Page 22 of Hating the Book Boyfriend

"She's right," Gemma says with a firm nod. "Libby wouldn't sleep with a taken man."

"She'd think about it," I say, and they all grin knowingly. As I pull open the barn door and walk back to the kitchenette, Libby has us all thoroughly entertained, telling us about her first meeting with Riggs. He took her deep sea fishing, and shehooked his pants and dropped to her knees to examine his ass. I couldn't make this shit up if I tried.

"That's fucking hysterical, Libs," Gemma wheezes. "Can I use that in my next boo?—"

"No," Libby cuts her off. "I'm totally using it. My humiliation, my story." Libby and Gemma continue their banter as I search for coffee. Any will do. Hell, I'd drink instant, I'm so desperate. I open three cabinets before I find an old coffee pot, Folgers, and filters. This must be Dad's stash. Libby asks Ava how things are going with her first client.

"I'm actually doing more of a classroom setting. I have three men, and two of them are so sweet and genuinely want my help. The third…"

Her eyes roll to the top of her head, and I ask, "What's wrong with the third guy?"

"He's like Zach, 2.0. He doesn't seem to take the BBB or anything else seriously." Zach is Ava's ex, and things didn't exactly end on a good note between them. Hearing stories like hers makes me feel slightly better about not having had a steady boyfriend in years.

"Just cut him loose and tell him maybe this program isn't for him," Gemma suggests.

"I did, but then he came back. And now it's like a battle of wills. I'm not backing down until he does. Maverick McKinney has met his match as far as stubbornness goes." She jabs a finger against her desk, clearly perturbed. This guy has definitely gotten under her skin. I haven't decided whether it has the "in a good way" potential. We're all suckers deep down for the men that piss us off. It's a challenge, and we have this twisted desire to conquer it.

"What about you, JoJo?" Gemma asks as I scoop grounds into the filter basket.

"I met with Jacob last week. It was a quick coffee to discuss what he was looking for, and how, or if I could help. About an hour after the meeting, he confirmed he did want my help. I'm meeting with him again this afternoon. We will cover some do's and don'ts when attempting to court a woman. I'm hosting a Friendsgiving at the farm and inviting the girl he's had his eye on for a while now, so fingers crossed he doesn't get trigger shy."

"What about Colton, the guy you got snowed in with?" Libby asks, and I can't help but have mixed feelings, especially after last night and his show in the kitchen moments ago.

"Oh, you mean Boston's most eligible bachelor?" I mock. Right now, that title feels more than fitting. He's a wanted man who knows, with a bit of charm, that he can pull any girl he wants. It's that title that has me questioning whether anything between us is genuinely real.

"Yes, isn't he your brother's best friend?" Gemma asks. "Sounds like a romance book waiting to happen."

They all laugh, but not me. "I'mnottaking him on as a client," I remind them, "but admittedly he is different. He's a walking red flag, and while that happens to be exactly my type, his brand of asshole wouldn't be good for business."

Luckily, they don't linger on the topic. I've already lost enough hours thinking about Colton Callahan. I'd rather get lost in someone else's drama for a little while. It has a way of making me feel better about my own.

"What about you, Gemma? Your client is the funny plumber, right?" Ava asks.

"Yes." Gemma's face scrunches into a grimace. "He's the hottest plumber… I've ever seen, but I know he's hiding something."

While I search for a mug and settle for a plastic cup for my coffee, Gemma explains how she wishes he'd be more transparent. Don't we all? For some reason, men really have ahard time with this. "A lot of men have trouble opening up and making themselves vulnerable," I say.

I think it's rooted in the belief that having feelings makes people weak. Whatever the case, this is why we started the BBB: to help men figure out the disconnect between them and their respective love interests. I've had my reservations about this crazy business venture we all dreamed up, but listening to all of our stories has put a renewed sense of purpose in my sails. Everyone wants a happy ever after; if I can help make that happen, why wouldn't I?

As we all catch up, I stare out the barn window and take my first sip of coffee. That's when I see Colton and Archie walking through the trees down to the lower fields. I meant it when I said I wouldn't take Colton Callahan on as a client. But just like this, black store-brand coffee isn't my favorite. It still warms my insides and satisfies my cravings. I shouldn't be so quick to write off the man. His soul might be black, but so is my coffee, and I can't live without it.

CHAPTER 13

JoJo

"Full transparency, Jacob, you are my first client, but I'm confident I can help you. From the little bit we discussed over coffee last week, I believe you will make the perfect boyfriend.”

"Don't you mean book boyfriend?"

I smile. "Yes, book boyfriend. I have a feeling you're already halfway there and don't even know it."

He takes a sip of his beer. "Why is that?"

"Well, you look good on paper and you’re easy on the eyes. Do you know how many women would love to run their fingers through your blond locks? And don't even get me started on your intense blue gaze, so unless you're hiding some baggage or lying about your background, I think the only thing standing between you and the girl you have your eye on is you." His thumb taps the side of his glass as he considers my words. I'm not wrong. He talks to me easily enough. I can tell he's a little shy, but even that doesn't feel like the right word. Asking someone for help getting a girl requires a certain level of boldness that someone as awkward as he proclaims to be wouldn't possess.

His eyes flick back up to mine. "So where do we start?"

"Well, I have an idea. The last time we met, you mentioned that you talk to her every day. She's not a stranger, so I thought you could invite her to a Friendsgiving event I'm hosting at the farm." His eyes widen into saucers. "Before you freak out, hear me out. I think it would be a great first date.It's a group setting rather than a one-on-one intimate date, and you don't even have to call it a date. You're simply extending an invitation to a party you're already attending. By coming together, I'll get to see you in action, and I can slip you tips throughout the dinner. What better way to go on a first date than with a book-boyfriend builder by your side guiding you through it?"

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