Page 119 of Love Not Qualified

I pushed her face away, groaning. “I don’t miss him, okay? The only reason I looked him up on his brother’s account was because I wanted to make sure he could talk. I was going to text him that I’d like to work together.”

“Haelyn,” she urged. “Do you think I’m stupid? Or that I was born yesterday?”

I shook my head like a child caught by her mother doing something bad. “No. I’m telling the truth.”

“All right. Text him if he can talk, then call him on video.”

“Wait, what? Why would I do that? I can say what I have to say through a message just fine.”

“Give me that,” she spoke, then leaned over me and got a hold of my phone.

And that’s how I ended up texting him—actually, how Merielle texted him—and when he said he was available, she pressed the call button and threw the phone in my hands.

My heart stopped beating in my chest as the rings went on. I wasn’t ready to see him. Not like this. Not without preparing and?—

“Hi.” He popped up, wearing a hoodie. “Is everything okay?”

I bit my lip, his handsome face filling my screen. “Hi. Yeah. Yes.” I could feel my cheeks heating and I didn’t help that Merielle was standing two inches away from me, analyzing every reaction of mine. I knew I was screwed. “I called to let you know that I’ve thought about your suggestion and I’m down to give it a try. As long as we keep it professional, of course.” I smiled.

He nodded. “We’ll be a great team.”

I didn’t know what to say to that so I kept my mouth shut, simply watching him. He was so handsome with his hard jaw and deep eyes. Even his ravished hair was hot.

Tristan stole my breath without even trying.

I swallowed and it seemed like we watched each other for an eternity.

“You look beautiful,” he said.

Since Merielle caught me, I was aware for the first time of how I looked. I had a messy bun on the top of my head with rebellious strands brushing my cheeks and I was wearing one of my oldest and stained t-shirts.

By all means, I was a walking mess.

He was trying to be nice. That was all.

“Thank you.” The words barely made it out. I was too busy praying my cheeks weren’t as red as I thought. “Your hoodie is nice.”

Almost immediately I wanted to stuff a knife into my tongue, cut it out, and let it roll on the floor.

Your hoodie is nice?

What the fuck was wrong with me?

The corner of his mouth stretched. “Well, I’ll see you tomorrow at work.”

“You are coming back already? I thought you were in New York.”

He arched a brow. “You’ve paid attention to what I do, I see.” A pleased smile formed on his face.

Think quick. Quick.

“Your brother posted a photo of you two and it appeared on the main page. It wasn’t intentional.”

Tristan pursed his lips, then moved his phone in his hand. The proud expression on his face was completely wiped off. My excuse upset him.

Shit.

“I’ll be there tomorrow morning. See you then.” It was the last thing he said before hanging up the call.

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