Page 22 of Laugh

It also makes him the best person to critique my stories. He loves reading the spicy scenes but is also quick to point out if something doesn’t make sense. I snicker to myself when I realize that the bulk of what I write makes absolutely no sense, but he dives in headfirst every time.

“Someday, sometime, I’ll get a call from you, losing your mind because you’ve finally done the deed.” Addie rubs her hands together like she’s plotting something evil. “I cannotwait!”

Snorting, I shake my head. “Yeah, I doubt that’ll happen for a long,longtime. I fear I’m destined to have cobwebs in my vagina and multiple cats requiring diabetes shots and dietary supplements that go up their asses every morning.”

“My God, you’re dramatic. But seriously, tell me about Beau. I will say that it’s driving me nuts that Amber is running her mouth about him,” Addie says as she shoves Marcus’s feet off the end of the couch so she can sit down next to him.

“Umm…” I scratch the side of my face as I process what I know and what I should even share with them. “I’m not sure what to even say, to be honest. Aside from the fact that I’m fairly certain the guy can’t stand me–”

“Bullshit,” Marcus interrupts. “But continue.”

I roll my eyes at him. “It’s true. But I won’t deny that I’m not fascinated by him. He’s dreamy.”

Addie’s giggle makes me blush. I’m embarrassed by the sigh I let out when I said ‘dreamy’.

“Zip it. Seriously though, he really is. You saw him. You know what he looks like. But it’s not even that. He’s amazing. He’s really good with his players; firm, serious, but also supportive and motivating. His work ethic is what I want when I grow up. Plus, oh my God, did I even tell you he told me the best joke ever?”

I’m still all butterfly-y in my stomach over that little tidbit. Like he did it just for me.

“Loved it,” Marcus comments while Addie looks between the two of us.

I forgot I told him about it, but apparently, I didn’t tell Addie. “No? What was it?”

Chuckling, I share it with her. “What’s a librarian’s favorite drink?”

Addie shakes her head with a smirk. “I don’t know, what?”

I pause for dramatic effect before delivering the punchline. “Tequila Mockingbird!” Marcus laughs with me and I beam at Addie, waiting for her reaction. She doesn’t laugh, but the little smirk that tilts the corner of her mouth is enough to make me feel proud of him.

“So dorky. Also, really sweet.” She studies me a moment, then asks, “Are you going to tell him you’re interested in him?”

My smile falls from my face.

“Haddie…” Marcus says gently, then trails off because there’s nothing to really say, is there?

Waving him off, I force a smile. “I’m not going to tell him.” Before Addie can jump in, I explain. “Not because I’m afraid he might say no. It’s because Iknowhe’ll say no. I’m not so clueless that I can’t recognize when someone wants to be around me or if they’re just tolerating me. Beau Hudson tolerates me…barely.”

Both of my friends scowl at me, so I throw my hands up to ward them off.

Addie’s grumbling makes me love her even more. They are always quick to defend me, but we all know that I’m right. “Your fucking family sucks, and I hate every freaking thing about the way they’ve taught you to feel about yourself.”

Giving her a consoling grin, I softly say, “You know it’s not just them. I have a knack for rubbing people the wrong way. I don’t care, though. I yam who I yam.”

Marcus laughs softly. “Alright Popeye. I think you’re wrong, but I haven’t seen you two together. So, fornow, I won’t argue with you.”

“And you never will,” I mumble, more to myself than them.

We all jolt and whip our heads to the door when three loud raps sound through my apartment.

“It’s him…” Addie whispers in awe.

“Jesus, you act like he’s actually our Lord and Savior.” Ignoring the increased speed of my heartbeat, I glower at her as I get up to answer the door. Just before I turn the knob, I hiss out a warning. “Don’t embarrass me.”

Marcus chuckles and calls out, “No promises,” just as I’m opening the door to the man of my dreams. Literally.

My mouth opens to greet him, but snaps shut when I realize I was going to say, ‘MyGodyou look edible’. Thankfully, Marcus saves the day, and me, from my humiliation.

“Captain! Welcome to Harry’s lair. She cleaned just for you!”

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