Pushing Patrick

It was a bet. A stupid bet. One I never should have made. One I knew, that could cost me everything. To be honest, I didn't even think it would work. I kissed Patrick the night we met and he couldn't have made it clearer-he isn't into me. Not like that. He's funny and sweet and entirely too good for a girl like me. He's perfect and I'm... not. So, we're friends. Just friends. When my life falls apart and I need a place to live, Patrick comes to my rescue, no questions asked. I know it doesn't mean anything. It's just one friend, helping out another. I know that... but I can't help but want more. I can't help but want him. It's my friend, Tess, who points out that Patrick may be perfect, but he's still just a man. That if I want him, all I have to do is say so. That if I push hard enough, I can make him want me. I know she's wrong because I've felt the sting of his rejection and I have no desire to subject myself to it again... but what if she's right? What if all Patrick needs is a little push?