Page 20 of Crave Me

“Yes, yes, I know. You don’t like to repeat yourself. But I don’t know where your precious chair is. Go ask one of your brothers.” The lie tastes so sweet on my lips.

He glares wickedly at me, and for a moment, he looks slightly unhinged and I second-guess my decision to steal his beloved chair. He shakes his head at me before storming out of my office.

By the time I get back to my apartment around ten-thirty after spending the entire day and evening getting everything set up for tomorrow’s wedding, I pop a bag of popcorn and collapse onto the futon. Turning on my guilty pleasure movie,Pride and Prejudice, I relax until my phone chimes with an incoming text.

Cole:

Hey pretty lady, how’s it going?

Can’t say I’m fond of that nickname. Cole is nice enough and I know he means well; I just wish my body responded to him the way it does to Dallas. Cole seems like Dallas’ opposite in almost every way. He’s clean-cut, soft-spoken, confident and sure, but also respectful—all qualities I thought I would melt for and be lucky to find in a partner. Dallas is rough around the edges, brash, domineering, stubborn, and has no filter. That shouldn’t turn me on like it does. Especially with the trauma I come packed with.

Me:

Hey

Cole:

How was the rest of your week?

Me:

Entirely too busy trying to make sure Sawyer and Ivy’s wedding is the fairytale they deserve.

Me:

How was yours?

Cole:

Outside of only seeing you once? It went well. Work kept me busy.

Cole:

I’d love to see you again . . .

Maybe this is what I need. To focus on someone else. Cole is sweet and he’d make a good boyfriend, and I honestly should see where this goes. Maybe one more date will give me clarity on whether to see him again or just stay friends.

Cole:

Ouch. Way to leave a guy on read.

Me:

I’m so sorry! It’s not that.

I bite my lip, nervous and unsure if this is a good idea or not.

Me:

Are you free tomorrow? I know it’s short notice . . .

Cole:

Absolutely. Won’t you be at the wedding though?

Cole:

Unless you’re asking what I think you are

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