“Fine, but don’t leave me hanging. Please.” She rolled her eyes. “The Matchmaking Brigade has decided I’m next on their list of victims.”
“It worked out for Torey and Ryan; maybe you ought to find yourself a fake boyfriend.”
“I need to figure out my future on my own first. Why aren’t you worried?”
I shrugged. “Because there’s a beautiful single model in town; no one cares about me.” I wasn’t fishing for compliments. I knew what I looked like and what my assets were, but being friends with Rob, Torey, and Nix gave me a very practical idea of my physical appeal.
“You’re gorgeous, and you’re the only one who doesn’t know it. One hour,” she pointed at me. “Don’t be late.”
The moment my shift was over, I rushed home without checking to see if Mac’s car was parked in his driveway, showered, and changed into jeans, a lightweight sweater, and black ankle boots that made me feel like a sexy badass. I painted my lips red, and when I walked into the pub, I smiled at the sight of Torey, Nix, and Rob seated in a booth with Lee and Mac.Be cool,I told myself as I approached the table.I will not be upset when Mac fawns over Rob. I will not take it personally. They make sense together. We don’t.“Hey.”
“Kayla.” Mac spoke first; his voice was thick and low. “Looking good.”
Don’t blush. Don’t blush.“Thanks, Mac. You always look good.”Dammit, do not blush.I looked around the pub to avoid seeing the varying expressions on my friends’ faces, ranging fromwhat the hell was thattosomebody has a crush.
“Take my seat,” Torey insisted as she stood. “Rob and I haven’t caught up in ages.” I didn’t believe that for one second, given the way her blue eyes sparkled with mischief.
I sat down beside Mac and smiled at Nix and Lee. “How’s everyone doing?” I bit down on the inside of my mouth when Mac’s arm brushed against mine.
“Good. The bakery is keeping me busy. How’s the ER?”
“Really good,” I smiled. “Always busy. Always different.”
“Didn’t figure you as a pub-type of girl,” Mac whispered.
I turned, which was a mistake because he was close—too close, and he smelled too good. “It’s the only bar in town.”
“Still,” he shrugged.
“I could say the same about you.”
“Sure.” He arched a brow, and his smile grew a little brighter.How did he do that?“Yet here we are. Both of us.” His gaze held mine hostage—not that I wanted to look away, but the intensity in his gaze was far too engaging. “Can I buy you a drink?”
“Sure,” I shrugged. “I’ll have a?—”
“I know exactly what you like. Trust me?”
Yes.“I guess I will. Don’t disappoint me.”
Surprise flashed in his emerald eyes. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
I kept my gaze fixed on him as I stood and let him and Lee out of the round booth.
“Damn girl, what wasthat?” The question came from Rob.
I blinked to clear my vision and turned to find my friends staring at me with shocked expressions. “What was what?” There was no way they saw what I felt in that moment, right? It was one-sided. It had to be.
“What?” Nix laughed. “The sparks that almost set this place on fire!”
I shrugged off her words despite the warmth flowing through my veins. “We’re neighbors.”
“He’s been in town for five minutes,” Torey insisted, that familiar gleam in her eyes.
“There was a pizza delivery mix-up, and we ate dinner together. That’s all.”
“No,” Rob shook her head. “That’s not all. There’s some serious chemistry between you guys, and did you see how he couldn’t take his eyes off you?”
“Don’t, please. I know what I look like and who I am. He’s out of my league, not to mention temporary.” He’d be off on another world tour with women far more beautiful and interesting than me to keep him company.