Page 268 of Forbidden Billionaires: Vol. 9
“Right…binge watching Project Runway. You need to talk to him.”
“And say what exactly? That I’m madly in love with him?”
“Are you madly in love with him?”
My sneakers made a squishing sound in the wet sand. It was like the beach was trying to make me admit the truth. “I don’t know. Maybe. But it doesn’t really matter.”
“Of course it matters.”
“I’m not going to set myself up to be hurt again.” I tried to focus on my stride.
“That’s kind of what taking a chance at love is. Putting yourself out there even though it might end up with you getting hurt.”
I sighed and my pace seemed to slow. “And that’s why I’m just going to avoid love completely.” If I couldn’t have J.J., there wasn’t anyone else I wanted anyway. There was an impenetrable iron wall around my heart now. Period.
“And what about your date tonight?”
“It’s not a date.” At least, it wasn’t to me. Maybe it was to Reggie. I never should have agreed to go with him. What had I been thinking?
“Are you sure about that? It kinda seemed like he asked you out.”
“I’m sure.” I wasn’t, but I had just gotten an amazing idea. A wonderful, terrible, perfect idea. “And you should come. It’ll be more fun if you’re there.”
“I was going to call in for another shift…”
“Come on. It’ll be fun.”
“Being a third wheel is never fun. But…I do kind of want to go. I just didn’t have anyone to go with.”
I suddenly felt really guilty. I should have turned Reggie down days ago and just asked Kristen to go with me. What had I been thinking? I wasn’t the only one in a love pickle. The lifeguard she had been dating turned out to be an asshole too. With a girlfriend no less. And here I was, trying to throw a pity party for one when it could easily be two. “Then come with us! Pretty please?”
She laughed. “You’re sure it’s okay? Reggie won’t be weirded out?”
“Of course! I mean, of course he won’t be weirded out and of course it’s okay.” It would at least help me avoid an awkward conversation with Reggie. I couldn’t go on a real date with him. All I did was think about J.J. It wouldn’t be fair. Besides, it would be more fun if Kristen came. Maybe she and Reggie would hit it off. In a strange way, I was actually doing them both a favor. I had sworn off love, but Kristen hadn’t. This was going to be perfect.
“Is J.J. going to be there?”
My pace was starting to slow as a cramp spread along my left abdomen. I wasn’t sure if it was caused by running or thinking about my lifeguard. I missed him. And I hated how much I missed him. But I had no way of talking to him. I couldn't just show up at his apartment. I didn't want to walk in on him with the blonde girl. Or some other girl. I couldn't take that again.
“Earth to Mila.”
“What? Oh…I’m not sure. We never talked about it.”
“Well, fingers crossed he is. Although I love this new energetic version of you, the last time I saw you really smile was after one of your many hang out sessions with him.”
“That’s not true. See?” I plastered a huge smile on my face.
She laughed. “Stop. That’s a terrible grimace.”
“It is not.” I took a huge gulp of air. “Fine, it is, but it’s only because I have a cramp the size of Mount Helena.”
“Fine, let’s head back. We need the rest of the day to get ready.” She started running backward, which she swore worked out different muscles.
I didn’t need to work out different muscles. The ones I was focusing on were sore enough. “It’s 8 a.m. at the latest right now. And the party doesn’t start until five.”
“Exactly, we gotta hurry. Race you!” She turned around and started sprinting.
“But it’s a beach party! We’re supposed to dress casually!”
