Page 23 of Perfectly Grumpy

james_doglover

He’s a good player. Doesn’t deserve all the hate. Know him through the animal shelter. He’s the real deal.

He tags Tate in the comments. My stomach plummets. Tatedoesn’t even have any public social media accounts. His personal profile is locked, and he’s resisted every attempt I’ve made to get him to create a public account.

I can already picture him deciding to “clear things up” by correcting everyone in this thread. Except he wouldn’t just correct them, he’d launch into a speech about “spreading misinformation and lies” which wouldn’t be helpful for his reputation.

I shoot off a text to Tate, even though it’s late. He should hear it from me first.

Me

Someone took pictures of us at the coffee shop and on the bike. Don’t worry, it’ll blow over. Probably. If it doesn’t, for the love, please don’t add fuel to the fire.

Tate

Decided to sneak a few pictures by me, didn’t you? Couldn’t wait to show off my natural charm in public.

I laugh. At least he’s not freaking out about this.

Me

It’s from a handle called @crushers_unofficial. I’m trying to find out who owns it before they catch Rourke doing…well, anything.

Tate

So, Rourke being Rourke?

Me

Exactly.

Tate

At least they caught my good side.

Me

Do you even have a bad side?

Tate

Depends on who you ask. But clearly, you make me look better.

I glance back at the picture. Even not smiling at the coffee shop, Tate looks handsome. But with those dimples? Even more so.

Tate

You know who else makes me look better? This girl…

For a second, I brace myself, convinced he’s sending me a picture of some gorgeous mystery woman, but when the photo loads, my heart does a cartwheel.

It’s Tate. Holding a golden retriever puppy.

If I had a photo like this for the PR campaign, I wouldn’t even need a caption. It tells the perfect story. No spin required.

I’m still grinning at my screen like an idiot when my sister sends a message.

Olivia

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