Page 35 of Tempest

No. They’re beautiful, but you should stop. It won’t work.

Except it already has, she’s texting me. We’re having a conversation. I have her number now.

Me:

What won’t work?

Odette:

I’m not going to date you.

Me:

I only asked for friendship. Out of curiosity, why wouldn’t you date me? I’m one of Seattle’s most eligible bachelors.

Odette:

Which is exactly why I won’t date you.

Me:

Explain?

Odette:

No, thank you.

Me:

I’m making you something.

Maybe a change of subject will keep her talking.

Odette:

Why?

Me:

Because I’m thoughtful and helpful. A genuinely nice guy. You should get to know me.

Odette:

Do I not already?

Me:

No. I don’t know you, either. Not anymore. We should change that.

She doesn’t answer, and though I could take that as a bad sign, I don’t. It’s good that she didn’t immediately dismiss the idea.

Me:

It’s my teammate’s birthday this week.

Party at his house on Saturday. Mostly just teammates and their wags. Will you go with me? Just friends, I promise. I can introduce you to some more locals.

I’m not holding my breath that she’ll say yes. I’ve thought of her as stubborn before, but I’m not sure that’s quite right. It’s more that she’s confident in who she is and what she wants. She’s not the type of woman who lets anything get in her way.

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