Page 28 of The Valentine's Bet

“Great choice.” I smile at him.

Gotta shoot my shot, right?

“Thanks. It’s my girlfriend’s favorite flavor,” he replies with a sheepish grin, and my heart sinks.

Girlfriend.

Of course.

Andthisis exactly why I should stick with going to singles events...

I wrap my coat tighter around myself, trying to keep the bone-chilling winds at bay as I follow Parker and Weston into Central Park. They’re chatting amongst each other, and normally, I would be, too, but all I can think about isonething...

Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve.

Tonighthasto work out for me. It justhasto.

This is my only shot at finding a date for New Year’s or getting my first kiss by then.

The smell of hot chocolate permeates the air as we close in on the large group of people, and surprisingly, a band plays on a small stage off to the side. I soak it all in, hoping and praying that tonight will be the night I meet someone whowon’tstand me up.

“You’ve been really quiet the whole walk here. Everything good?” Weston asks, looking back at me.

I smile. “Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just a little cold tonight.”

“You want a hot chocolate?”

“Sure, I’d love one.”

“I’ll go grab them for us,” Parker interjects. He looks sharp in his leather jacket, beanie, and dark wash jeans—and I have to say it’s an edgier look than I thought he was capable of pulling off.

“Thank you.” I take a deep breath, my stomach feeling a little uneasy. Everyone seems to be talking in little groups, and no one is even looking at me.

“So,” Weston begins, looking over at me. “You and Parker?”

I raise my eyebrows. “What?”

“Are you into him?”

I burst into laughter, some of the tension melting away. “No way. And I’m pretty sure he can’t stand me.”

“Nah.” Weston chuckles. “Regardless of what he tries to say—or even what he thinks—if he’s hanging out with you, he doesn’t mind you too much. He’s a good guy.”

Well, he didbuy my coffee...

Both of them...

“I have hope for him.” I giggle just as he returns, dangerously balancing three cups of hot cocoa.

“Why are you guys laughing at me?” Parker gives us both a wary look as he hands me mine first and then Weston his.

“She was just saying that she actually has hope for you,” Weston jokes. “I was shocked. I figured everyone thought you were a lost cause.”

“A lost cause when it comes to what?” Parker looks even more confused.

“Love, silly,” I chime, meeting his gaze. Something flips in my chest as his eyes hold mine for a split second, but then he looks back at Weston.

“You all really need to get a hobby or something.” He then yawns, looking down at his watch. “I don’t know how long I’m going to last listening to this crap.”

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