Page 20 of Forecasting the Forward

“You were twenty years old, you got drunk on a beach, and got to see some boobs. You had the best date out of the three of us,” Becca points out.

“You’re right,” I sigh. “She did have a nice rack.”

I’m honestly surprised when Becca throws her head back in a loud shout of laughter, and the sound is like music to my soul. Holy hell does she have an incredible laugh. It’s then that I notice we’ve arrived at her apartment building, and I’m disappointed the evening has to end.

“I was worried tonight would end horribly, but it didn’t at all,” Becca says shyly. “Thank you, Jacob. I had a really great time.”

“I did too,” I answer honestly. “It’s been a long time since I had such a fun night. What would you say to having a meal again sometime soon? As friends, of course.”

Becca stares thoughtfully at me. “A few hours ago, I would have told you no. But now, I think I’d like that. You’re not at all who I thought you’d be.”

“Likewise. What’s your number?” I ask. When she rattles it off, I immediately send her a text. “There. Now you have mine. If you ever want an early morning bodyguard, you let me know. I’m excellent at before dawn small talk.”

“Wait! That coffee. Was that Danica? Did she give you my favorite order?” Becca asks.

“No. Maybe? I’m not sure. Levi told me he knew someone at the station, but didn’t say who. He’s the kind of guy who has contacts everywhere, so it may have been someone else. I promise I’ve never met Danica.”

Becca waves her hand in the air. “I don’t care about that. I can’t find fault in something that would have happened before we really met. It just bugged me how you figured that out.”

“It bugged you?” I inquire.

“I’m a pretty private person. I don’t like that someone is out there possibly gossiping about me.”

“Is it considered gossip if it’s just a coffee order? I mean, clearly getting your address was a huge red flag, but I never thought the coffee order would be crossing a line too.”

She shrugs, a wave of hair falling in front of her shoulder. Her green eyes appear guarded. Reserved. We’ve spent the entire evening having a good time, but the moment we begin talking about her, she throws walls up. Not that I blame her. I’m in the public eye, but I think Becca has it worse.

“I have no idea if other things were discussed. What other information did you ask for? Did the person supply anything without you asking?”

“Do you want me to ask Levi? I’m betting it’s one of the sportscasters. Levi’s an odd bird, though. He might know the owner of the whole damn station.”

“I don’t even know the owner. I’ve only seen him twice,” Becca says, irritation evident in her tone. I whip out my phone and text Levi quickly.

Me

Who did you ask at Becca’s station for info on her?

Levi

Rick Marshall

Me

You still with your girl?

Levi

Definitely not my girl after tonight. And as soon as you walked away, she miraculously could walk. Tell YOUR girl to be careful. I don’t trust Danica at all.

Me

I’ll let her know.

“He spoke to the evening sports guy. Rick Marshall.”

“Oh,” Becca whispers. “I rarely see Rick. I don’t know how he’d know my coffee order. Did you ask anything else?”

“I asked for your favorite flower, and if you liked hockey,” I admit.

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