Page 24 of Hating the Book Boyfriend

"Congrats on the family. If you weren't on the clock, I'd buy a round of shots. As for me…" I shrug my indifference.

He pours my drink. "Being a hot-shot lawyer and living a life of luxury ain't all it's cracked up to be, huh?"

"Right now I can't argue with that statement."

Sliding my glass across the bar, he says, "If it's any consolation, I never saw you as a lawyer."

I tip my chin. "Why's that?"

"For starters, you never cared about it. You'd always hide out at Archer's when your dad would come into town just to avoid getting drilled on what law school you wanted to attend and the branch you wanted to study. You're good at it because you wanted to be good at it, but it was never your passion." How is it that some people are better at seeing us than we are at seeing ourselves? It could be because we focus on our flaws and failures, where we need to be better, while others just see what is. Either way, Rhys's comment resonates. It's been the story in my heart for far too long, one I've tried to bury because it's my family's reputation, and it felt like mine, too. It was part of myidentity, but what I'm starting to realize is being part of it doesn't mean being all of it. "So how long are you here for?"

"I'm staying through the holidays; I probably need to go home after that."

My eyes flick back over to Josephine's booth, where she's laughing at something her date said, and I grind my teeth.

Rhys tracks my line of sight. "I know that look, Callahan. Does Archer know?"

"No, there's nothing to tell."

"Sure, there's not. Don't be stupid," he slaps the bar and moves on to the next customer.

I'm not worried about Rhys talking. Truth is, we all noticed Josephine Estes. You'd have to be blind not to, but Archer made it clear his sister was off-limits and you don't break bro-code. It's fucking sacred. It's another reason I should heed Rhys's advice and not be stupid. However, stupid choices are what landed me here to begin with. Sometimes, you have to be young and dumb to figure out who you are. It can never be wrong if you're being true to yourself, and I didn't come all this way to be anyone but me, and right now, that's a man who likes a girl. And this guy is done watching another man put a smile on her face. I shoot off a text.

Colton: Who's the guy?

I watch as she checks her phone before her eyes scan the bar in search of me, or at least I think it's me. I only got her number last week when the side-by-side ran out of gas, and Archer used my phone to call Josephine and ask her to bring us a gas can. I don't know that she programmed my number, but the way she subtly shakes her head in annoyance tells me she knows it's me.

Josephine: Screw off. Who I talk to is none of your business.

I bite my lip. That sass makes me want to cross the bar and make a scene, but I don't. She hasn't spotted me, and she's cute when she gets riled up.

Colton: What’s his name?

Josephine: If I tell you, will you leave me alone?

Colton: Probably not, but you can try.

There’s no way in hell I’m dropping this. I watch as her fingers hover over the screen as if she actually believes a name will pacify me. He could be the king of Andorra, and still, I wouldn’t think twice about sliding into the booth beside her and staking my claim.

Josephine: Jacob Kringle

I snort a laugh. Is she serious? His initials are JK. He’s literally a joke, but I play along, not ready to let this go. She’s slowly been gnawing away at my sanity for weeks. It’s only fair she gets a taste of the madness she evokes.

Colton: Where does he work?

Josephine: KMA Industries

Colton: What is that?

I watch as she scans the bar again. This time, her caramel eyes connect with mine, and she smiles. It's mischievous, and when her subsequent text comes through, I know why.

Josephine: Kiss My Ass Industries

Colton: You shouldn't tease me unless you're offering. You already know my track record. I’ll gladly make a scene in front of your date.

Josephine: I'm not having this conversation with you.

Colton: Lose the guy.

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