Page 36 of Clean Out of Luck

It’s frustrating that it sends my thoughts back to Wade. The man I can’t seem to get out of my head.

Chapter Twelve

Scarlett

WADE

Can I stop by and bring you something?

SCARLETT

I’m already on my way out on a date.

WADE

Are you?

WADE

Because I’m waiting outside the main door, and I see your bike right here.

He sendsa picture of my bike still chained up at the front of The Serendipity.

He’s got me there, the little stalker.

I sigh and trudge up the stairs from my apartment, down the hall, and through the front lobby. I find him standing at the front door, talking with Galentine, the lady who used to own this building. She might’ve sold this place, but she’s still in love with it. She always talks about the magic of TheSerendipity. She’s almost got me believing this building is magic. It’s really brightened my life to be here, so maybe it is a little magical.

I unlock the front door and open it.

Wade looks at me with a smirk on his face.

“You don’t have to give me that look,” I tell him. “Just because I’m trying to enjoy getting ready uninterrupted.”

Galentine looks back and forth between the two of us.

“Is this nice young man here to take you on a date?”

I open my mouth to refute this question, but Wade jumps in.

“Why, yes, I am,” he says. “I’m here to drive her to the date. She’s never ready when she says she will be.”

Galentine laughs at that. “It’s because she’s a smart woman. Everyone knows women like to keep you men on your toes. Why, it’s the only reason we do it! One of these days, she’ll be on time, and you’ll have the shock of your life.”

“You’re about to have the shock of something,” I mutter quietly for Wade’s ears only.

He just grins at me. “Come on,sweetie. We’d better go get your purse.”

He raises his eyebrows at me, and I have an urge to pinch him. Maybe run over his toes with my scooter. Instead, I give Galentine a tight smile and motion for Wade to follow me inside. She continues on her way down the stairs toward the road, and Wade closes the main door after him.

“You can’t just tell that woman you’re here to pick me up for a date! She knows people! Pretty soon, the whole building is going to think we’re dating. Not to mention, you’re here all the time. They probably already think we’re dating.”

“I didn’t realize I embarrassed you so much. Next time I come see you, I’ll wear a ski mask,” he teases.

I lead the way past the front desk and down the hallway,past the five apartments on this side, and to the narrow staircase that leads down to the basement. Once we reach my apartment, I open the door and walk in to grab my purse.

“I’m not joking, Wade. I have somewhere to be.”

“And I’m not joking that I’d like to drive you.”

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