Page 6 of The Dallas Dilemma

I think you meant excitement, humor, and great sex.

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DFW@BodaciousBuckaroo211

Again,those things don’t equate to true love.

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JoeyB@JoeVSVolcano

Then tell me, oh wise one, what does?

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I don’t havea ready answer for that. I talk a big game when it comes to romance movies, but what do I actually know about true love? Hell, I thought I loved my ex, but I realize now I was in love with the idea of being in love. I was ready to be settled, therefore, I was ready to settle. For her. For a mediocre life with an obviously shallow woman.

At least, now, I know what Idon’twant. I don’t want anything less than the real thing. I don’t expect to feel that heart-pounding, soul-searing jolt of electricity portrayed in the movies, but at the very least, I want a woman who’ll be my best friend. Someone I can laugh with. Someone I can love with my whole heart, who’ll love me back with the same intensity.

Another reply pops up, pulling me out of my thoughts.

JoeyB@JoeVSVolcano

Nothing? That’s what I thought.

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Yeah.I’ve got nothing. I’m certainly not going to put all my deepest desires out there for public consumption. This round goes to JoeyB, and I’m fine with that.

There’s always next time.

CHAPTER THREE

Joey

I haven’t seenmy new neighbor again since that awkward introduction on Monday, but I haven’t stopped thinking about him and the way I shook his hand through the cracked door like some kind of freak. I’m not sure if I’m disappointed or relieved that we haven’t run into each other since then. He seemed nice and was definitely nice to look at, but there’s no telling what I’ll do to embarrass myself the next time we meet.

Shaking my head, I finish dressing in the one-piece, footed pajamas my sister’s best friend insisted we all wear tonight. It’s Friday, and even though my big sis, Callie, is in a relationship with her coworker, Royal, now, she still insists on having our girls’ night just like before. I’m honestly relieved, because these hangouts with Callie,her best friend, Raven, andmybest friend, Twila, are pretty much the extent of my social life. If Callie stopped planning these things, I’d be even more of a hermit than I am now.

I look at myself in the mirror and frown. I look ridiculous. Raven ordered these matching pajamas for the four of us, insisting the theme would be fun. It’s easy for her to say. She lives two doors down from Callie, and there’s very little chance anyone will see her besides us. Twila and I have to drive across town in these getups. But Raven usually gets what she wants, so here I am, ready to venture out in public wearing a pink onesie with glittery unicorns all over it.

I braid my hair into two long plaits on either side of my head, tying them off with pink ribbons. If I’m doing this, I might as well go all-in. When I finish, I slide my feet into a pair of athletic sandals, grab my phone and keys, and head for the door.

Pulling it open and stepping out into the hall, I freeze when the door in front of me opens and Dallas steps out. He goes still when he spots me, his lips curving into a wide smile that shows off his straight, white teeth while his eyes travel down the length of me and back up again.

“Josette,” he says by way of a greeting, humor making his voice crack.

I don’t correct him, telling him to call me “Joey” like everyone else does. I love the way my full name sounds from his lips. Ignoring the heat in my face at his obvious delight at my attire, I nod at him.

“Dallas.”

He cocks his head to one side, his grin still firmly in place. “Where are you off to tonight? A sleepover or a costume party?”

His humor is infectious, and as cliché as it sounds, I know he’s laughingwithme, notatme. I know I look ridiculous.

“Girls’ night,” I say, feeling more relaxed with him than I’d thought possible. “My friend insisted we wear these, and when it comes to Raven, resistance is futile.”

He laughs, the timbre deep and rich. A shiver runs through me at the sound, and I clear my throat. Dallas nods and turns to lock his door, and I realize my own door is still standing wide open. Turning, I pull it closed and lock it. When I turn back, Dallas’ body is angled toward the elevators, but he’s not moving, obviously waiting for me to fall in beside him. I start to walk, and he matches my shorter stride, his long legs taking the tiniest of steps so he won’t outpace me.

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