Page 40 of The Valentine's Bet

Okay. This dude is a piece of work.

“What the heck is wrong with you?” I bark, taking a step toward him. “You’re not better than anyone else—andno, she doesn’t need to change anything about herself. Besides, I’m pretty sure you’ve been checking out every single other woman in this place since you walked in the door.”

“Wow, is this guy into you or something?” Josh laughs sardonically, turning to Amy. “Chill out, man. I’m just here for fun. We’re just having a good time.”

The expression on Amy’s face tells me everything I need to know.

She didn’t think he was here for fun.

Jeez.

“Why don’t you just freaking leave, man,” I say to him, gesturing to the door.

“Parker,” Amy interjects. “It’s fine...” But it doesn’tsoundfine when she says it. The disappointment is right there in her eyes—even if she doesn’t realize it herself.

“You know,” Josh begins, holding up his hands. “I have other places I can be. You two have fun. This party sucks, anyway.”

“Bye,” I snap, spinning around and facing the skyline again.

“Whydid you do that?” Amy exasperates, tugging on my arm. “You just ruined my date, Parker!”

Okay, now I’m mad.

“Are you freaking serious right now? That guy was awful.” I try to keep my voice down. “He was checking out other women the entire time. It’s disgusting. You’re worth more than that, Amy.”

She shakes her head, and I swear there are tears in her eyes.

“Look, I’m sorry I ruined your date. But ... you really shouldn’t waste your tears on him. If that guy was willing to trash talk me—a total stranger—he’d do the same to you. He was judgmental. And rude. And you were already considering taking on a master’s programjustso you’d keep his interest.”

“That’s not true...” Her voice trails off. “I mean, maybe ... I don’t know.”

“You shouldn’t have to change anything about yourself to keep a man’s attention, Amy. What did youeven see in that guy?”

“He seemed nice enough at trivia. Until now. Ugh. It’s just that ... well, I—I’ve never been kissed before. So, I thought if I had a date, maybe it would happen tonight. You know, since it’s New Year’s Eve.”

I sigh, feeling all the sympathy again for her. “Trust me. You don’t wantthatguy to be your first kiss.”

Chapter Thirteen

Amy

“I honestly justwanta first kiss, and I don’t even care who it’s from at this point,” I find myself admitting—and hating that I’m doing it. Parker seriously justruinedmy night. Even though I’m realizing Josh hada lotof red flags that I missed.

Parker and I stand in silence, looking out over the city, and I try not to feel sad.

My chances of getting my first kiss are over for the night now.

Parker was right—dating in the real world is nothing like romance novels and chick flicks would lead you to believe. A lump forms in my throat, and I stare down at my manicured nails.

Ugh. A good manicure has gone to waste.

“My dad is mad at me,” Parker says, his eyes still focused on the skyline. “He’s upset that I came to this party instead of seeing him and my sister tonight.”

I nod, not sure why he’s telling me this. It’s not exactly relevant to my whole not having been kissed thing ... but okay. “I’m sorry.”

“No need to be sorry. I just figured it might make you feel better to know webotharen’t having the night we wanted. But maybe next year will be better.”

“I don’t know...” My voice trails off. “I’m starting to think that I’mreallyterrible at dating.”

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