Page 42 of 10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love

“Hold still,” I tell him, stepping forward with the bright pink fanny pack in hand. I wrap it around his stomach, the click as it locks into place strangely satisfying. After adjusting the strap so it’s snug, I step back and look him over. “Perfect.”

Joey, I realize, is watching me with a strange expression, and my excitement starts to fade.

“You don’t like it?”

“No, it’s good,” he says quickly, his eyes sweeping over my face. “I just… Thanks, bub. I love it.”

My grin is back in full force. “You bet. Ready to finish this run?”

“Let’s do it.”

I stand back as Joey jogs off ahead of me, nodding to myself. Yeah, that’s way better. Now his stomach isn’t so…empty. Plus, the dude looks phenomenal in pink.

“Coming?” Joey calls, turning and jogging backwards.

I get my feet into gear.

It’s not long before Joey and I reach the end point of the 5k. It wasn’t a grueling run by any means, nor a competitive race, but attendants at a stand near the finish line cheer for the people crossing, and it makes me feel proud of our accomplishment.

“Water?” Joey asks, hands on his waist as he walks over to one of the tables where wax paper cups wait. He hands one over, and I have just enough time to down it before I hear my name called.

“Brad.”

I give Cas a big wave as he approaches. “Hey, man!”

“You guys just finish?” he asks, giving Joey a smile. Cas is a good dude that way. Always nice, always welcoming.

“Sure did,” I tell him, squeezing Joey’s somewhat sweaty shoulder. “Cas, this is my man, Joey Kangaroo. Joey, this is Cat-man.”

“Nice to meet you,” Joey says.

Cas shakes Joey’s hand. “You, too. Thanks for coming out today. I appreciate you both helping with this fundraiser.”

“Of course!” I tell him happily. “I got a lot of pledges from the people at my office. They were really enthusiastic, actually. I didn’t realize my coworkers were so excited about charity.”

“Did you ask for donations in person?” Joey asks, a small smile on his lips.

“Sure did. Why?”

His smile widens. “Bub… You realize you’re incredibly charming, right?”

A warm sort of fizz sets off in my stomach. “You think I’m charming?” I ask, unable to hide my grin.

Joey shakes his head, looking amused. “Ridiculously so. I’m not surprised your coworkers couldn’t say no to you.”

“Huh,” I say, weirdly happy that Joey thinks I’m charming. I’ve been calledtoo muchplenty of times. But charming? Not that. At least, not that I’m aware of. “You’re not so bad yourself, my kanga-dude.”

He gives me a cheek-crinkling smile.

“Well, thanks again,” Cas says, drawing my attention his way. “If you guys are hungry, there’s some fruit just over there.”

“Aw, man,” I mumble sadly. “No donuts?”

Cas looks confused. “No donuts, no. I need to take care of a few things, but it was nice to meet you, Joey. I like the fanny pack.”

“Isn’t it great?” I agree, slipping my finger under the band and giving it a little tug.

Joey makes a strangled sound, the muscles in his stomach tensing. I glance at his face, wondering why he seems so off, but he’s focused on Cas. “Um. Nice to meet you, too,” he says.

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