Page 15 of Falling for the Quarterback
Fuck that, and fuck him.
“Which are?”
“That they make me happier than I can make myself. And just so we’re clear, I’m pretty damn happy alone in my own world being selfish.”
“I’m proud of you, and you have a heck of a good reason for feeling that type of way. I was all for you bouncing on a few rebounds after a long relationship, but you seem to have it figured out. I think you’re doing the right thing. I’m glad you had a good date. Do you want to see him again?”
“The best date, and you know what?”
“What?”
“It was only pizza and sweet tea. The entire evening was chill with no expectations. We got to know each other better, there was some flirting which I haven’t done in forever, and a great kiss to end the evening.”
“You deserve happiness after everything you’ve been through.”
“Thank you, I appreciate you saying that. We’ll see how it goes. JJ swears we need to have two dates next week, and it’s going to become our thing.”
“Two dates a week?”
“Yep.”
“Wait, JJ…What did you say his last name was?”
I shrug, then realize she can’t see me. “I didn’t. I don’t think he’s told me his last name yet.”
“Hmm, you should find out and let me know.”
“You gonna Facebook stalk him?”
She laughs. “Maybe a little digging would be good. I’m surprised you haven’t already done a deep dive and know all about this dude and everyone he comes in contact with.”
“The weird thing is, I haven’t even thought about it. You know I’ll go down the rabbit hole for anyone I find interesting to see what I can find on them, but something about him just hasn’t given me the itch to do it.”
“So then he’s given you the impression he’s genuine and trustworthy. You already trust him, and he’s new; that could be a good thing.”
Irelease a sigh, admitting, “Damn. I guess he has left those feelings behind. I’m so fucked.” I mutter, making her laugh again.
“Maybe, maybe not. Just promise me you’ll try to keep your eyes open if he’s already left this big of an imprint on you, okay?”
“I promise.”
“Okay, I miss you.”
“I miss you too, love you.”
“Love you too.” We hang up, and I immediately look through my calendar, counting the months until I’ll get to see her again. I miss my best friend. I hate it that I only get to see her when we have a book signing or something of the sort to bring us together, but we’re both working our asses off with goals in mind.
I let my pups out, check on the garden for the third time today, and eventually make my way back inside. I write a little in my current book and decide to start a new story as well. This one takes place in a small town, and the heroine, a divorced forty-something, runs into a mountain man who sweeps her off her feet. It’s snowy out, so he shovels her driveway one day, and another day, he gets her tires changed, then delivers her car back before she ever realizes it was gone.
I sigh. Because if only they made men like this in real life. I suppose that’s why I have to write them. That sort of caring, princess treatment is next level, and men have no idea how good they could have it if they spoiled us a little.
I end the night on a high note, take a shower to get the bucket of makeup off, and then hit the hay, crawling into my king-sized bed with my Dobies. I’m exhausted and have insomnia all in the same breath, so I don’t end up passing out until three a.m., after I’d read half of a new vampire biker book I stumbled across. Reaper’s Revenge, by Sapphire Knight. It was different with a spin on the whole vampire world.
I’m bleary-eyed as I peel myself out of bed the next day. I use the restroom, half asleep and taking my time, before I grab a Dr. Pepper and a hat to let the dogs out. It’s going to be bright and hot outside, so I won’t take my chances with being blinded this early as well. I open the door so they can run out and handle their business, and manage to snag my phone from the counter where I had it charging, along with a pair of sunglasses.
I plop down in my chair on my makeshift patio, ready to scroll through my notifications, when I notice I have two missed texts.
Mountain Man Hottie:I had a great time on our date. Thank you for letting me take you out. I hope you sleep good tonight.
