Page 27 of Endgame

His energy is untouchable, though not in the bad boy way. I’ve never observed him be anything less than respectful to strangers, not flaunting women around like they’re a prize he’s won. I know very little of his upbringing except that he was adopted as a teenager. I’m more interested than I’d like to admit in what makes Callaway Hayes such a standup guy. Why would he be interested in someone as plain as me?

I’ve all but screamed damaged since we met, and somehow, he’s still here.

Reigning in my thoughts, I do my best to act like his words don't affect me. “I’ll take your word for it.”

Checking the time on my watch, I realize I’m cutting it close on time, and I need to make it back to my apartment before Navy shows up. “Shoot. I need to finish up here. Navy is meeting me at my place soon for a movie night. Hence all the sugar.”

I send him an awkward smile.

His smile, in return, seems a little shy, and it surprises me. It reads almost like he feels guilty for intruding on my shopping, a feeling I suspect he rarely gets.

You were definitely not on the agenda for this week.

Chuckling, he replies, “Absolutely. I should probably head out too. King will have a fit if I don’t have his tea for him at a reasonable hour. Bougie misfit.” His care has no end.

“Sounds like it. Well, it was good seeing you, Callaway. I’ll see you around.” His arms are crossed over his chest, muscles on full display in his plain white tee as he tilts his head down slightly. It’s enough so that his eyes can raise, likely noticing my quick dismissal.

A smile plays on his gorgeous face, accompanied by inaudible laughter, and I feel completely swept up in his kindness.

I’m digging my hole deeper.

I shift my cart towards the exit, internally berating myself for being the most socially awkward person known to man and offering Callaway another goodbye, “And that’s my cue. Goodbye. See you around.” I shift at the speed of sound, trying to escape my humiliation until I feel a pull on the sleeve of my hoodie that turns me around to face Callaway.

No wonder my body recognizes his smell so well; his love language is undoubtedly physical touch. The man thrives on being close, tampering with my girlie parts that have shut down for now, unfortunately.

His hands land firmly on my upper arms, gently rooting me in place.

He leans his mouth to my ear, enough so his smooth voice rumbles through my body, and his breath heats down my neck as he whispers, “I’m counting on it.”

I’m breathing so heavily that I miss the moment he pulls away.

Callaway turns to his cart and heads in the opposite direction without another word, taking my thoughts and independence with him.

That was unexpected.

Not only seeing Callaway, but how he has the ability to make me completely forget where I am and focus all my attention on him. There’s an ease to his nearness I’ve been missing from my life since my parents passed. No part of me would ever want to hurt Navy, and I’m still unsure of where her stance on Callaway and I would be. I know her opinion matters to me, and I know it matters to Callaway.

He’s made it clear he’s interested. In what way, I have no idea or why.

I’m not ready for any type of commitment.

I’m too damaged and tired to try. But a fuck buddy wouldn’t be the worst thing? Lord knows I could use the relief. My vagina has been neglected for too long, and the dusty drought needs some hydration.

But am I willing to risk it?

11

DAKOTA

How canone woman own so many clothes yet have no clothes at all? Or at least it seems that way. I’m shuffling through what I’m hoping to be clean laundry for something remotely sexy to wear to Delta tonight.

The battle will be against myself on whether I can actually muster up the energy to care enough to try tonight. That’s why I’m doing this—I need to make some changes.

I doubt a therapist would say looking for a distracting lay is the best option for me to reachultimate healing, but that’s all I’ve got at the moment.

It didn’t take much convincing for Navy to agree to be my wing woman. We operate efficiently as a team, Kodi + Navs, against the world.

Sadly, she’s bringing Luke. Not that I have anything against the guy, but something seems off about him. That feeling where you can’t put your finger on it, but your gut is telling you it’s there.

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