Page 17 of Calling the Shots

Mack: I didn’t say that

Gracelyn: Are you busy right now?

Mack: This is where I should probably say yes

Gracelyn: So you’re not…

Mack: Watching ESPN. I’m not not busy

Gracelyn: ESPN 1, 2, or 3?

Mack: Actually 4

I laugh, then take the risk, fluffing my hair and snapping a selfie. I try my best to look devastated, making an exaggerated sad, pouty face, and sending the photo to Mack.

Gracelyn: Come over

I stare at my screen, watch the bubbles swirl, then disappear. My gut churns, heart hammering as I wait for a response.

He leaves me hanging for a long minute, then finally I get an answer.

Mack: That’s a bad idea

Disappointment washes over me, a frigid tidal wave dashing my hopes. I shouldn’t keep pushing. He’s not into me, despite his show last night and this morning. I should leave him alone and move the fuck on.

I toss my cell onto the ground and hit play, resumingThe Bachelor.But after another ten minutes of the show, I have no idea what’s happening, nor do I care. I’m not really into it anymore, my mind fixating on the rejection.

Mack’s right.The two of us don’t make sense. Sure, he’d be a fun distraction, but the relationship wouldn’t go anywhere. Best to stop here, before anyone gets hurt.

Knock, knock.

I jerk my head up and stare at the door. Am I losing my mind? I’m so delulu now that I’m hearing things?

Knock, knock, knock.

Harder, more insistent raps vibrate the door. Nope, not losing it. Someone’s definitely at the door. I pause the TV again and tiptoe warily across the room, peering out.

My heart skips a beat as I stare through the tiny peephole. Straight into jade green eyes, fringed with dark lashes that make me jealous.

Mack.

With a quick inhale, I ease the door open a crack. “You really are into bad ideas, aren’t you?”

CHAPTER6

MACK

I’ve lost my damn mind.

All I’ve thought about for the last day is Gracelyn. Her luscious curves, the quick wit flying out of her smart mouth, the way she wrapped her arms around me and held on. Like I grounded her.

This is insane.

I shouldn’t be here.

But every inch of me wants to be.

I lean against the doorframe, one arm outstretched, acting way more casual than I feel.

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