“Why the hell not?”
“Because….” My voice trails off as I scramble for an excuse.
Because…why?
Why the hell don’t I date?
Instead of responding, I simply shrug before recognizing how close we are to Forever Grey. My pace quickens. If I can just get there, then I can end this conversation and go home to take a shower. I’ll be able to clear my head and wash away the conflicting feelings that are starting to surface the longer I’m around someone I thought I knew but definitely don’t.
“I’m going to take that as a yes, you’ll grab cowboy sushi with me. How does tonight sound? Or maybe this weekend sometime?”
“I have plans this weekend.”
“And tonight?” he pushes.
“I…uh…I don’t know if I can do tonight, either. I’m sorry, Conner. Maybe some other time.” Rushing to Forever Grey, I open the door before he has a chance to interrogate me any further then drop off Bonnie without even bothering to say goodbye to Suzette as she grabs the leash from my hand.
I gotta get out of here.
Chapter Thirteen
Levi
“Dude. Charlie in those running shorts? Best sight I’ve seen in years. I shit you not.”
An image of my best friend in running shorts comes to mind, but instead of it being clouded with my usual best friend filter that I always try to keep in place, I see her as the woman she is.
Yeah. She’s fucking gorgeous.
“I’m glad you had a good time,” I reply, fighting the urge to be jealous. And failing. Bailing on Charlie sucked. I’ve been anxious all morning, riddled with guilt, and I missed my morning run with my best friend who looks phenomenal in exercise clothes. Yet, this asshat got to see her up close and personal. I grit my teeth and turn back to my paperwork.
“I did have a good time,” Conner replies. “Until she turned me down.”
Curiosity sparked, I peer up at him as he crowds my desk. “What do you mean?”
“This isn’t going to work if I can’t convince Charlie to even give me her number.”
“And how is that on me?” I ask, annoyed about the whole situation. I’m not exactly in the mood to hear Conner bitch and moan about his run-in with Charlie just because he couldn’t get her number.
Hell, the chase is half the fun, isn’t it?
“It’s on you because we have a deal,” Conner explains as if he’s talking to a toddler. “I need her to give me a real shot. And right now, that isn’t happening.”
“And what would you suggest I do?” I grit out, dropping my blue ballpoint pen onto my desk to give him my full attention. I can’t concentrate when he’s driveling on, anyway.
“Talk to her. Figure out why so I can change it. Or even better, just give me her number, so I don’t have to keep running into her at random places.”
Nostrils flaring, I release a deep breath and say, “Fine. I’ll talk to her. Now leave me alone so I can get some shit done.”
He flinches at my aggressive response before staring at me like I’m a damn alien.
“You’re pissy this morning,” he notes after a few tense seconds. “What’s up?”
The metallic tang of blood explodes in my mouth from biting my tongue so hard to keep from yelling at him.
You trying to screw my friend, asshole. That’s what’s up this morning.
“Nothing,” I mutter. “Just a long night and a shit ton of work to do.”
“I get it, man. But remember, if you can get Charlie to give me a real chance, the job will be yours, and you won’t have to stress so much.” He slaps my back. “I’m gonna go get to work. Talk to Charlie. See what you can find out.”
Then he leaves with nothing but the smell of his cologne burning my nose and the bitter taste of acid flooding my mouth.
I can’t believe I’m doing this.
Pulling out my phone, I type up a quick message.
Me: Hey. What are you doing tonight?
She doesn’t respond for a few minutes, so I attempt to concentrate on a report that’s due this afternoon. However, as soon as my phone vibrates, the financials are forgotten, and I read her response.
Charlie: The usual. How was your meeting?
Me: Fine. I think the big guys are trying to see how we handle pressure, and they’re doing a great job throwing it at me.
Charlie: Lol. You’ll be fine. I have no doubt. Have you talked to your mom lately? I think I want to go see her soon.
Me: Want me to pick up food, and we can meet at her house, then we can go back to your place and watch a movie or something?
Charlie: Ooo…I like that idea. But only if you let me buy.
Me: No deal.
Charlie: Come on, Levi. You aren’t trying to get in my pants, remember? Which means you don’t need to pay for my food all the time. I feel guilty. Especially when I know there’s so much financial crap going on with your mom.
I shift in my seat as an image of her tight ass in a pair of cotton shorts like the ones she was lounging in the other night comes to the surface. She’s right. I’m not trying to get into her pants, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate the way she fills them out. After adjusting my NRB––or at least that’s what I tell myself it is––I type a response.
Me: My mom raised me to be a gentleman to ALL women. Even the ones that I’m not trying to get into their pants. And I can’t believe we’re even having this conversation. When have you ever had to pay for anything with me? It’s non-negotiable. And I’m fine. The internship pays really well, and once I get the official position, money won’t be a problem for my mom, either.
Charlie: You sure? I really can help, Levi.
Me: Positive. I’ll see you tonight at my mom’s. How does 6 sound?
Charlie: Works for me. See you then!
Me: See ya.
Chapter Fourteen
Levi
Shit. I’m late.
Fisting the paper sack in my hand, I stomp up the steps to my mom’s house. I texted my mom to let her know I wasn’t going to make it until six forty-five, and because she’s a saint, she told me there wasn’t any rush.
Still, it doesn’t stop the guilt from taking up residence inside of me.
Twisting the handle, I push the front door open and hear Charlie’s tinkling laughter echoing through my childhood home. The sound makes me pause.
Tinkling?
I shake my head to disperse the thought.
“Hey, Mom!” I call out, rounding the corner to the family room that connects to a tiny kitchen.
“Hey, you!” She goes to stand from her recliner, but I stalk closer before she has the chance and plant a chaste kiss against her cheek.
“Sit. I’ll go dish up in the kitchen and bring it to you.”
“I’m not an invalid, Levi. I can stand and help you,” she argues.
Charlie interrupts, “You do plenty for us, Ms. McCoy. And like you were saying, you’ve had a long day. Let us help you out once in a while, will ya?”