Page 21 of Some Like It Hops

Charlie

I instantly regret telling Griffin I’m looking forward to seeing him. That makes it sound date-like, and this is not a date.

It’s not.

I start to type a retraction, then laugh at myself and set the phone down. “A little self-control, Charlie.”

I’m used to cheeseburgers and movie dates, meet-ups at bars and breweries… what’s a guy like Griffin plan when he takes someone on a date?

Or, you know, anot-date.

God, I really need Josie’s help getting ready, but I haven’t told her about my plans with Griffin.

Yes, yes, this probably means I know I shouldn’t be going out with him, but I can’t bring myself to cancel. He’s arrogant as hell, a complete sexist—or just really good at playing that role—money-obsessed, and… I can’t forget the way it felt to be close to him. The way he smelled, the way he looked at me, the way his voice creates a reaction clear down in my belly.

Maybe it’s selfish, but I want to feel that way again.

I bite my lip, then stand in front of my closet, peering in. Bleak. That’s what this is. Bleak. I have jeans, jeans, and more jeans. Flannels, t-shirts…

With a sigh, I push the flannels aside and drag the dresses into the center of the rack. I have a total of two, and neither of them are very spectacular.

Damn. I really need Jo.

I walk back out to the kitchen and grab my phone, disappointment curling in my belly when I see he still hasn’t responded. It’s okay. Busy guy. No biggie. I pull up my text thread with my best friend and send a quick message to tell her what I’ve done. Time to face the music.

Then, hopefully, she’ll bring me some clothes fit for a date with a beautiful bastard.

A couple seconds later, my phone buzzes in my hand and Josie’s face fills the screen. I accept the call and she’s speaking before I can even say hello.

“You’ve got to be kidding me. Tell me you’re kidding.”

“I can’t.” I cringe.

“I can’t believe you didn’t even tell me! I’ve seen you three times since Tuesday!”

If she’s this fired up about learning I have plans with Griffin tonight, I’m going to keep our little brewery date a secret. To be safe. I close my eyes and rub my hand over my face. “I know,” I mumble. “But I knew you’d—”

“What? You knew I’d tell you this is crazy?”

I laugh through my nose. “Yeah.”

“Because it is, Charlotte.” A few long moments of silence drag on between us, then she says, “Well, what are you going to wear?”

I grin. “I was hoping you’d help me with that?”

She sighs loudly for drama, then says, “Fine. I’ll be there in twenty. Go shower.”

“Thank you, Jo—”

“Don’t thank me yet. I’m going to try to talk you out of this.” She ends the call and I smile at the phone, then rush to shower before she gets here.

She can try all she wants, but I’m doing this.

If all goes well, I might even dohim.

I’m barely out of the shower when Josie uses her key to enter my apartment. She races into my bedroom with a large duffle bag in one hand, her purse and a garment bag in the other.

“All right,” she says, laying everything down on my bed. “It occurred to me on my way over here that I’ve never been able to talk you into—orout of—anything. Do I stand a chance at talking you out of this date?”

---