Page 119 of A Little Broken

I wave her off. “I’m not smiling.”

“You’re most definitely smiling. Which is adorable by the way. Is it Pax?”

My teeth dig into my bottom lip before I give in and nod. “Maybe.”

“Good for you,” she decides. “You know, you could always invite him over.”

“And have your beast bite off his testicles?” I grimace. “No, thank you.”

She lifts a brow. “One. Rude. Hades would never do that?—”

My pointed look cuts her off.

“Okay, he’d never do it without my permission,” she clarifies. “But seriously, you should invite Pax. I’ll even put Hades in his kennel so Paxton’s testicles are safe.”

I stay quiet, considering my options. I could say no. I should say no. Besides, he’s probably busy, and it’s been only forty-eight hours since we talked. He’s probably come to his senses and is over the whole “I like you” bit. Right? Then again, our little walk on the beach is probably one of the most memorable encounters I’ve ever had with the opposite sex. I mean, pretty sure peeing on someone all because of a jellyfish sting would make the list for anyone, but adding it to every other experience I’ve shared with Pax? I don’t know. It feels like the list is getting longer and longer, and… I probably should’ve played this better because it’s clear Rory knows me way too well, and now, I’m on her radar.

“Cat got your tongue, Tater Tot?” she prods.

“He’s probably busy,” I reply while trying not to squirm from my best friend’s scrutiny. But seriously. When did she get so good at calling me out on my bullshit?

“You won’t know unless you ask.”

“And it’s a girls’ night,” I point out.

“Only because we don’t have any other friends.”

Touche.

And also…ouch.

I open my mouth to argue that we’re cooler than everyone else we know anyway, but my phone buzzes again, distracting me. Unlocking my screen, I read Paxton’s message.

Pax

Your silence isn’t very reassuring.

What were we talking about? Oh. Right. Other gentlemen calling me Birthday Girl. Biting the edge of my lip, I write my reply.

Me

You’re not used to being on this side of a relationship, are you?

Pax

Are you saying we’re in a relationship?

Me

I meant the general term, not the romantic one.

Pax

Shame.

My mouth lifts again before I can stop it, and my phone buzzes with another message.

Pax

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