Page 14 of Mr. Charming

He leans forward, caging me between the door and his body. I hear him inhale, smelling me, and goose bumps travel up my arms.

“We just need to be professional and keep our distance,” I mumble, too affected by his chest along my back.

Goddamn it, Tedi, move!

“That’s the problem, though. You’re the one thing that ruins my self-control. You’re the one person I can never stay away from.” He slides my hand off the doorknob.

“You’ve done it for three years, you can do it for the rest of the season. Goodbye, Tweetie.” I open the door and bolt.

Four sets of eyes turn in my direction before looking over my shoulder at Tweetie.

“Boys,” I say. “Thank you, Ruby.” I nod, walking across the bar to the door, trying to keep my steps even so it doesn’t appear as though I’m rushing.

As soon as I’m outside, I keep walking until I turn a corner, then I press my back to the brick wall, close my eyes, and inhale deeply. I pull my phone out of my purse, dialing Saige.

She answers on the first ring. “How did it go?”

“Not good. I need to figure out a plan and fast.”

“I knew it was going to be hard on you, but I was thinking, how can we make sure he knows you’re off-limits?”

I laugh, look to my left, and start walking as far as I can away from him. “I am off-limits.”

She scoffs.

“What was that for?”

“You know when Tweetie is involved, you lose all your willpower. It’s okay. I’d be the same with Aiden.”

“He’s your husband,” I say.

“I meant if we had your type of relationship.”

“Okay, I’m going to hang up now. I feel very insulted.”

“Come on. You know I’m right. Anyway, you need a man in your life.” I hear a child screaming in the background.

“Thanks. You make me feel so good, bestie.”

“That’s not what I meant. Hold on.” The receiver is muffled, but I still hear her arguing with her two girls about something. “Okay, I’m back. I mean, you need to find a boyfriend and make it seem serious.”

Her idea isn’t horrible, but where am I going to find a guy? I can’t pick up some random on the street.

There’s another scream. “Sorry, I have to go, but think about it. Plus, maybe it will help you finally get over Tweetie.”

I want to tell her that based on the reaction he just got from me, I’m probably going to want him on my deathbed. “All right. Go.”

“I’ll call you later.” Another muffled sound. “Girls!” she screams. “You got this. If there’s anyone who can do this, it’s you.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence. Now go handle your shit.”

She laughs. “Bye. Love you.”

“Love you.”

I end the call and people-watch for a minute, wondering if all of these people have their lives figured out. No way I’m the only screw-up.

Eight

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