Page 20 of Scarlett and the Big Bad Billionaire
“I haven’t found the right girl yet.”
That was my pat answer. The truth was, I wasn’t sure therewasa right girl for me. I dated women, but no one really held my interest. I had more fun with Victoria than with any of them.
Besides, my work and travel with Viridian kept me busy, and there was also the consideration of how much time my secret side gig took up.
It would be hard to explain to a girlfriend or wife why I’d often stay out all night long or disappear for days at a time.
“Besides, I’m not ready,” I told Victoria. “I wouldn’t be good for anybody right now.”
“Pish tosh. You’d make an amazing husband and father, but if you want me to be able to dance at your wedding, you’d better get cracking on it,” she said and winked at me.
I laughed out loud. I really was crazy about this woman, and I’d be damned if I’d letanyonehurt her… not even her own flesh and blood.
CHAPTERSIX
BIG GIRL PANTIES
Scarlett
“My mom said she had a really good time,” Kevin said, shifting from foot to foot. “Thanks for being so nice to her.”
“Oh, no problem.” I backed toward the door of my apartment. “I hope you… two… have a good night.”
My blind date took a half-step forward, collapsing the distance I’d (purposely) put between us. “I know she said she was sorry she couldn’t walk you to the door with me, you know, because of the stairs—but I’m glad because if she was here, I couldn’t do…this.”
My date—mythirty-year-olddate from a soon-to-be-deleted dating app—made an awkward lunge toward my mouth. I swerved to avoid the collision.
“Kevin… I really appreciate you inviting me out tonight and sharing all your top strategies for Clash of Clans… but I don’t think we’re a good fit.”
“Mom doesn’t come onallmy dates with me,” he assured me. “Just the first five or six. To make sure the girl is, you know, quality.”
“I understand. And it’s nice that your mom cares so much, but I think three people on a date might be one too many for me. Good night.”
I started to open the door to my apartment.
“Wait. What if it was just the two of us next time?” he said. “Could you give me just one more chance? I like you. Mom will be mad, but I think if it was just the two of us, we could have fun. You know?”
His face was so hopeful. And hehadexpanded my mind when it came to gaming apps. Also, I hadn’t had any first dates in the past year that were measurably better than this one.
Unfortunately.
“I don’t see why not.” I sighed. “Let me check my schedule, and I’ll get back to you.”
I stepped inside, shut and locked the door, and heaved a long breath before walking into the living room.
My roommate Julianna was sitting on the couch with her feet on the ottoman, watching TV and stroking her cat, Hemsworth.
She swung her face in my direction and threw me akill me nowlook.
“What?”
“Youknowwhat,” she said. “‘I don’t see why not?’ I’m surprised you got the words out past the yawn. Why don’t you just tell the poor guy you’re not interested and let him move on?”
I bristled. “I’m interested in Kevin.” At her raised brow smirk, I corrected myself. “Sort of. I mean, I’m notnotinterested. He’s very polite. He knows alotabout Clash of Clans. And he has a very… supportive… family.”
“Why do you waste your time on go-nowhere dates with guys like Kevin, or what is that little guy’s name who looks like he’s still a college sophomore?”
“Henry. He doesn’t lookthatyoung.”
