not.”

He exhaled. “That’s the answer I was hoping for.”

“Really?” I broke open a crab leg.

“Yes. Seeing you with him at the hospital got to me in a way I didn’t expect. It made me wonder why the hell I was wasting time and not telling you how I really feel.”

I put down my crab and wiped my mouth. “Well, this is good timing, because I’ve been needing some guidance when it comes to me and you.”

He came right out with it. “I don’t want to just date you anymore, Molly. I want to be exclusive.”

Oh. Wow. “Where is this coming from all of a sudden?”

“It’s not that sudden. I’ve had feelings for you for quite some time, long before we started seeing each other. I’ve realized my fears about commitment were entirely about me not having found the right person. The more time I spend with you, the more I’m certain I don’t want to share you.”

After taking a long sip of water, I said, “I have to admit, I’m surprised this is what you want so soon.”

“I get that. I told you early on that I didn’t want anything serious—”

“Right. I guess I’m still not quite sure about your change of heart.”

He nodded. “There’s nothing like the threat of losing someone to push your heart in the right direction. If it’s not this Declan guy, it will be someone else. I know a good thing when I see it. You deserve to be cherished. I want to be that man. I don’t want you to have any hesitation about being with me because you think I’m interested in dating other people. I’m not. I’m only interested in you.” He paused. “Will you be with me exclusively?”

Needing a moment, I looked up at the gorgeous lanterns hanging above us. This was something I’d been waiting for, yet I wanted time to process before committing to him.

“This is a lot to take in. I really like you, Will. I think we have a lot in common, and I’m very attracted to you. I’m just a little surprised.”

“I understand.”

“I know this is probably not the answer you were hoping for, but can I have a little time to mull it over?”

“Of course. I’ve had several days to think about it, so it’s only fair that you should have the same.”

CHAPTER 18

Declan

I loved messing with my sister when I called her at the convent. “How’s the sex, drugs, and rock and roll?”

“Oh you know, the usual…”

“When I get home, the first thing I’m gonna do is come see you,” I said.

“As long as you don’t try to taint Sister Mary Jane like you did last time.”

“Come on. That was fun, and you know it.”

She sighed. “What’s going on? Something’s up. You don’t normally call me in the middle of the day.”

“You know me so well, Sister-Sister.”

“Talk to me.”

Sitting on the couch, I kicked