Page 65 of Right Number, Wrong Man
I sigh and slump on the bar stool, the backrest digging uncomfortably into my spine. “How do you put sixteen years of arguing behind you?”
“I guess the first step is tostoparguing.”
“That sounds too easy. Can it really be that simple?”
“You’re overthinking this, Hails. And if I'mdouble honest, I never understood why you don’t get along with Colt.”
I click my tongue. “Because he started it! When wewere teens, he hated me at first sight and always ignored me. Then he traumatized me for life with the spiders—at least, Ithoughthe did.” I roll my eyes. “But the ignoring part is real. He can’t get out of that one!”
“Because he ignored you doesn’t mean he hated you. Some people are just shy or—” she laughs, cutting herself off. “Some people are just shy.”
“Or what?” I squint at her. “What were you about to say?”
“I forgot.” Her lips purse and she bats her lashes innocently. “Point is, I always thought that you and Colt have no reason to bite each other’s heads off.”
“But isn’t it weird to act like nothing happened?—”
“Excuse me,” a mellow, deep voice interrupts and I whirl around on my chair.
24
HAILEY
I stareinto the face of glasses guy about five inches away from mine.
My heart jumps into my throat as I inhale the scent of sharp soap streaming from him. He’s not particularly imposing and with his perfectly ironed shirt tucked into beige slacks he reminds me of an insurance rep, but that smile still gives me the creeps. And the man clearly has no concept of personal space.
“Can I help you?” I ask, leaning away.
He glances at the book in his hands. From between the tattered, yellow pages, he takes a folded paper napkin, offering it to me.
“I don’t mean to interrupt your conversation. Your eyes are so mesmerizing, I just couldn’t leave without giving you this,” he mumbles.
Confused, I take the napkin. “Thanks?”
The man exhales deeply. “Sorry. Again.” He lets out a nervous laugh. “I uh… I’ll be on my way.” As he walks to the exit, he glances at me over his shoulder one more time before he leaves.
“That was a great example of a shy guy. Not every socially awkward male is a psycho,” Andrea says. “What’s on the paper?”
Like snapping out of a trance, I unfold the napkin with my best friend stealing glances.
“His name is Justin and he gave you his number?” she squeals. “You still got it! This is the first time we’ve gone out since you’re single and you’re already pulling a hottie!”
I make an indifferent noise and stuff the napkin into my bag that’s hanging over the backrest. Doesn’t Andrea get unsettling vibes from the guy? But I guess if she did, she wouldn’t be so enthusiastic. It must be my imagination.
My phone lights up on the bar top and Andrea’s head cocks as she looks at the message preview. Oh shit, it’s Jax! My face bursts into flames and I snatch up the device, clutching it to my chest.
“I’ve been thinking about my naughty brat’s tight pussy all day…” Andrea quotes the text. “Isthatthe reason you’re not interested in nerdy Justin with the glasses? Spill it, Hails. Who is Jax?”
I toss my hair over my shoulder and hide the phone in my bag. “A friend…”
“A friend withbenefits?” She nudges her elbow into my ribs. “Good for you, girl!”
I laugh. “He’s pretty fun.”
“Tell me more! Where did you meet?”
I avert my eyes to my hands, fiddling with my fingers. “We haven’t met.”
