Page 13 of One of Them Girls

“Why do you want to know? You planning on stalking me? I mean, I know I’m hot shit, but that doesn’t warrant light stalking.”

“Ha. You wish. I’m just wondering where in the great state of Texas there are any mountains. I’ve only seen desert and city since I’ve been here.”

“Of course you have. You haven’t ventured off the beaten path. How about this? No stalking required. I officially invite you to go hiking with me tomorrow.”

“Sure. I’m down.”

“You realize I’m leaving at five in the morning.”

“I’m a morning person. It’s no problem.”

She chuckles. “Don’t you go out buying new hiking boots and shit tonight. You’ll regret it tomorrow. Wear something comfortable. It gets hot quick. I’ll make sure I have everything you need. What size shoe do you wear?”

“Whoa there. I don’t reveal that until the second date,” I tease.

“You’re so stupid. I might have a pair of broken-in boots for you. What size?”

“Twelve and a half. Where are you getting these boots?”

“Don’t you worry about that. It might be a tight squeeze, but I think I have a pair I can borrow.”

“That’s a little weird, but thanks, I guess?”

“You’ll be thanking me tomorrow. Five a.m. sharp, Xavier. Don’t be late. Meet me here and we can take my car.”

“I can drive.”

She chuckles again. “Trust me. You want me to drive. See you in the morning.”

“Later.”

I toss my phone on my desk and can’t help but smile.

Looks like I’m going hiking.

* * *

“Wow, color me impressed.”Cassie stands next to her car as I get out of mine.

“What?” I ask.

“You’re here five minutes early. Going for extra points?”

“I honestly was about twenty minutes early, but didn’t want to wake you or your roommate in case you were still in bed.”

She narrows her eyes. “Do you think I’m not a morning person?”

I laugh. “I think mornings are not a close friend of yours.”

She glares, but it turns into a small smile. “We haven’t always been on the best of terms. You really like mornings?”

I shrug. “It’s not about liking it. I’m just used to it.”

“I don’t think I could ever get used to waking up this early, but every once in a while I can do it. Let’s get going before it gets too light.”

“Where are we going, anyway?”

“You’ll see.”

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