Page 32 of Bona Fide

I glance up at him. "Don't act like an idiot. I'm going to announce you as my assistant, so Wade doesn't lose his shit."

"Wade, huh?" His lips curve into a smile. "So, we're on a first-name basis?" Snatching a peanut out of one of the aluminum buckets sitting on our table, I chuck it at him.

“On second thought, I don’t need an assistant that day. Should be a pretty easy event and—”

“Alright, alright—” He holds his hands up in silent surrender. “—no more teasing, Grinch.”

Chase: I’m never on your mind at all? That’s cold-blooded.

Chase: There goes your Christmas present.

Me: Please don’t buy me anything, stalker.

Chase: It didn’t cost anything.

Chase: It was a swift kick to the ass for verbally abusing me for half the year.

Me: Damn, has it been that long?

Chase: Sadly, so.

Me: Wow...

“Business calls?” Andy asks.

I shake my head. “No, it’s this dude I’ve been talking to.”

“Really?”

And here we go with annoying conversation number two.

"Yeah, I met him on Bumblebee, and we hit it off. We've just never met."

“Why not?”

“Honestly...he’s always busy, I’ve been the same.” I shrug. “I’m not sure. I guess I’m afraid he won’t be what I’ve built up in my head.”

Andy brushes his palms together. “I get that. Some stability in your life and someone to talk to without the pressure.”

I lift my brows. “Exactly. He’s a nice dude, lawyer of all things.”

"So, he has money.”

"Andy!" I throw another peanut at him that he dodges this time. "Dude, you're annoying."

“And hot.”

This time, a handful of peanuts. “And annoying.”

A moment later, our drinks arrive, and I don't wait for us to cheers with our tequila shots, I just down mine. The liquor immediately warms my chest along with the kick of the aftertaste.

"Damn," I force out, eyes watering. "Top shelf."

“Only the best for my girl.” Andy raises his shot glass before kicking it back. I lightly scoff, knowing that he means it and slightly wishing that he was bi-sexual.

Andy and I would be perfect together. He’s mellowed out, gave me space, doesn’t beat around the bush.

Again, perfect.

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