Page 16 of Can We Skip to the Good Part?
Max raised a brow. “Mhmm. All about those.”
“Ranching.”
“Riveting.”
Ella offered a sideways smile that Max liked very much. “Even got a little oil and gas to toss in.”
“See?” She leaned in close. “Now, how can I resist drilling stories?”
“I had no idea you had such strong feelings on the topic. I guess you’ve found the right girl to get drinks with then,” Ella said, holding her ground.
“My lucky night.”
“It’s also acoldnight. Walk back with me?”
“What? Before we get into even more trouble?”
“Yes, Counselor.” Ella didn’t wait. But for just a minute, Max took a moment to watch after her and revel. Tonight had come out of nowhere, but she was feeling lighter than she had in months. She’d needed this little bit of fun. This release. And that kiss? She hadn’t even begun to process how good it had been, like a fire had finally been lit. It felt so ridiculously gratifying after so long of feeling so … numb. And if they kissed that expertly, with chemistry zipping between them so palpably, what would they be like in bed? Max couldn’t even go there right now, because torture was not on her list of favorite things. Plus, she savored the unravel so very much, and the club would serve as a nice way for them to get to know each other over time. They had a standing date every Tuesday already penciled in.
FOUR
Exes and Ohs
Friday had been a whole lot of nothing for an unemployed woman in a new town. Ella’d spent the afternoon cleaning the house, because it was the least she could do for Rachel, who allowed her to stay rent-free until she found a job or took on enough freelance work to contribute. She was working on that last part. However, the day had taken a sweet turn with a buzz from her phone. Ella had grinned at the screen moments after Em's text arrived. She’d dropped the vacuum straight onto the floor, abandoned in favor of her scorching new love life. At first, she just took a moment to celebrate the text before even reading the words, because had she dreamily relived that unexpected kiss over and over like her own private greatest hits station? Why, yes. Yes, she damn well had.
Fine. Time to read the words.
Just making sure you hadn’t forgotten about me. Also wanted to say hi.
Oh, and those were excellent words, too.
Who is this?
Ella bit her lip, grinning.
Surely not the kissing bandit of the Read It and Weep BC.
She’d hit send and then second-guessed her whole approach like an eighth grader. Had it been too much? Why was she suddenly so sure of herself in the flirtatious arena?But she’d noticed something on Tuesday. She was a different version of herself with Em, and she liked it. She’d felt the change as soon as the two of them began to interact. This woman had mysteriously reached in and snatched out this whole other confident Ella. Call it part of her new life, but she enjoyed the more foot-forward Ella.
You’re onto me. Very astute.
Ella relaxed and quit thinking.
I’ve been called worse.
What are you wearing? (Kidding)
Since when do you kid?
After ten minutes of good old-fashioned flirting, they made a plan. Em had taken the lead.
So, I’m getting together with friends at this little bar on Eighth and Highline tonight at 7. Join us? I’ll buy you any drink you want.
She glanced at the clock on the microwave across the room. That was soon, which meant very little time to prepare, to pep talk herself in the mirror like the true underdog champion she longed to be. Suddenly, she was her old self again. Nerves swarmed. She had an idea.
Can I bring a friend?
The more the merrier.
