Page 95 of The Problem with Dating

“Is what me?”

“The thing that smells exceptional.” I moved in closer to her and waved my hand from her toward my nose. “My gosh. You smell remarkable. Is it a perfume?”

Milly’s whole posture shifted. She grew a bit flustered and her cheeks reddened. “Oh, no. That’s just my natural scent.”

“It’s the best thing I’ve ever smelled in my life. It pairs well with that breathtaking smile of yours.”

She blinked rapidly, taken aback by the unexpected compliment. Her fingers fidgeted at the neckline of her shirt as her knees almost buckled in.

Really? Was she that easy?

“Oh, Alex.” She blushed, waving me off. “Stop it.” She then looked over toward Yara, completely flustered. “You know, I’ve heard good things about his restaurant.”

“Yes, it’s amazing. I actually ate there a few days ago,” Yara mentioned.

“Oh, honey, I know. When you were stood up by a gentleman. How embarrassing that must’ve been for you,” Milly said.

My chest tightened as I felt as if I were about to fall deep into a protective mode. “Now listen here, you b—” I started, my voice deep and growling. Yara quickly shoved me in the side. I met her stare and sighed. I could almost read her mind.Be nice, Alex. “You beautiful woman…I’d love for you to come into Isla Iberia for a free meal some time. I’ll give you the best table in the house.”

“Yes, well. I would appreciate that. I’d love to bring my sister, Mary, too. Did you know there’re two of us?”

“I did. Double trouble,” I remarked, wanting to stab my eyes out for being nice to the evil twins. “I’ll make sure she has a seat, too.”

“Well, aren’t you sweet? He’s sweet, Yara,” Milly sang.

“Like a fresh cinnamon roll on a Sunday morning,” Yara agreed.

Milly narrowed her eyes as she glanced between us, determining what to make of the situation. She then waved us off. “I must get back to my workout. I can’t let my heart rate drop too low. I can’t lose this figure.”

“And what a figure it is,” I said, whistling low.

She giggled like a child as her face turned the color of a tomato. “Oh, Alex. You and your charm. You kids have a good day. And thanks again, Alex, for the praise. Your mother must’ve raised you right.”

If only she knew how wrong she was.

As she continued on her walk, we witnessed her pull out her cell phone and make a call. “Hey, Mary, it’s Milly. You won’t believe who I’ve just run into. Yara Kingsley was seen with Alex Ramírez. You know that man you called a shit? Yes, him! And they’re an item! I couldn’t believe it either. Anyway, we have reservations at his restaurant soon. He’s actually a pretty nice guy. You should apologize for what you did to him. Shame on you, Mary. He's quite handsome, too.”

“And that is how we get Gossip Girl going through this town,” Yara cheered with victory.

“Spotted outside of The Pup Around the Corner. Could it be that opposites truly did attract? You know what they say: every black cat needs a golden retriever. Will these two blossom into something more, or will their leaves rot and drift away? Only time will tell. XoXo.”

Yara’s jaw dropped. “Did you just Gossip Girl our fake relationship?”

“I might’ve Gossip Girl’d our fake relationship.”

“Oh my gosh!” She shoved my arm. “All this time, I thought you were dark, cool, and mysterious, but you were secretly corny.”

“I’m not corny,” I grumbled, pushing out a grimace. “I’m mean and hard and tough.”

“You’re corn-on-a-cob corny.”

“Whatever. I’m going to work. I’ll see you later for the walk home.”

“Okay, my corny black cat.”

She said “my” as if I were hers.

I didn’t hate that idea. Why didn’t I hate that idea?

---